My 2008 HHR SS has some significant surface rust on the underside of the tubular front crossmember that is located under the radiator. I've gone thru 2 oil changes over the past 6 months, have seen the rust getting worse, and didn't do anything about it. If I leave this long enough, it's going to start doimg some real damage.

So it's about time I did something about this rust, but I wanted to check to see if anyone else has had this problem. And what is the best recommended fix.

 

A picture would help if you are looking for a diagnosis.

 

http://www.eastwood.com/rust-solutions/por-15.html

& no, mine has no rust..

 

Ditto on the Eastwood product linked above.

3 HHR's here with no rust anywhere on the cross-members.

 

Por 15 or chassis saver both work well for this.
I am assuming you get salt on the roads down your way
Just roughly sand or wire brush off what rust u can and brush it on or use a sponge brush use it all the time

 

No rust here either.

Por 15 here too. Just make sure to wear gloves or you will be wearing black on your hands till the skin cells fall off.

 

Does this product just create a black oxide with an acid of some sort?

 

No, I think you are referring to phosphoric acid, which does that. It does stop rust also..At least temporarily.. We used to use it in the machine shop..On raw steel that was stock piled.

POR-15 is a type of rust encapsulation paint, dries to a very hard, non-porous finish that won't crack, or peel, and it prevents rust from recurring by protecting metal from exposure to moisture.

Color choices are gloss or flat black, gray & silver, IIRC.

 

Yes the Por 15 will coat the metal and prevent new rust by sealing it in. Many car restorers use it to paint frames and underbodies to seal in the metal and it will remain in good condition for years.

There are similar products out there too like SIlver Bullet etc. I have used them to great effect.

The Silver Bullet I got on the floor at my all garage and it left one drip. It is still there yet today.

I also was not kidding about getting it on your hands as it will take a month of better to wear off or some painful scubbing.

We see guys at work come in and have it on their hands and get a good laugh.

I got a smal spot of Pot 15 on my fore arm and it took some hard scrubbing to take it off even though it was not on long.

 

Thanks All!
A wire brush, POR - 15, and rubber gloves sounds like the answer.
Happy Holidays!