Rust!

[gotoberlin]

On closer inspection of my 2005 Multispace, it looks like around both rear arches there is some very minor bubbling, is this something to worry about or should I wait a few years until it actually becomes a problem? How quickly does rust spread on these? There's also a touch of rust on the rear drivers sill where stones have hit it but i'm not so worried about that.

I thought Berlingo's didn't rust! 

[Gadgetman]

If you have a sliding door on the driver's side, then the rust matters.
The replacement panel isn't very expensive, but it's 'a bit of a job' to weld it up correctly.

Rust on the arches spreads pretty quick because there's nooks and crannies there that can trap dirt and water.

Fix the rust now before it becomes a problem.

[geoff]

A Berlingo isn't prone to rust as such so you can kind of rest easy ..... it doesn't usually go deep.

Personally I'd get onto it now rather than leaving it unattended.

Leaving rust is never a good idea let alone for a few years

Rub back, rust converter, primer, paint - ok so not a perfect colour match but hey rust is never a good look and lets be honest if you have rust it won't be a new car anyway so it sort of doesn't matter.

Modern cars don't rust like they used to, in 1981 I bought a 3 yr old Triumph Dolomite which had failed the MOT due to serious chassis rust, compare that to your 14 yr old car.

[geoff]

Gadgetman posted before I did and I agree with him just a different way of saying it, get on and do the work before it bites your bum.

[polar]

You dont see many rusty berlingos and if you see one its very minor. Using cellulose based paint or synthetic will not hold the rust back only two pack isocyanate paint will and you cant buy or use that only a body shop can because its obviously dangerous.

If its not bad just get a bit of clear waxoil and treat it with that is your best bet or if you are really bothered let a body shop do it properly.

It wont eat your arches away like a Rover Maestro it will just be surface rust from stone chips so i would go the clear wax oil route and monitor it.

[gotoberlin]

You dont see many rusty berlingos and if you see one its very minor. Using cellulose based paint or synthetic will not hold the rust back only two pack isocyanate paint will and you cant buy or use that only a body shop can because its obviously dangerous.

If its not bad just get a bit of clear waxoil and treat it with that is your best bet or if you are really bothered let a body shop do it properly.

It wont eat your arches away like a Rover Maestro it will just be surface rust from stone chips so i would go the clear wax oil route and monitor it.

I remembered I had a pot of vactan rust converter in the garage...the same stuff they use on navy ships to stop rust spreading, have lightly touched up any bits with that for now..should keep it from spreading, it's really minor anyway