Expert: David Caulfield - 3/22/2008

Question
Hey i've looked for ever online for the term "pits" when dealing with rusted spots could you explain what a pit is? and i'm currently going to a trade school for automotive and am also interested in autobdoy repair, i've benn thinking about tinkering with my truck i have an 87' chevy silverado with some surface rust, major rust holes, and some minor rust holes. i don't have power tools could i fix the surface rust by sanding the rusted areas by hand?

Answer
Hi Justin, pits are small pinhole or larger impressions in the rusted area that the metal is no longer there. It has therefore "rusted away" as they say. They don't mean much as the rust itself is the problem. When rust has started the pitting process, you should replace the panel or cut and weld in a new section to replace the rusted areas. I do not recommend anyone spend time fixing rust damage unless done correctly by a professional. Sorry Justin, once rust starts it does not stop. If anyone tells you to fix the rust areas as you describe, they would not be doing you any favors. Good Luck Justin, David