I have a concrete driveway, and my 97 Sonoma's frame has alot of surface rust from the condensation off the concrete. So now the drips off the frame are causing rust stains on the driveway. What do I do? I need to remove the stains, and also undercoat the truck or something so this doesn't happen again and get worse, but I don't think you can undercoat a rusted frame, or have a place do it...right?

I don't know how the frames on S10's were protected but on my 02 Silverado the frame is waxed and it seems to be holding up well. Rather than undercoating you may want to see if someone make an at home frame waxing system.

As for the rust on the driveway, you could always dump some oil on top of them.

quote Originally posted by Hank is Here: I don't know how the frames on S10's were protected but on my 02 Silverado the frame is waxed and it seems to be holding up well. Rather than undercoating you may want to see if someone make an at home frame waxing system.

That won't really help now. Once the rust has started the only way to be sure you've killed it is to cut it out and replace it.

The frames are generalliy e-coated and then painted, FWIW. Few North American vehicle lines are waxed.

CLR will take away your rust... maybe. Concrete is pretty porous, so you'd have to let it soak a while.

Rent a power-washer? (to deal with the stains)

POR15 the rust spots after wire brushing it to stop future problems then hit the stains with CLR and a scrub brush.

Thanks for all the replys, well its not rust spots really, its a coating of it on all of it. Such as a wire wheel on a drill might remove, I suppose I am in for that messy job!
Would CLR leave bleached looking spots on the concrete, that stuff i believe is usually used for bathtubs and sinks?

I messed up when putting Ironite on the lawn and hit the driveway also. Rust stains everywhere and my wife said get them out or else.

Tractor supply has a product called "Rust Out". It's a powder you mix with water. Worked well disolving the rust off the concrete. Should be available at any plumbing supply store.

For the driveway, Lowes and Home Depot carry a rust stain remover in their sprinkler section to remove iron stains from well water setups. It a red gallon container. Otherwise use Muriatic acid from a pool store.

For the truck I would use the green quart bottle of rust disolver made by purple power available at Advance for about $5, then undercoat it.

[This message has been edited by SCCAFiero (edited 04-22-2008).]

I own an industrial duty steam cleaner. I have practiced with different rust removers and some commercial chemicals I have availability to. My aim was to perfect ridding concrete of stains (including aged oil stains). The problem with stains are that they are deeply rooted. As Ryan mentioned, concrete is very porous. I never did accomplish my aim but did lighten some spots. I never got completely rid of even one spot.
It will depend on how long your driveway has been stained and also the concentration of the rust (some rust is more difficult than others). It will take repeated applications to best do the job. Again as Ryan mention, letting each application soak awhile is the way to go.

quote Originally posted by 2.5: ....and also undercoat the truck or something so this doesn't happen again....

Because concrete is porous many people use concrete sealers. That will stop allowing the rust to be absorbed into the concrete. Painting a driveway will accomplish the same thing. Also because concrete is porous, it can be stained to a color of your choosing. It should be sealed afterwards. As with staining wood you can not stain to get a lighter color. I have no experience with how a stain would cover a rust spot. It might show through to some extent.

You want a quick solution old school? Dump some cat litter or floor dry on the spot and rub a chunk of 2x4 over it to sand the spot out of the cement. Works the same for oil spots. Nothing fancy and works and takes a few seconds.

[This message has been edited by Tcat55371 (edited 04-22-2008).]

For the truck use SEM's "Rust-Mort", spray directly on the rust, it will transform the rust into a very hard inert material. I've used it on my Fiero frame rails and such, great product, they also use it on off-shore oil rigs where rust from salt water is always a concern. SEM's rust seal isn't half as good, be sure to use "Rust-Mort".

For the driveway, most any product containing hydrofluric acid will do the trick. "Wink" laundry rust stain remover (brown bottle) will work very well, doesn't take much at all, works fairly fast, available in larger super markets. Wink is the real deal, always wear safety glasses, gloves and old clothes.

quote Originally posted by Tcat55371: You want a quick solution old school? Dump some cat litter or floor dry on the spot and rub a chunk of 2x4 over it to sand the spot out of the cement. Works the same for oil spots. Nothing fancy and works and takes a few seconds.

And another. I use the ashes from my Bar-B-Que pit. Actually kitty litter does not sand the spot per say but top coats the stain. Both kitty litter and ashes are about the same color as concrete. Both will wash away unless sealed in place.

Thanks for all the great ideas!

Use Muriatic acid with gloves. You can buy a gallon at Lowes or Home Depot.