Need advice on rust problem
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Need advice on rust problem
In 1998, after replacing three crappy Delta radios, my dealer proposed putting in a power antennae as a solution to poor reception. They called in a sub-contractor and installed one on the rear quarter panel. It helped, but no a lot.
The antennae stopped going up and down recently, so I bought a new one online and removed the old one. To my horror when I took if off, I saw the paint around the hole they drilled bubbling with rust. I is almost to the diameter of the antennae piece that rests on the quarter panel. Should I:
a) Let the dealer repair it my hand, with some sandpaper and touchup paint
b) Pay $150 to have the body shop they use sand blast the area and repaint a larger area blending into the existing paint. They also said they would put some undercoating on the inside.
I don't know which is worse, the potential that the first way won't really fix the problem or the potential that the second way will never look right.
What would you do and why?
Steve-O (98 A4 QMS)
The antennae stopped going up and down recently, so I bought a new one online and removed the old one. To my horror when I took if off, I saw the paint around the hole they drilled bubbling with rust. I is almost to the diameter of the antennae piece that rests on the quarter panel. Should I:
a) Let the dealer repair it my hand, with some sandpaper and touchup paint
b) Pay $150 to have the body shop they use sand blast the area and repaint a larger area blending into the existing paint. They also said they would put some undercoating on the inside.
I don't know which is worse, the potential that the first way won't really fix the problem or the potential that the second way will never look right.
What would you do and why?
Steve-O (98 A4 QMS)
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 0
There is another option. Buy rust inhibitor at your local body shop supply store. It looks like
Elmer's glue. No need to sand the affected area, - just scrape it gently with a blade to remove flakes. Then cover the rust with the inhibitor and wait 24 hours or so. The rust will:
1. Be converted to a black finish
2. Be sealed off not to spread further
After that, just use some touch up paint to cover the black finish of inhibited rust.
1. Be converted to a black finish
2. Be sealed off not to spread further
After that, just use some touch up paint to cover the black finish of inhibited rust.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
I have tried similar before, not worked well for me
I even asked the body shop about doing this. They said it does not work, will only convert the top surface of the rust. If there is any unconverted rust below, it will come back. That is what happened to the repair job I did on my van recently.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,878
Likes: 0
if the antenna didnt help, get a new fender....
and go back to the way it was. once somthing starts to rust its extremely hard to make it stop. A4s are galvinized, if you sand it to the metal to get the rust, youll remove galvinized coating, and itll be even more prone to rust. find a good fender at a junk yard, i got one for 170$ and its perfect, except its silver :-( damn fairly rare cactus green!
Trending Topics
Club AutoUnion
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 31,629
Likes: 49
From: Fort Collins Colorado
I thought most of the poor receptions issues were with the antenna amp at the back of the car.
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/102/antenna_amplifer.jpg"></center><p>
Antenna amplifier, removing and installing (sedan)
Removing
- Remove D-pillar trim Repair Manual, Body Interior, Repair Group 70 .
- Disconnect antenna wire and disconnect all harness connectors.
- Remove hex screws and remove antenna amplifier.
Installing
- Install in reverse order of removal.
Antenna amplifier, removing and installing (sedan)
Removing
- Remove D-pillar trim Repair Manual, Body Interior, Repair Group 70 .
- Disconnect antenna wire and disconnect all harness connectors.
- Remove hex screws and remove antenna amplifier.
Installing
- Install in reverse order of removal.
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 0
I've used this method on multiple vehicles in my family. On some, the treated area was left
unpainted (after being sealed). Rust has never resurfaced.
The problem with sanding and re-painting method is that you usually need to sand a larger area than the one affected by rust. Because sanding destroys galvanized coating, you end up with a larger area that's prone to rusting than before.
I feel strongly that if you use a quality rust inhibitor and do the work right (remove flakes, dirt and wax/oil) rust will not come back.
But hey, I respect your opinion. Just do what you think is right for your situation.
The problem with sanding and re-painting method is that you usually need to sand a larger area than the one affected by rust. Because sanding destroys galvanized coating, you end up with a larger area that's prone to rusting than before.
I feel strongly that if you use a quality rust inhibitor and do the work right (remove flakes, dirt and wax/oil) rust will not come back.
But hey, I respect your opinion. Just do what you think is right for your situation.