What are the perfect repair methods for rusted and rotten side skirts?
3 Answers
For perfect repair of rusted and rotten side skirts, use touch-up paint or go to a 4S shop for polishing and welding depending on the situation. Not serious: If the rust is not very serious, it can be solved with touch-up paint. Use ultra-fine water sandpaper with water to polish in the same direction until the rust is removed. After cleaning, apply primer, wait for it to dry, then sand it with water sandpaper, and finally apply the small can of original paint that came with the car. This counts as rust prevention treatment. Serious: If the rust is severe, it is necessary to go to a 4S shop for repolishing and welding. During the sheet metal repair process of the side skirt, high-temperature welding is required, which will damage the anti-corrosion layer of the original car sheet metal. After sheet metal repair, rust-proof wax can be used for internal rust prevention.
I've noticed that side skirt rust is quite a common issue. As someone who's been tinkering with cars for years, a perfect repair requires thorough step-by-step execution. First, thoroughly assess the rust damage: if it's minor surface rust, you can grind it smooth with an angle grinder and apply anti-rust paint; but if there are holes or rot, you'll need to cut out the damaged section and weld in a custom-made metal patch, ensuring the welds are strong and watertight. Then sand it smooth, spray epoxy primer for rust prevention, followed by color-matched paint including primer, base coat, and clear coat – layer by layer to prevent rust recurrence. The entire process must be done in a dry environment, and tools like welders and spray guns require professional skills, otherwise uneven joints or paint bubbles will quickly lead to rust returning. Having repaired several cars myself, rust prevention is the critical point. I also regularly wash the undercarriage to prevent water accumulation and rust, which can extend the body's lifespan by at least five years. If you're not confident, it's worth spending money at a professional shop – they can guarantee repair quality. After all, side skirts are structurally important, and untreated rust can compromise vehicle strength and create safety risks.
Car repair is my hobby. Two years ago, the side skirts of my old car were severely rusted, so I pursued a perfect restoration. The process was: first, remove the rust—I used an angle grinder to thoroughly clean the corroded surfaces. Upon discovering several small holes, I cut them out directly and bought a repair kit online to replace the metal panels. The tricky part during welding was the difficulty in positioning, so I added extra support points to ensure alignment. After welding, I sanded it multiple times until it was smooth as new. Then, I applied rust-proof sealant, opting for a zinc coating for extra protection. Before painting, I used masking tape to prevent overspray, and the color had to be precisely matched to the factory finish. The final result was fantastic—it looked as if it had never rusted. A key lesson was to avoid parking in rainy or salt-treated road areas after the repair. I regularly wash and wax the car, which enhances rust protection. A perfect restoration takes time but offers high satisfaction—it's suitable for patient individuals. If you're in a hurry, professional service is recommended to avoid mid-process issues. Don’t overlook the source of rust; regularly check and clean areas where mud accumulates near the tires.
