Radar arch rust

[Madjohnwillie]

Hi there. I have a 2006 280cxi with some rust bubbling up under the paint on the radar arch. I think the arch is made of aluminium and the rust has definitely got worse over the years. Any suggestions/advice would be most appreciated.

[Orion Jim]

You must first determine what the arch is made of, aluminum doesn't rust.

[JPA Cate]

Sometimes aluminum forms a whitish powdery substance underneath the paint. It will eventually push the paint off, because the corrosion products take up more room than the plain aluminum alloy.

Cure is to remove the paint and all the powdery stuff, prime with aluminum primer, and repaint. (You'll still be able to see the pits that are left behind, but if you try and fair it out, the oxidization will return, which it may do, any way.) If you have the money, and you know of a good aluminum yacht painter, I'd discuss it with him or her, or hire them.

Ann

[Madjohnwillie]

Thanks, Ann. That is exactly what is happening. At the moment the plan is to enjoy it this summer, or what passes as summer in Scotland, then try and get it under cover at the end of September. I am thinking of having a go myself as the yacht restorers around here are really grp restorers. I do know a couple of good car bodywork guys, who would mostly work in steel, but may have some aluminium experience. It certainly couldn't look any worse than it does just now.