Can you stop rust?!

[Beanie2]

Right, there are all these claimed rust cures and treatments available to stop rust and prevent it's spread, etc.

Mostly a load of old bolshoi i suspect

Can anyone recommend one that actually works? so when I spot little pieces of surface rust, I can use something to stop it in it's tracks?

[E30Adam]

Nothing stops rust once it's started. Different treatments can clow it but you'll never stop it.

[Simon13]

the only real cure is to cut it out, or replace panels which is expensive, waxoyl etc can slow it down but as they say "rust is like cancer to a car, and can also be terminal!" my bit on the end there

[Brianmoooore]

For surface rust, cut the paint back, wire brush off the rust and treat the area with phosphoric acid (Kurust, Jenolite, etc.), then paint.
Trouble is, most surface rust is actualy coming through from behind. Only cure is to cut the affected metal out and MIG weld in a patch - not difficult with today's cheap MIG welders. Then seal and paint properly.
Usualy you will find that rust doesn't spread very far from the original damage on E30s.
Did a thorough rust hunt on a 88 Touring on Sunday, prior to a M50 conversion. Only requires to small metal plates, about 50mm X 25mm, plus a good phosphoric acid session around the rear towing eye.

[kevin316i]

There is a product called POR-15 that is supposed to be the biz. I'm going to order it from Frost and try it out for some small patches on the car. However, if it it is coming through the metal then you need to treat both sides to ensure it doesn't return.