My 1997 Saturn SC2's hood is rusting from underneath. I guess it's been happening for a while, because there are a few spots where the top surface is bubbled up. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from getting worse, and can I replace the hood myself? Where would I get a replacement hood and do they come in colors or would I have to paint it to match?
Thanks to anyone who can help me come up with a reasonable solution to this problem.
Try this stuff or one of the similar formulations of rust reformers Permatex 81849 - Permatex Rust Treatment
Hope this helps
If the hood really is rusting through from the underside then there is nothing that will save it economically. Inner fenders, shock and strut towers and the undersides of hoods can collect salt if not washed regularly.
If the rust is from water that has worked under the paint from rock chips commonly found near the front edge, then the rust treatments Oppie suggest can help but the entire hood will require repainting. There are clear and colored coatings such as 'gravel guard' that are often applied to the front edge of the hood and lower rocker panels and other areas of metal that are exposed to gravel chipping.
The best and most economical repair will be to obtain a replacement hood from a 'do it yourself' auto wrecker. It is a simple job and you can practice when you remove the replacement hood. Look for one the same color as your car and no paint will be required. IIRC I paid
I just wanted to drop you both a quick thank-you. I will research both of these solutions. It is definitely bubbling through from the underside, rather than from a chip. I noticed the bubbling a long time ago. It didn't appear to be rust at the time, and I assumed some caustic chemical had dripped onto the hood somewhere causing it. By the time I thought to check the underside, the rust under there was pretty bad and now there is some more bubbling.
I've never heard of a do it yourself auto wrecker, but that seems like an interesting solution and I'll look into it... Will report back!
Thanks Oppie and Private!
Sounds like a replacement hood will be your best option. This is where we wish that the hoods were plastic and not steel. A new one is ~$375. plus the cost of paint which can be expensive from a body shop. If you shop carefully you should be able to find a good used one that is the right color. Normal full service auto wreckers try to get 1/2 of new price but YMMV. I suggest that you do not tell them what color you need until after they quote a price.
Self serve auto wreckers are very popular here and are a good source of bargain parts. Look for names like 'Pick Your Part' or 'Pick-N-Pull'
The current throw away society has resulted in cars going to the wreckers that seem to have nothing wrong with them and would certainly have been repaired in the past. Many have far less mileage than the cars that are continuing to give me great service and which I expect to get much more from.
Good luck YMMV
I picked up a 1996 SL hood that was in excellent condition and matched the color of the vehicle for $50 at a local U-Pull-It salvage yard.
Bob
Was the hood rusting underneath the sound insulation mat ? ( My daugther has a 97 SC2 and I'm wondering if I should pull the mat loose to check ? )
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I definitely have to check out these self-serve salvage yards.
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