Posted by Brian in Oregon on January 24, 2000 at 11:57:55:
In Reply to: Frame Rail Separation posted by John Waak on January 23, 2000 at 20:58:37:
IF, repeat, IF the rusting is not bad, then I would scrap out as much as possible and then use a high pressure airless sprayer and force a good quality rust resistant paint into the gap, like Rodda Barrier. The reason for a high pressure sprayer is to try and force the paint all through that area. A regular spray gun is not going to do that. You'll need to make sure the area is as dry as possible. Keep it indoors and keep the frame rail warm to chase out moisture. You'll also need to use several layers of duct tape to mask off, because an airless sprayer at close range will blow masking tape right off. Be sure and cover everything - it's going to be messy and wear eye protection. You'll need to entomb beyond where the rust is, because you don't want water getting in. So do the top rail too and extend out. Have some cloth soaked with whatever cleaner Rodda recommends to wipe off excess.
Rust never sleeps, but considering the thickness of the metal you can probably put off any problems until such time as you are no longer around to worry about it.
Another alternative is to just soak the whole area with a rust preventative oil. However, water splash is going to make this lazy man's way out a constant chore, and the rust will slowly worsen.
Yet another alternative if the rusting is bad is to take the frame apart. Not a happy thought.