Found rust on pinch welds - best course of action to remedy?

[ListedGuru]

So I'm getting my Mustang ready to install the DIYVan patch kit for the holes in the front fender liners. In doing so I noticed that I have some rust on both sides of the pinch welds. I originally thought I saw rust on the pinch welds right around the hole that's going to get covered but that turned out to have been dirt or something else as it's not there after I washed the car. I do see some bare metal on those pinch welds that will get covered up with the DIYVan patch kit. I feel as though I should paint the bare metals sections but not sure if I should use my touch up paint I got from Ford or something like Rust Oleum Undercoating Spray which I believe only comes in black (my car is Atlas Blue).

So getting back to the rest I see on my pinch welds I see it on both sides about halfway between the wheels. I will attach a picture so you can see what I'm talking about. What's the best way to go about fixing this issue where there is rust? Sand it a bit and then paint it? Again should I use my Ford Atlas Blue touch up paint on these rusty sections or that Rust Oleum that I mentioned earlier or something entirely different? Sorry for the two part question I just need to get both of the these areas painted and sealed up and then I can install the DIYVan patch kit and put this mess to bed

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[ListedGuru]

Just wanted to bump this thread and see if anyone has any input on this?

 

[Mastermind46]

I plan to paint all of the bare metal with black rustoleum. My car is vapor blue metallic. I’m not too worried about the color. I’ll probably check it once a year and reapply when needed. I do this on my Xterra that gets a lot of trail rash, mud, and salt under it.

As for the rest of the bare metal along the pinch weld, I would be concerned with more paint chipping off. I also don’t think that should be happening since mine have no issues so maybe a warranty issue? I am not too familiar with this stuff. I have never had a new car.

I usually use a rust remover, then sand a bit, spray on primer, then coat things like this but that’s on a work truck and trail rig.

 

[RLE55]

Painters Tape, Rust-Oleum and then use a good touch up paint, many brands to choose from, I personally prefer Automotive Touchup.
https://www.automotivetouchup.com/?...MIh7jVw9HoiQMVWYlaBR2LkzgXEAAYASAAEgK_3fD_BwE

 

[Grabber1]

Sand it. Tape it off. Apply rust neutralizer. Then use your factory touch up paint.
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...Bu3l2JRPvBYYySLNNoEaAoArEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Like @Grabber1 said---definitely rust neutralizer, then sand, tape off, and recoat/repaint with the products of your choice. Good luck!

 

[ListedGuru]

Sand it. Tape it off. Apply rust neutralizer. Then use your factory touch up paint.
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...Bu3l2JRPvBYYySLNNoEaAoArEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is there any special grit or type of sandpaper that I need to sand this area? Sorry this type of thing is not my forte but I want to at least attempt to do it right. I guess at least it's in an inconspicuous area so it's ok if it doesn't come out looking real pretty

I do have a few other sections along those same pinch welds that have some bare metal exposed but don't appear to be rusting. I would assume if it's just bare metal there would be no need for the rust neutralizer in those areas correct?

Has anyone else noticed any bare metal and or rust along their pinch welds that basically run the distance between the wheels? I was able to hold a mirror along that section and get a great look as I was crawling along side my car. I'm glad I looked along the entire distance and didn't just stop at the pinch welds where they curve where the fender liner hole is.

 

[Grabber1]

Is there any special grit or type of sandpaper that I need to sand this area? Sorry this type of thing is not my forte but I want to at least attempt to do it right. I guess at least it's in an inconspicuous area so it's ok if it doesn't come out looking real pretty

I do have a few other sections along those same pinch welds that have some bare metal exposed but don't appear to be rusting. I would assume if it's just bare metal there would be no need for the rust neutralizer in those areas correct?

Has anyone else noticed any bare metal and or rust along their pinch welds that basically run the distance between the wheels? I was able to hold a mirror along that section and get a great look as I was crawling along side my car. I'm glad I looked along the entire distance and didn't just stop at the pinch welds where they curve where the fender liner hole is.

150 grit for metal should work well for what I see. They make sand paper for wood and for metal. Get the stuff for metal. No need to apply the rust neutralizer to non rusted areas. You could lightly scuff those areas with some 220 grit so your top finish paint adheres and bonds good.

 

[ListedGuru]

150 grit for metal should work well for what I see. They make sand paper for wood and for metal. Get the stuff for metal. No need to apply the rust neutralizer to non rusted areas. You could lightly scuff those areas with some 220 grit so your top finish paint adheres and bonds good.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the information you've provided and for taking the time to answer all my questions. It does look like it says to apply the Loctite rust neutralizer when it's 50-90 degrees out. It's supposed to be a high of 52 here tomorrow but I would think it would be okay as I'll do it in my garage where it should be a touch warmer (non heated garage). I'll have to do some shopping today and get the rest of the supplies you recommended to me

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