rust??

Yesterday I had my car inspected and the guy says there are two small (like half dollar maybe?) rust spots on frame bottom and he won't pass it again next year unless I fix them. Car has spent last 9 winters in the barn, so I am not sure why it would have rust, but okay. It's 15 years old and runs great, and he says it's in wonderful shape. He recommended a body shop.

Anybody have any idea of what this should cost? It makes me mad, because I just bought 1300 dollars worth of new tires and sensors for the car. NH just got rid of its inspection, so if we moved a few miles, it wouldn't be a problem. SC has no car inspection, so if we moved back there, no problem. Ugh.

Oh, wow, we are living in parallel universes. I have the exact same situation. Two twin spots on each side of the car near the wheel well. Here is what I plan to do (haven't done it yet becasue it's been freezing cold and snowy for a few weeks). I went to Advance Auto Parts and asked the guy to recommend the tools I would need to fix it myself. He sold me a triple grade sandpaper set and a can of car paint (universal, but specific for Toyota cars. My car is white so it shouldn't be TOO off). I also plan to pick up Bondo Auto Body Filler if I see, dring the sanding process that the metal is very weak or compromised (like, it has gone through and made a hole).

Since the holes are so small, I don't mind seeing what I can do to fix it myself.

I'd not paint spots on the frame, I'd think that would look like a highly suspicious coverup. Can you get a free estimate? Know anyone that does body work? Have a vocational/tech school nearby that might take it on as a hands-on class project for a reduced price? Once upon a time this is the sort of thing DH would DYI - grind off rust, treat with rust inhibitor, grease or oil. And re-check it before next inspection. (we don't have those here, or MANY of us would be walking everywhere, lol) But those days are long behind us. It seems there's always something new and "interesting" to deal with, doesn't it???

okay---your inspector is being picayune. Try another inspector. Most states have done away with "safety" inspection on account of this type of thing. Get some roofing cement and a putty knife and fill the holes. Then, drive it so it gets dirty. The spot won't be so obvious, especially when you take 'er in ta a different inspection place. Hope that helps you some.

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Originally Posted by littlebittybobby

okay---your inspector is being picayune. Try another inspector. Most states have done away with "safety" inspection on account of this type of thing. Get some roofing cement and a putty knife and fill the holes. Then, drive it so it gets dirty. The spot won't be so obvious, especially when you take 'er in ta a different inspection place. Hope that helps you some.

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Haha, I figured you would weigh in, bobby! It's funny because my DH's truck is so rusty you'd think he 4-wheeled through a vat of acid. NJ doesn't care about that in inspections. But VT is very particular and won't pass you if there is any rust. My 2007 car is very solid mechanically, so I'd be willing to pay to have it repaired, but I thought I should be able to do a decent enough job myself.

Thank you, I had the same reaction to the inspector. I will get a body shop to look at it. Unfortunately, it's not where yours is, Catherine, by the wheel well; you bet I would do what you are doing. It's underneath.

I guess I'll wait til spring and have somebody give me an estimate and then figure out a plan.

I've never heard of anyone having inspection issues due to rust, so I think that might not be a concern in MA. I think they just check for emissions and to be sure items like lights and horns are in working order, and tires aren't bald. I don't see how a couple of small rust spots are a safety issue.

OK, I'm just taking a swag here, but if it's in the frame and a safety issue, I'd want to know why it's a safety issue. I've repaired a few rust area on the body itself around wheel wells with a wire brush, Bondo, fiberglass cloth, and a little primer paint. I'd think you'd want something stouter for the frame itself? What I'm thinking is to take it to a body shop where they'd probably clean out the rust and weld a metal plate over the area, which shouldn't be a big deal. My totally unqualified 2 cents. If it's not really a safety hazard, but some silly rule, I'd cover it over with, maybe like Bobby says, something and put a little primer paint or spray on underbody coating.

okay-----while it's at the Body Shop getting metal plates welded over the holes to please Mr Fussy-wussy Inspector, I suggest going ahead and having a set of Purple Hornies installed on the exhaust. (see photo) That way, people will hear you heading their way, and avoid colliding with you. But yeah---how safe is that? After all, "Loud Pipes Save Lives" Yup.Attachment 6694