Painting rear X-member and how to clean stained paintwork

[The_Gods_Must_Be_Crazy]

The original paint on my rear x-member is beginning to bubble and flake.  I want to clean it back and and re-paint it before the winter.  Can anyone recommend what paint to use and any other tips? I want to try and make it look as professional as possible as well as preventing any further corrosion for as long as reasonably possible. I don't mind spending plenty of time on it.

The other thing is: does anyone know how to get rid of those grey stains that develop on the paintwork, particualy around the rear door and hinges.

Thanks,

Dan.

[spy]

I am no expert but I am sure someone will be along to correct me soon!  Hows about spraying the rear crossmember with hammerite, they sell it in aerosol cans nowadays.  

What colour is your paint work?  If its non metallic I am guessing that t cut or maybe even polish would get the marks off under the door hinges.

[tonycougar]

T cut shifted similar marks on mine, also shifted diesel stains I had around filler cap

[clbarclay]

Not used it myself but have been recomended for its rust busting ability is POR-15 Rust Preventative Paint, avalible from Frost

http://www.frost.co.uk/productList.asp?catID=28&frostCat=Rust&subcatID=37&frostSubCat=POR-15

This is not a cheap option, but has a very good reputation for long term protection.

[minty]

try armonald with a soft cloth plenty of elbow greese does'nt damage your pait work either . its a excellent cleaner and coats a teflon layer over the surface so its realy slippy! use wisely!

[Cassillis]

The original paint on my rear x-member is beginning to bubble and flake.  I want to clean it back and and re-paint it before the winter.  Can anyone recommend what paint to use and any other tips? I want to try and make it look as professional as possible as well as preventing any further corrosion for as long as reasonably possible. I don't mind spending plenty of time on it.

The other thing is: does anyone know how to get rid of those grey stains that develop on the paintwork, particualy around the rear door and hinges.

Thanks,

Dan.

Take the cross member down to metal with a grinder fitted with a wire brush, i only did the parts that were flaked or scabbed. Once down to metal treat with this stuff
You will find it turns the rust black. Let it dry, about ten minutes depending on weather conditions. Then paint with a hammerite paint, spray or brush, either look good. Go for a satin finish it looks the more professional in my opinion.
An hour's work is all it took me to do mine.
Regarding ther stains, go to a motor factors for a good quality rubbing compound and some elbow grease will get rid of them for you.

[The_Gods_Must_Be_Crazy]

thanks for the replies.

i think i'm going to take it back to the metal and try that KURST stuff.  then I thought about using satin hammerite with one of those gloss rollers to get an even finish, and I can put down thick-ish coats something thats difficult with spray paints. and finish off with some stainless steel bolts.

it's a '01 so it's not too bad, but I want to get it before it gets too bad, plus it bugs me anyway.

the rubbing compound sounds good too...

[Cassillis]

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the finish you will achieve with the roller. That small jar of Kurust (TM) goes a long way too use it sparingly

Good luck and don't forget post a before and after photo