RRhino's Thread...(sloooooow progress)

[RRhino]

Made a recent purchase and have every intention of keeping her for a while and doing as much as I can on my own.

Specs:
1995 RRC LWB
134k
Biarritz Blue color
No mods, just stock


I want to fix a rust hole (only visible rust) that is located on the wheelwell interior side. I heard this was a common area for rust.

What's the most common method to go about this? Do i sheet metal it over the hole? Fiberglass? I'm not most handy person but im holding myself to at least try to do all the work myself with help from either the forums and/or internet.

Thanks

[ArmyRover]

If the rust is at the seat belt anchor point I would recommend cutting out the rusted area, and welding in new metal.

[RRhino]

Originally Posted by ArmyRover

If the rust is at the seat belt anchor point I would recommend cutting out the rusted area, and welding in new metal.

I think that's where it is. If you open the rear drivers side door, it is located on the arch. I'll take a pic to be precise. I was also favoring going this route as i think it would just be a cleaner look overall, pending my welding skills.

thanks

[John C]

Originally Posted by RRhino

I think that's where it is. If you open the rear drivers side door, it is located on the arch. I'll take a pic to be precise. I was also favoring going this route as i think it would just be a cleaner look overall, pending my welding skills.

thanks

You can buy replacement arches but you would still need to fix the hole in the wheel well. Like ArmyRover said, best solution is to weld new piece. It's a shame cause I scrapped a Rangie not too long ago and the wheel wells were perfect.

[RRhino]

Heres the rust in question. Its rotted through. But hopefully you guys can tell me it aint that bad.

[roverandom]

No, it's worse. Lift the carpet and check around the A and B pillar, Driver/pass front toe boards, the entire load area in the back, bottom of the doors, rear crossmember and then remove the plastic trim along the sills and check there too. Once done check the inner front wings, tailgate and leading edge of the bonnet. I don't need to say check the liftgate that is obvious.

If it is still solid where the seatbelt anchor bolts through you could just patch weld a section in but unless you are handy at sheetmetal fab that is a difficult area to do correctly. Look for a replacement arch or try to find a solid one from a parts truck.

[RRhino]

I went ahead and removed the carpeting and inner lining from the trunk area. Did a quick inspection and did not see any spots of rust. Anywhere in particular i should look?

So, i noticed that the inner lining was very damp near the tail gate. Im keeping it out until it dries and i'll put it back. As you can see, or not, its pretty dirty here so i want to clean that up. Any suggestions on what cleaner to use?

[roverandom]

Hard to see clearly but it looks not too bad. Is that the same paint as the exterior or has someone painted it before? If it is factory it will be the same blue as the outside. Right side near the seem could be a little dodgy but if is just started bubbling up you can save it with some rust neutralizer and a coat of rust inhibiting paint....be sure to coat both sides as it rusts through from underneath.

While you have the carpet pulled out, do a thorough search for rust under the spare wheel and CD changer, Mine had rust in the AMP/CD changer area when I bought it.

Be sure to dry out the rubber/foam underlay and fix the weather strip before you put the carpet back. Use any household cleaner to wipe out the dirt.

[RRhino]

Thanks for the help guys! I'm going to be selling her and moving on to something newer.

[ArmyRover]

That didn't take long

[RRhino]

I'll be back! Just need something more family friendly for now.

[RRhino]

Seems like the market here in my area is a bit soft so I'm tentatively keeping the RRC, at least for the winter. With that said, I'd like to do a few things to her. First would be to do some regular maintenance stuff, oil/filter change and spark plugs. What else should i throw in there? Second, I want to patch up the rust. Third, I'm tempted to take her off roading...what modest upgrades can I do to have her ready?

Thanks in advance!