Oil pan rust removal

[Kurt G.]

I'm getting ready to do a bit of restoration on the front end of my car this winter and am wondering if anyone has a suggestion how to get rid of the rust on the outside of my original oil pan the car spent most of its 41 years in the Chicago area and even thoughit didn't spend a lot of time on the salty roads there it still suffers from the affects of that climate. I've thought about pulling it off and sandblasting it, but for obvious reasons I'm looking for alternatives. Thanks guys.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

I'm getting ready to do a bit of restoration on the front end of my car this winter and am wondering if anyone has a suggestion how to get rid of the rust on the outside of my original oil pan the car spent most of its 41 years in the Chicago area and even thoughit didn't spend a lot of time on the salty roads there it still suffers from the affects of that climate. I've thought about pulling it off and sandblasting it, but for obvious reasons I'm looking for alternatives. Thanks guys.

Kurt------

If the corrosion damage is limited to SURFACE RUST, there's no problem. However, if there is significant pitting, as there often is, that's another story. You can remove the rust but the pits will remain. It might be possible to somewhat correct this problem, if it exists, with a body filler but I'd be reluctant to go that far. The pitting, if present, is strictly cosmetic, though, so you can just leave it.

As far as removing the rust goes, always use the least aggressive methodology first. Go "up the ladder" only as and if necessary. I don't like to use sand or bead blasting on any parts connected with the internal engine. There's to much chance that some of the abrasive will get "left behind" in some "nook-and-crany". Soda blasting might be OK, but I have no experience with it. I'd be inclined to use a wire wheel on a drill to remove the rust.

[Edward J.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

Kurt, Take some paint remover to the paint, then once removed take some sandpaper and sand the pan by hand, maybe 220 grit and maybe 80 grit on the tough areas were the rust is bad. is more work but you have better control of what rust your removing.and then a final sand of 320 grit.

[Tom N.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

Use a a quality epoxy primer with hardner as PPG ...apply it as instructions , sand it,
any pitting still there, apply putty as Evercoat Metal Glaze with hardner, sand reapply
any quality primer, sand and paint...sounds long, but ready is easy to do.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

Use a a quality epoxy primer with hardner as PPG ...apply it as instructions , sand it,
any pitting still there, apply putty as Evercoat Metal Glaze with hardner, sand reapply
any quality primer, sand and paint...sounds long, but ready is easy to do.

Tom------

What you've described will result in a beautifully finished pan. However, if an original appearing finish is desired, this approach can't be used. The original finish was a rather sloppily applied single coat over bare steel. If primers and/or multiple coats of paint are applied, the finish invariably appears too thick and deep. Of course, if original appearance is not important, what you describe is the way to go.

[Tom N.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

I was trying to explain on getting the pitting resolve. I like epoxy primer first
on bare metal after the rust is remove correctly. Then use a two part putty to fill in the pitting.
You can sand it and paint as original by not getting it smooth but with a orange peel appearance.

[Bob D.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

Kurt

I would start by removing any old paint and then use Evaporust to remove any rust on the surface. Evaporust is very mild and will not damage the metal of the pan and can be cleaned up with water.. If you have any pitting you can then go the sanding route.

Bob

[Tom B.]

Re: Oil pan rust removal

Kurt

I would start by removing any old paint and then use Evaporust to remove any rust on the surface. Evaporust is very mild and will not damage the metal of the pan and can be cleaned up with water.. If you have any pitting you can then go the sanding route.

Bob

This would be the best method if pitting is a problem. A liquid or gel rust remover would prevent getting any grit in places that will cause problems later on. Then prime with a metal etching primer (not a filing primer) and fill the the bad pits with a glazing putty from the automotive paint store. You should be able to keep the finish looking more original this way.

I had the outside of a pitted pan sand blasted once and never got all of the grit out of the thing. Pressure washing, 185psi air hose, whatever several times. Then when banging it on a wooden block sand would come out of the welded in baffle where you could not get a direct cleaning blast to. It's destined to be garage art. I have too many hours in it to throw it in the metal scrap.

Tom