My van is starting to sport some rust around the wheel arches and the rear doors. Obviously sorting this out now is the way forward. Only problem is I don't have a clue how to sort it. Is it a case of sanding back then filling / repainting or should I be applying some kind of chemical to it?

All ideas gratefully received.

Hi Wes
When I have had the same problem with my van, I sanded it down. You can get drill attachments at B&Q for sanding metal which save a lot of time but make a racket if you have a lot of rust. Halfords do a filler that you mix with a hardner (I think it's called P60 or something like that). Follow the instructions and put on in layers so that it drys. When you are happy with that sand it down. You can get another attachment for your drill at B&Q that looks like lots of sandpaper square on a rotary. You could use this before and after filling to smooth things out. Before painting use wet and dry sandpaper for the best effect. They when you are happy with that use a primer followed by several coats of spray paint. Use a fine sandpaper between the first few layers if you want it too look good. Also use cutting compound to blend it in. If you are not fussy you can cut out a lot of the sanding.

If the rust is a very small patch you could just use a Hammerite spray but I suspect if it's a beach van, there'll be more than just a speck.

Oh and one other thing. Some of the products don't cure/set very well sub 10c so you may be better waiting until the weather is better.(but not windy!)

Good luck

It wouldn't hurt to slap a load of anti rust stuff too and if you can live with the mismatch colour use the hammerite as its more durable that normal paint.

Cheers guys, its not too bad at the moment but its only going to get worse - I still havn't finished fitting out the inside so I would hate to have it fall apart!

Im sure Haynes manuals do a car body repair book maybe it would be worth a look.

I think rust is just one of those sorry facts of windsurfing life that you have to live with. My van had none 3 years ago and now its turning into a proper little rust-bucket.

Al.

Tell me about it! Vans also seem more prone to rusting. I guess that they are designed to drive 20hrs a day for 5 years, run up 250k then get binned. Not quite what I wanted!
Still, I love it, so no real complaints. Just wondoring how to afford a merc sprinter next time.........

wondoring?!?!?!

never mind, must be the beer!