Rust removal repair advice

Hi All,

Hope everyone is doing well and dealing with the lockdown in a positive way. I have started to do little jobs on my jimny and have now come across something a bit bigger (or maybe even much much bigger).

I have a rust spot on the left hand side of the rear window (photos attached) and was wondering/hoping someone could shed some light on how I can go about repairing that. Just to clarify I have never done any work like this before.

Thanks in advance
F

Hello and welcome along.
Your rust spot is not that bad, and the first thing you need to do is obtain some correct colour paint and primer.
I would suggest you go to a local automotive paint supplier and ask them to supply the paint, they will instruct you on the best way to apply the product they supply.

You need to decide if you want an invisible repair, in which case you need the paint mixed as an aerosol, or you are happy with a touch up to prevent further corrosion, in which case ask for a touch up pot.

You can watch plenty of video's on YouTube on how to apply paint in order to achieve an invisible repair. You will see that it requires a lot of preparation and may require you to spray to a break line or panel edge, simply as you can never match the paint colour 100%.
All require you to first remove all the rust by sanding and the application of a rust converter or remover. In your case to treat the rust correctly it may require removal of the back window to give access to all the rusty metal below the seal, but if no rust below you can leave the window in place.

It's quite involved which is why it is better to watch a video and decide if the work involved is something you want to do.
Simple guide
www.wikihow.com/Repair-Minor-Rust-on-a-Car
One of many videos


A simpler approach is to remove the rust and touch up the area with a paint brush (touch up pot). It will stop the rust and look ok from a distance, but as you get closer it will be a visable repair.

An alternative is to get a company the practice home repairs to quote you (Chips away etc) as you will spend a bit in paint products just to get yourself set up ready to go.

Painting is all about the preparation. Hope this does not put you off having a go, but it is quite involved to produce an invisible repair, so it's down to your expectations. So what would you be happy with, almost invisible spray finish or simple touch up (brush) to prevent further rust?
Have fun
Mike

@scimike thanks for the very detailed reply much appreciated.

Any tips on the window side? As in does it need to be removed first? It any things to look out for?

Thanks

In your original photo it looks like the rust is under part of the window seal, however if you can push the seal rubber out of the way (as shown in the video) you could leave the window in place. It's down to how bad the rust is under the seal, but I believe the rear window is not bonded in place and can be removed if required.
Tips
If you go down the spraying route it helps if you have access to a garage in which to do the work, or at least find a wind free location and wait for a warm dry day.
Avoid supermarket spray products ( ie Halfords etc), go to a professional automotive paint supplier and get them to supply the paint. Their products tend to dry quickly meaning you can complete the job in a day rather than waiting for paint to dry.
If spraying, and it's required by the supplied paint product, you do need a minimum of 3 coats of clear coat, and once finished leave it for at least 5 days before the final polish.
Get a face mask (may be difficult at the moment) as the dust and paint is not good for you.
Have a practice first, but many light coats is better than one thick coat.

The rear glass is pretty easy to remove & refit with a soft-ish plastic pry-bar or similar and some care over the job, its just a rubber seal, no glue/bonding stuff to worry about

Dont forget to unplug the demist wires first though...

Window tip
If you do take the rear window out get someone to help you hold it, for both removal and install.
Lubrication helps when you put it back in, soap or car shampoo is good for this.
Video again shows how to get it back in