Metal Corrosion: Prevention & Metal Finishing Fixes

Metal is a fantastic material that is strong and durable, and generally perfect for uses like automotive construction. However, as great as metals are for construction and framing, it does have a major weakness: Corrosion. Corrosion left unchecked commonly destroys metal components and so when it happens to classic cars and hot rods, it's important to catch it early with metal finishing or plan on a full replacement. The following is a look at what corrosion is, how you can keep older components clean, and when metal finishing is needed:

The Basics of Corrosion

Corrosion is a natural phenomenon that is caused when metal interacts with certain environmental conditions. Most known and hated by automotive enthusiasts is rust, which is an iron oxide that is formed by the oxidation-reduction reaction of oxygen and iron combined with moisture. When not corrected, the water and oxygen will eventually work upon any existing iron and change it to rust, which eventually disintegrates the metal completely.

As you might expect, corrosion can cause serious and significant damage to metals -- all types of metals. The more a segment of metal corrodes, the more it weakens and will eventually collapse. Serious automotive accidents have been attributed to corrosion that was either knowingly or unknowingly allowed to progress.

Prevent Against Corrosion

The good news is that corrosion can be prevented and it can be removed. The first step, prevention, begins by shielding metal from the environmental factors that lead to corrosion. For automotive panels and similar exposed metal components on your classic car or hot rod, consider polishing or painting for a protective layer. Metal can also be cleaned with a special solution to increase its lifespan. However, no matter which solution you choose, be sure to avoid abrasive cleaning methods that could scratch the surface of a metal and create a crevice where corrosion can begin and be undetected.

Custom Metal Work in Andice, Texas

Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we offer a variety of metal finishing services -- and there are many different services. Metal finishing is a broad term that refers both to techniques of straightening and filling metal and plating metal to prevent against corrosion. One metal finishing technique or process that improves a metal's corrosion resistance is electroplating. Electroplating treats a metal's surface by applying a thin layer of metal or metal alloy over another metal in order to change its properties and improve its appearance, durability, and performance.

Learn More About Metal Finishing and Corrosion Repair at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice

If you've just bought a classic car or hot rod, it's always a good idea to have it professionally looked over and inspected for any signs of corrosion. Remember, corrosion can occur even in the smallest of spaces and once it begins, it's hard to get it gone. Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we have been providing expert metal finishing services for decades. So whether you need corrosion repair or collision repair, we are your local Andice shop. Contact us today!