The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop How to prevent rust in body seams?

My truck (1951 GMC 2ton) was repainted in the mid 90s. The job was done fairly well, and it’s mostly been stored inside since. I understand that I will have to repaint it sometime, but I would like to wait a few years as it looks really good (from 10 feet away at least), and I want to focus on the mechanical side of things for now.

The most concerning spot for me right now is the horizontal seam along the back of the cab below the window. There are a few spots in that seam where the paint is starting to fail and I don’t want rust to take hold. Is there something I can spray in there to prevent rust. Wax doesn’t really get into the back of the seam. I’m nervous to use a silicone spray, because I don’t want it to be impossible to paint later.

Any tips?

Please do not use anything with silicone on or near your truck (if you you want to avoid future paint/painting problems).

I cleaned out as far down as I could "reach" with wire wheel, then I drizzled-down a rust converter into the seam.

Please don't get anything containing silicone nor oil near that seam. You won't like it if you do. Without sanding and repainting about the only thing you could do would be to paint the seam with something clear (like RustOleum) and let it be for a while. Use a small brush like an artist's brush and give it a couple of coats. As for seams in doors, what I do is to remove the door, turn it on one side, take about 1 ounce of oil-based enamel and pour it in the door so that it runs into the seam between the skin and the back panel. Then move the door from side to side to let that paint flow into the seam nicely from top to bottom. And then let it dry still sitting up on the side. Repeat for the other side and when you get to the bottom seam, be sure to cover all the vents with masking tape. Once the paint is dry, remove the masking tape and use a hobby knife to cut any paint that skinned over. That usually will keep water from wicking into that seam (where it is guaranteed to cause rust). Good luck.

this is a great idea. i’ll use some clear coat for touch up where i can. i’ve seen what silicone can do, so i’ll avoid it.