I have a problem. I got this car for free (long story) and when I received it, it had painted over rust on the rocker panels. I wasn't in a situation to refuse it so I got what I got. I had someone attempt to remove the rust, but it came back in like a month. Is it worth trying to fix this rust for the second time? I'm a perfectionist as well as being poor which is a really bad combination. This rust bothers me to no end... I don't have the tools or skill to fix this myself.





The other side isn't quite as bad, yet.

It doesn't look bad otherwise.



Is it time to try to sell this car before the rusts gets worse or should I throw more money at it and hope the rust gets fixed? It'* a great car otherwise.

Honestly that isn't that bad. If you want to spend the cash to get that fixed you could. I could easily tackle a project like that on my own. I would use something called POR 15 on the bottom half and then where it'* white sand it down to metal primer and repaint.

In order to it right everything needs to be sanded down to metal and a rust inhibitor needs to be applied and then paint and undercoat.

Definitely try to fix it if you can, it will only get worse either way though in time. Sand it down to bare metal to remove all the rust, paint it with some rust inhibitive (sp?) primer, then some white automotive paint. It won't be a permanent fix, but would last longer then leaving the rust there to eat away at it and would be cheaper then having a body shop do the work.

The POR 15 is also a good idea, cover it with that after sanding then paint that white.

Here in Michigan I have seen cars of this age and type already rusted out.

I have too. Namely my car. My rockers are rusted bad. One side was fixed last winter, and the other will be fixed in the next couple months.

I might attempt it myself, and if that doesn't solve it have a bodyshop do it. I need to repaint the back bumper cover anyway, so I might as well try to tackle this too since I'll have the paint.
I think mudguards were only an option, because some Centurys seem to have them but others don't. Generally it seems the rocker panels look pretty good on Centurys with the mudgards, but mine didn't come with them unfortunately and rock chips started this rust. I didn't have any luck at the junkyards looking for a set, so I'd like to find a new set somewhere. Any sites with OEM stuff you guys recommend? I want the set that says "Buick" on it.

I have seen some at Canadian Tire that have "Buick" on them. Have you checked Autozone or any other places like that?

Mudflaps would be a good idea.

I've cars before. A bumper is fairly easy to paint. I'd wash it up with dishsoap to remove wax and grease. Then wet sand it. Do not break through the paint. You want to remove the clearcoat. If you break through the paint it will make a low spot and that is difficult to fix. I know...

Then primer, paint, and clear it. After a couple days. I'd wet sand it with 2000. 1500 if you think you have a lot of orange peel. The wet sanding should remove a lot of the orange peel. Be careful not to break through the paint! Especially on the edges!

Then rub it out by hand with a rubbing compound to bring out the shine. Then let it sit for a couple weeks. Then use a buffer with a polish and a wax and it should look better than new.

Nice! Now I have a step by step guide. Any recommendations for clear coat and rubbing compound brands? I have yet to use these products.

Clear cost is pretty much clear when your buying it just to do something for a touch up.

As for the rubbing compound. I only use Meguiars Ultimate rubbing compound. It'* worth the money and will not damage the clear coat. It'* great at brining back color in old and new paint.