Is this rust job too big for DIY?

[gooooooders]

I don't need it to look amazing at the end but I do need to make sure the rust won't come back.

Is this something a novice can do successfully? Please see the photos here
https://goo.gl/photos/Hsq2zCHJwJhyb83H7

Thanks for any advice

[fat80b]

gooooooders said:

I don't need it to look amazing at the end but I do need to make sure the rust won't come back.

What are you proposing on doing to it?

Looking at the rest of the vehicle, I'd not be wanting to spend proper money on fixing it and would be looking at a DIY solution. Even if it looks a bit ropey, it is only an old van and you can definitely make it look better than it does currently

Depending on how bad it is, rust eater / inhibitor and filler / paint might be an approach. Alternatively, you may need to patch in a bit of metal. But you'll only really know how bad it is once you start poking it to see how much of a hole you are left with.

Bob (successful bodywork bodger for MX5 autosolo cars.....)

[steveo3002]

thats pretty nasty if you wanted a nice job that lasts ...could knock the top off with a grinder and fill /paint it though but wont last , will be lots of holes once cleaned up

[gooooooders]

steveo3002 said:

thats pretty nasty if you wanted a nice job that lasts ...could knock the top off with a grinder and fill /paint it though but wont last , will be lots of holes once cleaned up

Thanks
Why won't the repair last?

[steveo3002]

proper way = clean back rust and discover holes , cut away bad panels and fabricate or souce new panels , weld them in smooth down and paint ££££££££ should last but would cost ALOT

other way clean it up and shove filler into the holes , paint it and it looks tidy but rust carrys on getting worse and will re appear sooner or later

[gooooooders]

Thanks for that.
Is it possible to source body panels and swap them over?
That feels like a stupid question

[lucido grigio]

gooooooders said:

Thanks for that.
Is it possible to source body panels and swap them over?
That feels like a stupid question

Looked at your pics again.

Panels are possibly available but your rust problem is at a panel join ,so 2 large panels required by the looks of it.

The cutting out and fabricating solution above would probably be better than that or the filler repair for cheapness.

You might be able to find secondhand panels from a front end write off.

[steveo3002]

gooooooders said:

Thanks for that.
Is it possible to source body panels and swap them over?
That feels like a stupid question

yes with cutting and welding etc -job for a skilled man

[GTIAlex]

Personally here is exactly what I would do.

Get some rough sand paper and try and initial pass at it before you get the grinder out.
See what you are left with.
If not having much impact then id get the grinder out with a linishing pad on
This type of thing:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-zirconium-flap-d...

It will look worse underneath and I imagine the panel is quite rusted but you should be able to bodge it up with filler for paint over.
During the job I recommend you use some very good rust treatment. Id go to your local car paint shop (proper paint/bodyshop supplier not halfords) and ask them for exactly that. I personally use the stuff that is used on barges etc/
Failing that get some vactan rust treatment which is available on ebay.
This will turn the rust black and stop it for a very long time. I have been using it for years and also have a test patch on some metal down the side of my garage and it is yet to show any signs of re rusting many years later.
Body fill then paint.


Just as note, Id only do the temporary job if it your vehicle and planning on keeping it, if its a bodge and sell job then dont bother just sell as is

[HustleRussell]

I have welded before and I would'nt fancy my chances with that van. The rust you can see is just the beginning.

[alolympic]

Difficult to advise if you can do it without knowing what your skills and intentions are.
It is rotting from the inside of at least panels by the looks of it. What you see on the outside is the point that the corrosion has travelled from the internal face of those panels to the outer surface. The corrosion will be far more widespread then the blistered area shows.
If you want it to stop spreading, 1) find the source of the water ingress 2) remove and weld in new metal that is suitable primed on the inner face, then 3) hide the repair cosmetically as much you care to do.