My search for a new van continues. Yes, every used vehicle has SOMETHING wrong with it :).The current candidate seems great -- but it has a LOT of road rash. I don't mind. It's a boondocking rig. But if I keep this van for 8-10 years, will I then have a problem?The rash on the front has no rust, presumably because of the heat from the radiator. But on the sides, each tiny pock has a speck of rust in its center.Would it be a good idea to treat with naval jelly, or something similar, and then with a paint kit like DR? Would I end up with broader areas of rust under the paint if I do not? Would I even if I do treat? Is there a better treatment?Thanks, guys :).

The road rash is because the van used to belong to a mining company. This was 9 years ago -- anything else I should look out for, with the many miles of gravel roads?

How does it run, how does it shiftDoes it use oil, get hot, leakMechanical problems can leave you strandedMy priority is always mechanical firstBody work paint etc.. any number of ways of treating thatRust on the rocker panel is not going to strand you someplace

Are you just talking about rock chips in the paint? If so, and you don't care about the appearance, I wouldn't worry about it. We have two 20 year old vehicles in the family with plenty of rock chips. They remain unchanged as far as I can see.

Yes, I am talking about chips.Of COURSE mechanical stuff is more important! It drives great, except for a steering issue, and is in the mechanic's shop right now for checkup and to diagnose steering.But the chips, so many of them, are a new thing to me so I want to ask you all if they are a bigger deal than I realise.

Just know that rust doesn't sleep. Eventually, any rust spot will be a rust hole. I use Jasco prepaint conditioner at a 50/50 dilution rate on auto finishes. It tends to neutralize the rust and removes any oxidation in the paint.If you really don't care about cosmetic perfection, remove the rust and repaint.

Road rash and rust, in the arid west? | Good Sam Community

westend
Explorer
Jun 10, 2016
Just know that rust doesn't sleep. Eventually, any rust spot will be a rust hole. I use Jasco prepaint conditioner at a 50/50 dilution rate on auto finishes. It tends to neutralize the rust and removes any oxidation in the paint.

If you really don't care about cosmetic perfection, remove the rust and repaint.
Naio
Explorer II
Jun 10, 2016
Yes, I am talking about chips.

Of COURSE mechanical stuff is more important! It drives great, except for a steering issue, and is in the mechanic's shop right now for checkup and to diagnose steering.

But the chips, so many of them, are a new thing to me so I want to ask you all if they are a bigger deal than I realise.
TurnThePage
Explorer
Jun 10, 2016
Are you just talking about rock chips in the paint? If so, and you don't care about the appearance, I wouldn't worry about it. We have two 20 year old vehicles in the family with plenty of rock chips. They remain unchanged as far as I can see.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 10, 2016
How does it run, how does it shift
Does it use oil, get hot, leak
Mechanical problems can leave you stranded
My priority is always mechanical first

Body work paint etc.. any number of ways of treating that
Rust on the rocker panel is not going to strand you someplace
Naio
Explorer II
Jun 10, 2016
The road rash is because the van used to belong to a mining company. This was 9 years ago -- anything else I should look out for, with the many miles of gravel roads?

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Road rash and rust, in the arid west?

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