i own a 1984 elky conquista and i was wondering how i can keep the frame from rusting. I live in northern West virginia, smack inthe middle of the rust belt. My dad knows a lot of mechanics and antique car enthusists
and when we talk to them they all say the same thing. "You know all those frames rust out!" i have checked my frame and it looks to be in good condition, but the other 2 i almost bought instead had rusted frames. i was wondering if anyone could tell me of any product that will stop it from rusting out. i don't want to spend tons of money i don't want to buy junk that doesn't work either. i know you guys can help me out so thanks in advance :D

POR15 and Eastwood make an encapsulator paint that if applied correctly can stop rust from spreading, otherwise just prep area, prime, paint and undercoat any bare metal. For badly rusted areas you may need to bead or sand blast first and then prime, paint and undercoat.

Your dads friends are correct. In the "rust belt" all G-body frames rust out pretty much in the same locations. If your El Camino has lived all it's life in the rust belt it'll be impossible to stop frame rust. Even if you were to scrape what rust you can see off and coat the frame with all of those expensive sealers, it doesn't get up inside the boxed sections so the inside of the frame is still rusting. But, it's better than doing nothing.

Only hydrochloric acid dipping a frame and a hot dipped zinc galvanizing will stop a frame from rusting.

:mrgreen:

The best way to stop rust is to not drive it in the winter. Buy a winter beater 8)

I just did my '67 chevelle frame with POR-15 and I was impressed, Check out the website www.por15.com Tough stuff!

Paint it, doesn't matter what you paint it with as long as it is Automotive grade paint, then keep it clean. Don't give road salt and dirt a chance to build up and create rust. Go to a car wash ever so often, if you're driving it in the snow / coastal roads.

The best way to protect you car is to protect it. Regular cleanings, under and over and in and around the engine compartment. It is not a task. Pull everything off the frame, clean it and paint it and then just keep it clean.

What ever you decide to paint it with will eventually wear or chip away even POR which costs about the same as a good grade of automotive paint.

Just my $0.02 worth.

The best way to protect you car is to protect it. :cool: