Original Mustang doors have rust. This is common knowledge that 40+ year old doors are going to suffer this fate. How do you handle this? What do you do when you discover rust on your classic Mustang door? We have an economic and environmentally friendly solution to this rusty problem.  This guide will give tips on how to de-rust the bottom section of your Mustang door, as this is the main area that problem rust occurs. 

Rust on the inside bottom seam is not visible to the eye, but is generally present.  This rust causes the bottom edge of the door to swell if it's not eliminated.  No amount of sandblasting will remove rust from this area.  Thus, utilizing this environmentally friendly chemical dip is imperative to remove this hidden rust before swelling occurs.

HOW TO DE-RUST THE BOTTOM OF YOUR 1965-1970 CLASSIC MUSTANG DOORS

MATERIALS NEEDED:

4 - 5 gallons Apple Cider or Distilled White Vinegar

1 54" long piece of PVC pipe (6" or 8" diameter)

2 end caps

PVC pipe cement (glue)

Rust inhibitor paint (such as POR 15)

THE PROCESS:

This process will walk you through creating a container made from PVC pipe that holds vinegar.  The bottom section of the door is then submerged in the vinegar. 

1. Prepare the door:  Complete any patchwork, sand off paint, remove excess rust scale, and clean the inside of the door with a vacuum or compressed air.
   
2. Using PVC pipe cement, glue an end cap to each end of the PVC pipe.  Allow time for them to completely dry.
   
3. Cut out a section of the PVC pipe large enough to fit the door in it.  Once cut, it will resemble a trough, and look like a canoe with two blunt end caps.  PLEASE NOTE:  You can use or devise a different non-metal container that suits your needs.  I have found that cutting PVC pipe in this manner works well.
4. Fill the trough with 2-4" of vinegar.  TIP:  large containers of vinegar are often sold at grocery outlet stores.
5. Submerge the door in the trough and prop it up so that it won't tip over.
6. Leave the door submerged in the vinegar for 7 days.  Check progress after 7 days. 
   
7. If rust still appears, leave it submerged for another 7 days. 
   
8. Remove the door from the trough of vinegar and rinse the door with water.
9. Place the door near a heat source where it can thoroughly dry on the inside and on the outside.
10. Using compressed air, blow any remaining moisture and water from the groove located on the inside bottom section of the door.
    
11. Apply rust inhibitor paint to the inside of the door, along the seam.
12. Your door is now ready to have the body work completed.

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Be sure to check out our other Mustang Guides for additional restoration information and helpful tips.

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