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2003 Honda Element Rust.

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by Andrew Theros, Apr 25, 2023.

  1. Apr 25, 2023
    Andrew Theros

    Andrew Theros Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Los Osos, CA
    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2021
    Messages:
    393
    IMG_2861.jpeg Hi everybody!
    This is my wife’s Element. She loves this car. We bought it brand new back in 04’. It brought our daughter home from the hospital when she was born. Did I mention that she loves this car? Around 110k on the clock and truth be told, I like it too. It was my DD for a few years. Many trips to the range loaded up with my competition gear…And it’s paid off…And we despise car payments to replace it.
    What are your thoughts on saving this?
    Can I do it without metal replacement?
    If it comes to metal replacement, I have a little MIG machine that I am gaining confidence with so maybe I could do it. As usual, looking forward to your thoughts.

    Thanks,
    Andy
     
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  2. Apr 25, 2023
    jeep peep69

    jeep peep69 Member

    redding ca.
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    619
    Salty coastal air victim it looks like some metal will need replaced. Fairly simple to do if your confident in your skills. a straight edge will be the hardest part to do the window won't seal correctly and will leak if the surface isn't straight
     
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  3. Apr 25, 2023
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    1,430
    Treat it with a rust conversion coating and paint a black stripe over it. Then proceed to drive in to the ground. By then you will have other rust to deal with. Life near the ocean.
     
  4. Apr 26, 2023
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    Scratch it out, bondo and paint. Good for another couple of years. Repeat as necessary.
     
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  5. Apr 26, 2023
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2003
    Messages:
    2,133
    I'd pull the windshield before doing repairs of course.. If it's not down into the seal area, get it good and clean, hit it with body filler and paint and carry on till the wheels fall off..
     
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  6. May 2, 2023
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    Pull the windshield, sandblast out all the rust. You may be able to patch it back with 3M Panel Bond if the rust isn’t too extensive, otherwise, welding will be needed. Blasting is the only way to keep the rust from coming right back.
    -Donny
     
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  7. May 2, 2023
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2020
    Messages:
    545
    Looks like moisture pools between the upper window seal and the roof, eventually causing rust. I’m cheap, so take my advice with a grain of salt. If it were my car, I would do the bare minimum to fix it. Roof looks a similar color to POR-15. I would probably wire brush the rust, apply a few coats of POR-15 to the affect areas, and see what happens over the next few seasons.
     
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