Rust is a natural element that can present itself on your 1978 Firebird, and its presence should not be welcome. It forms when the paint gets scraped away or chipped and then moisture builds up inside those areas. Using an abrasive chemical and a few other supplies, you can remove the rust from your Firebird and bring the look of it back to life.
Tools Used: Safety goggles, Dust mask, Rubber gloves, Long-sleeved shirt, Coveralls, Work boots or sneakers, Hand sander, Wire brush, Phosphoric acid gel (naval jelly), Soft cloths, Anticorrosive primer, Sponge paintbrush
Repair Rusted Frame
Put on the goggles, mask and other safety gear before beginning. Plug the sander in and turn it to the lowest setting.
Begin sloughing the rust off the car. With the sander on low, move it in circular motions on the rusted metal until as much rust has flaked off as possible.
Brush away the rust particles with the wire brush, and then apply the phosphoric acid gel. Use only a small amount on a soft cloth and rub it onto the areas that were rusted over. Wipe it off after a few minutes with a dry cloth.
Evenly apply the liquid anticorrosive primer over the cleaned areas with a sponge brush. Wait at least 24 hours for the primer to dry before driving the car.
Tips & Warnings
If the rust has eaten through the metal frame, it cannot be repaired. However, this repair process will help prevent further rusting. Replacing the frame or welding on new metal is a job for a professional mechanic.
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