Should I fix this?

Long story short bought a used 2014 tundra 4x4.

After already replacing the ring and pinion assembly, now debating the rust bubble next to the windshield on the roof.Cheapest quote is just under $700,have to do the whole roof. I'm almost thinking just injecting it with some rust stopper and maybe just vinyl wrap a tundra emblem across the top of windshield.
Any thought?

 

Weird spot for a rust bubble.....Has the windshield been replaced?

 

That truck is pretty new to have that kind of cancer spot. Whatever you do... stop the rust.

 

Yes, it's a replacement windshield, thinking they did damage the paint when replacing...or possibly a rock chip.

 

That’s a big rock chip I would reluctantly have it repainted.

 

I use to replace windshields....I've seen this before......A rust spot like that is definitely from the tool that you use to cut through the adhesive.....

 

Sand it, prep it, clear coat and wrap it.

 

That is bad for a 14. I'd get it fixed the right way or it'll spread like crazy!!! Pretty shitty situation because I'd bet that was caused by the windshield installer.

 

There's no warranty on rust(from the auto body shop).
I'm wondering if I do get it fixed is aftermarket paint just going to crap out in a few years.
Audited two stage refinish. I know nothing about paint except from years ago when people would redo the vehicles and it would look crappy in a couple years.

 

That area needs to be cut out and replaced with new metal. Then body worked, primed, and paint blended. I should hold up just fine. Just use a reputable body shop. They may use OEM Toyota paint if you ask them to. Or get it done at a dealer.
"Injecting" with rust stopper and wrapping it is a bad idea, like putting a bandaid on a malignant tumor.... Not going to work out well

 

I’m pretty sure any body shop that is reputable will guarantee their work for as long as you own the truck. Let them fix it and if it fails they can fix it again for free.

 

These were just likely the $399 Maaco paint jobs from back in the 90s

 

I'm in a small town but went and had 3 quotes down, all from dealers.
Our Toyota dealer doesn't have a paint/auto body shop, so took it to Ford, Chev. and a Carquest auto body shop.
Each 1 had this Audatex paint system....just noticed it said audited in earlier post.

 

You can easily fix it, just get paint to match from a reputable source and get 2k high gloss clear coat that will harden up like a paint shop.

Get paint from here http://www.automotivetouchup.com/touch-up-paint/


Get clear coat, 2 part mix is crucial. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SprayMax-3...at-11-8-oz-Aerosol-Spray-Can-USC/112526891180

I've had to do bumper fixes before and it always turns out great. Just make sure you test spray on cardboard before trying it, and use the spray and pull out method.

If it were me, I'd

1. protect the area with tape that I don't want to expose
2. wet sand with 800, 1000, 1500 if you want
3. prime it with any primer, wet sand it again 1000
4. let it dry , tape up the area
5. spray fan method, spray away and into and pull away from the area
6. do a couple layers of paint
7. let it dry 30 min-1 hr or so
8. do the clear, 2-3 layers
9. you can cut and polish if you like

You'd be amazed! Hope this helps.

 

https://youtu.be/MQX2pj-lbLs

 

I think Toyota guarantees against rust for 60 months (5 years)? Will they repair it under warranty?

 

I agree with the majority here, fix it properly at a reputable shop and you won’t have to worry about the rust spreading. Patch or half ass the repair and you’ll probably have more rust or water issues in the future.

 

You're suggesting painting over rusty metal? I wouldn't do this, I'd wanna cut out all the rust and a decent margin all around it. Especially at that location.

 

no, i said sand it first then primer , see #2, didn't say just spray paint over it. I'm guessing you've never done anything like this before.

I was just giving my opinion cause you asked for opinion, you could always go to a pro and pay $$$. It's your call.

 

I saw that you sand sand and prime. Sand the rusted metal down to what? From the looks of that bubble there's likely some rusted/perforated metal under there that would likely require cutting out and patching with new steel.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Guess I'll call Toyota and see if there is a rust warranty on this(I'm not the original owner).
700 bucks on this nickel size bubble sucks but might have to do it....wait on the Blistiens.

 

Fix it right the first time. Strip down to bare metal. Sand blast the rust pits or it will just come back. If pitting is to much to blast or there is a hole replace the metal.

 

Nip it in the bud

 

Ya probably will, 95% sure. YouTube videos showing blending or rock chip repairing had me thinking but the weather has changed and I'm pretty sure I don't have the skills or patience to tackle the job.

 

Go to a wrecking yard and buy a piece of metal from a car and practice! You can get something from a totaled care pretty cheap. Just a thought!

 

You need to fix that the right way. Take it to a professional body shop, have them pull the windshield, sand down the rust, if it goes thru the metal, cut it out, weld in new metal, repaint the whole roof.

The good news is if they do screw up the paint and it doesn't look perfect or the clearcoat fails in a few years, you aren't going to notice it unless you are like 6'7" or taller. Just make sure you get a written guarantee that the rust won't come back.

And yes, this is entirely due to a botched windshield install. I bought a 1992 Lexus SC300 back in 2012, 5 speed, pearl white, 60k miles on it, 1 owner, mint condition, a real survivor car. I mean it looked like a CPO car Lexus would have had on their lot in 1993. I had every service record for it, noticed it had the windshield replaced in the late 90's. Sure enough a couple years after I bought it I noticed rust started showing up in that exact same spot as on your truck.

I got a few quotes to fix it, $1500-2000. On that car there is no "break" between the roof and the rear quarter panel, so no good place to put a paint line like on your truck. To fix it right, it meant removing windshield, sand out rust/maybe patch in new metal, repaint roof with primer, base coat, pearl coat, then clear coat. Thing is they'd have to sand off all the clear coat on the rear quarter panels as well since there wasn't a break line in the body work, otherwise it wouldn't look right. Well I just said fuck it, I'm not having half of the car repainted, just for it not to match up(pearl white is impossible to match). Drove it with the rust getting worse for 4 years before it finally started to leak thru the windshield. I had a good 6 year run with that car before I sold it this year, just didn't feel like dropping a bunch of $$$$ in the car, kind of lost interest.

 

Had similar bubble on 07, winshield removed and, treated rust and painted whole roof for $450. Was told probably result of tools from past winshield replacement. Had some higher quotes, $500-600 plus windshield if needed.
If windshield had broke or cracked, would have been more $, luckily they were good.
If not repaired, rain will eventually start to get in.

 

Get it fixed the right way and move on - no worries

 

Update... I brought it to a Ford auto repair shop Monday, should be ready Friday.
I'll take pictures of the job....estimate is $600 ish.
Side note, gave me a Ford crewcab 4x4 xlt as a courtesy vehicle. I drive one at work, "softer" ride more car like, not my thing...like the fuel economy though.