I just bought a 2002 Executive Series II TJ around 2 weeks ago. It seems to be in good condition overall (only has 87k.km) but it has a number of small rust spots (<5mm diametre) mainly on the front bonnet.

Should I try to get these removed (i.e. will they get bigger if ignored)?

If so, what's the best way of going about it? DIY or Pro? And around how much would it cost?

When you say rust sports, do you mean stone chips that have done all the way to bare metal, and then rusted? If so, then you will need to get it done professionally.

I personally would get a panel shop to strip it back to bare metal, prime it and colourmatch it to your current paintwork.

I got one, and din't really notice. The rust crept under the paintwork, then I went to carlovers and hit it with the high pressure hose. It ripped the paint off, now it's the size of a 20c piece!

I have other more important bodywork issues at the moment, lots of panel replacements and a respray including colour change coming up...

When you say rust sports, do you mean stone chips that have done all the way to bare metal, and then rusted?

Yep, that's what it looks like. Most are very small, the biggest being around 5mm. Problem is they are spread out around the bonnet. Anyone know around how much it would cost to get them fixed?

A strip & spray of just a bonnet would be in the range of $400-500 I'd imagine.

Must have been following road trains in it's previous life or something

Must have been following road trains in it's previous life or something

Yeah, lol. I didn't even notice it at the dealer. He had the car all dirty. Would have gotten him to fix it before buying otherwise. Tricky bastards.

see if they will go you halves in it.

But remember, buyer beware. Check everything out very thoroughly.

If the rust has crept under the paint, then you probably have to get it repainted.
If not, then a paint cleaner/polish will be able to remove the oxidation. Keep it well waxed to prevent it from getting worse, or just use touch up paint after removing the oxidation.

DIY is a pain in the butt if you have no chance of matching the paint colour, so yeah might pay to save up and get it done pro... you will feel better for it and it will give the car a great lift as far as appearance goes.

Yeah, having a nice paint job on my bonnet hasn't stood up completely to an idiot on a Beast Club cruise in a Commodore doing a burnout within 2-3 meters on a gravel carpark... some of these stone chips are starting to show signs of possible rust... :rant:

I might just get some colour matching done too if I get it done. Long overdue.

I don't know if the rust has spread. As I said, the biggest spot is about the size of a pea, the rest are just tiny nicks which have scraped paint to metal and a tiny bit of rust has formed. Wouldn't even be that obvious if the car wasn't white.

Industrial fallout etc lands on your paint all the time whether you like it or obviously not. It rusts while chilling out on the surface of your paint - looking like the paint is rusting when that's not the case.

White cars are the biggest offenders. Detailing Clay/Polymer removes the rust and impurities. I've used the Meguiars product in the past very successfully for this work. Costs about $35 or so, lasts ages. It was developed specifically for working with clearcote paint, so it wont scratch when used correctly - which is very easy to do may I add.

Good Luck!

too much work just rice it up with a new carbon fibre bonnet lol lol

Sure, you pay for the bonnet and I'll happily accept it :)

:bowrofl: :owned:

Yeah good one. When i start making cf bonnets i'll make you one. lol lol