Hi all,

Over the years, my white '89 Cherokee has developed decent rust spots in the rain gutters from an old canoe rack that scored the paint. To stop the rust from spreading, I want to repair it the best I can. I am thinking of carefully grinding out the old rust to expose the metal for a coat (or two) of protective/ anti-corrosive paint and primer. To be able to do the best job, however, I will need to remove the chrome trim on the gutters to get the best angle for my Dremel tool. Another reason why I'm thinking of removing it is so that I can eliminate the possibility of scratching it up badly. So, what I'm wondering is, is there a safe and easy way to remove the gutter trim and put it back on? Also, please feel free to write any other advice you have on minor surface rust repair. Thank you so much!

 

Subscribed for replies. I'm kind of in the same boat. I've got about a quarter sized rust spot just above my driver's door.

 

Yeah. I saw this video from Bleep'n jeep on removal and install. but my 1996 2door has painted gutter that seems very attatched. nervous to try and pry off. I am having the same issue. At this point its surface rust. want to stop it in its tracks.

 

Actually now that i see it closer. he replaced a cover or trim that went over the body rain gutter. hmm? Im scared to say that I wouldnt be surprised those things are welded on, considering how many racks and bars can also attatch to them.

 

the chrome trim on my 1990 xj is attached with an adhesive. For removal a heat gun or a solvent maybe useful, the trim is very fragile.
beware of grinding out rust, you may end up to thin. an acid paint prep etch can greatly help prevent rusting under paint, improve adhesion.

 

My '88 has the same clips as in the video. I scored a set of Chrome trim a while back off an other '88 and they came off the same way. Try not to damage the clips.

 

I had to have the windshield replaced so I had the rust in the gutters and
the windshield frame repaired all at once. The trim rail covers were all bent
so I took them off and had the gutters repaired by a welder. Like Saudade
above I found some trims on a junk XJ and they are attached with silicon
adhesive, I believe.

 

Couldn't you just use a rust converter then top coat and clear it?