Rear Fender Rust Repair

FishinFreaks · #1 10-02-2019, 06:03 PM

I picked up an 09 Ranger 4x4 Extended cab for my son's first vehicle. We're super excited about it and want to do a couple minor fixes/upgrades.

First we'll put some 1.5" spacers and 30" wheels on it.

Second, the rear fenders over the wheel wells have a couple not so awesome rust spots. My plan is to sand out the rust with 80, 120, & 150 grit, then prime, paint, clear. Mainly this is to stop the rust from getting worse. From there we'll put some black flares on the fenders. I'm thinking we would be able to mask of inside the outer edge of the flares, and then the rust/repaint would never be noticed. Looking for some feedback on that part of the plan.

Third, I'm trying to figure out what's up with the rear panel behind the wheel well. It's looking like it's textured, but I don't think it's on purpose. I know the rear end took a minor bump, but I don't think that would cause this? Take a look at the photos. What should I do here?

Thanks in advance.

Bird76Mojo · #2 10-03-2019, 11:42 PM

You're gonna find out that rust always goes much further than you think it does. For instance, a rust pinhole, to get back to good metal that's acceptable to weld new panels to, the rusty metal will be about the size of your palm. Unless you media blast the rust, they'll always be some left in the small pits, and it will come back quickly regardless of what you cover it with. The exception being Rustoleum iron oxide primer. It'll stop rust from bleeding through for a very long time, but it's not the best primer to cover with an automotive finish. It's too soft really. It never seems to fully harden. But left alone as a top coat, it will stop rust indefinitely.

You should be able to buy complete new bedsides for that year of truck. Or a replacement bed can be had for a $200 to $300 if you keep looking hard enough. I bought a replacement bed for my Ranger for $250 and it was the same exact color.

turismolover22 · #3 10-10-2019, 05:58 PM

That texturing looks like some sort of clear "chip guard" meant to keep stones from throwing up against the lower bedside and chipping the paint.

sgtsandman · #4 10-10-2019, 07:05 PM

Bird76mojo covered the rust issues. As far as behind the wheel wells, that looks like someone fiberglassed back there. If the metal looks solid inside, it could have been an attempt at protecting the paint. If not, then someone did a poor repair job.