So I bought my 02 Max used, and it came with a nearly perfect cirlcle dime-sized rust spot right above the driver side window. I've ignored it for about 2 months, but I want to take care of it before the winter hits here in New England. I did search through stickies and the detailing section, but haven't really found anything that answers my questions: Should this be sanded down? I think so, but what grain sand paper should I use to not damage other stuff? Is there a better way to go about it?

Also, I orded the touch-up paint and clear coat, but after doing a google search, I still haven't found a definite answer as to the process of touching up. How many coats before clear? How long to dry? Wax over it or wait a bit? I do realize that there should be bondo and what not as well, but it's not a huge spot so I'm not particularly concerned about even surface, just making it less noticeable and keep if from getting any worse. Has anyone here done a good touch up paint job that has any tips? Any info is appreciated.

 

Take blue painters tape and surround the rust spot. Then take fine sandpaper, 1500-2000 grit and gently rub in a circular motion taking care to not scrape too much tape. Using a rag with rubbing alcohol, periodically go over the spot to remove dust and see your progress. You may also wish to use 00 steel wool prior to touch up, making sure that when all sanding is done to use the rubbing alcohol rag one last time on the area.

For touch up paint application, grab a matchbook and remove one match. The match needs to be the flexible matchbook kind, not match sticks. Take one end of the match, and with a pair of scissors make a 45 degree cut. Grab a waterbottle cap or something similar, and add touch up paint to the cap. With your match, dip the freshly cut end in the paint, just a little drop, and carefully apply to the sanded area. Do thins until you have an initial basecoat. Allow to dry, re-apply as necessary. If too much is applied, you can wetsand the excess until fairly flush. (Keep tape on.)

Have fun!

 

Thanks for the info!