Rust Encapsulator???

D

dukess396

Can you guys school me up? A coworker asked me about fixing up some spots on his Silverado, typical daily driven stuff. Theres a bunch of rock chips, a little rust on the cab corners and inside door skin folds,and spray/install fender flares. He wanted everything below the moldings sprayed with a chip resistant finish. I figured 2 grand to do the job. We do a lot of work with a local bodyshop (I work in a dealership) they said they could do it for $1200. Yikes. Anyways,thats the way he went, so I asked how it was coming. He told me they just finished applying the rust encapsulator. I thought those types of products were forbidden? Are these guys just short cutting him, saving money, or is there products out there reputable guys use to take care of rust? I have much to learn, but this little bit I thought I knew.
 
I used it as a test on an inner panel that was originally left bare metal, and wasn't impressed with it at all. I will definitely use epoxy next time.
 
If they are using these products, they sure as hell aren't saving HIM money. They are short cutting him, and more than likely they low balled the estimate to get the work because they are slow.

There is no such thing as a rust "encapsulator". I had a guy tell me that on a car he pulled from another shop...said they applied rust encapsulator over his frame. After I passed out from the look of the frame when I recieved it..I looked a bit harder and all they did was brush por-15 all over it. Bushings, bolts, dust covers,rubber boots, everything. They told him they completely disassembled the frame and all. Quite commical. Happens everyday..
 
Wasn't there a thread on here at one time dealing with a car someone had "treated" before painting and all the paint was falling off? Seems I remember it being on this site but maybe not. When they stripped the car there were plenty of other "short cuts" taken as well.
 
I tell people all the time that shopping for body and paint is not like shopping for an appliance. A certain model number of appliance will be the same no matter which store you buy it from, but a job that involves craftsmanship will most definitely NOT be the same between shops.

It's critically important for consumers to get at least a little education about what they will be receiving for their money. I will take the time to explain parts of the process to the customer, especially the parts that might be left out of a lower end job, and try to arm them with some information, even if they don't come to me for repairs.

Unfortunately, we live in an age where cheapest price means everything to most people. Walmart would not exist if this was not true. So it's an uphill battle.
 
Agreed. I tell potential customers to be sure they get a detailed list of the steps and products that will be used if they really want to "compare" prices.
Most however don't care as long as it "looks good" when they go to pick it up.
I am redoing someone's "repair job" on the bumpers for a 1998 Town and Country right now. But hey the last guy was a lot cheaper . . .
 
Thanks guys. Thats what I thought. Too bad. Hes a good guy. He didn't try to get me to come down or anything. We both just figured the price they get on large amounts of material is what kept me from being close. The only thing I get decent prices on are SPI. The PPG store kills me for color. Oh well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top