I remember seeing an article in one of the car magazines quite a while back about this system that uses molten zinc metal sprayed onto rusted areas, rather than cutting, patching, and filling. The company is www.Rustbusters.com and their info is intriguing.

Has anyone ever had this type work done to their vehicle? How well does it work and how does its cost compare to conventional body repair?

Just curious,
Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

yeah I have been wondering the same thing. I went to their site and the closest place they have listed is like 150 miles away from me. To buy the system its like $15K which incl. a week of training at their factory out in like Oregon or Wash. State.Looks like a modified MIG welder.

The package even includes your very own media blaster to clean off the area before spraying zinc.
I have a nephew in Oregon. That would give me a reason to go up there for a visit. Now, where do I get $15K?

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

According to their website it's $20K. You'd have to repair a LOT of rust to make back the investment unless you're a pro doing it for pay.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

I dont know anything about it, but it looks way koool
the mag in questiion is mopar muscle jan 04 issue, article is called "sprayin' metal" the pictures of what this guy dose with it look awesome!

having one would just be way too kool

tophat

I was asking around about this on another forum when I expanded my shop. The one aspect of this process that doesn't sit well with me is that you are applying a coating over freshly sandblasted metal to fill holes. This doesn't last long when one uses fiberglass to bridge holes so why would it work any better with metal spray? It was never a matter of strength when fiberglass mat and resin fails, it was the microscopic rust that was still on the original panel. It would just fester under the 'glass and bubbles would appear. The same thing happens when metal isn't properly preped for lead repairs too.
I just don't see this as a lasting repair. I hope I am wrong, there is a lot of money being spent on the repairs and the equipment.

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Chris'
Autobody
Restoration
Service

I believe the best thing about this process, as I understand it, is that you are spraying metal with some zinc in it, which forms a sacrificial oxide instead of rust forming on the steel. This should be better than any plastic repair, but I have not personal experience with it.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Lou, you may be right about the zinc. I just decided to wait a few years and see what happens to the panels after some road miles and time. I've seen "mudded-up" cars hold up for decades given the right storage and care. Maybe in 10 years patch panels will be a thing of the past and we'll be spray welding them all!

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Chris'
Autobody
Restoration
Service