Every classic car enthusiast knows a thing or two about rust.  Rust, of course, is our perennial enemy… even here in SoCal, with our limited rainfall (and current drought).  So it’s about time we featured a vendor who specializes in keeping rust at bay!  This week we caught up with Rick and Diane Bruns, the owners of Rusted Rods.  For years Rusted Rods has championed the cause, offering anti-corrosive and rust preventive coatings to aide in your classic car restoration.  They’re also a Pomona Swap Meet regular.  You can find them at every show on the Main Aisle (Road C, Space 19).

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELVES…

PSM:  When and how did you get started in this industry?
RB:  We started Rusted Rods about ten years ago, focusing primarily on providing specialty coatings to small hot-rod builders and do-it-yourself car restorers.

PSM:  What’s the best part of your job?
RB:  Working with people interested in the car hobby and businesses.

PSM:  Have you always been interested in classic cars?
RB:  Yes, my first car was a ’51 Ford woody wagon, which my dad promptly made me sell because it “wasn’t practical.”  Boy, I wish I still had that car!  Since then, I’ve had several ’65/’66 Mustangs, a ’56 Ford F-1, and a 1930 Chevy.

PSM:  Do you currently own a classic car?
RB:  We have a ’31 Model A, a ’66 Mustang coupe, and I’m currently resto-modding a ’50 Ford Custom sedan.

PSM:  If you won the lottery tonight, what’s the first classic car you would buy?
RB:  Probably another ’49-’51 Ford woody wagon.

PSM:  Any favorite memories of the Pomona Swap Meet that you could share with us?
RB:  We’ve met some very interesting characters, several celebrities, and thousands of great people.  Many of our customers come by just to say hello and show us their finished projects.  That’s a kick!

PSM:  Ford or Chevy?
RB:  I enjoy all classics, but lean towards Ford.

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY…

PSM:  How can customers contact you?
RB:  It’s easiest to reach me at (951)232-9514 or by email at [email protected].  You can also visit our website, www.rustedrods.com.

PSM:  Can you tell us a little about your company and its history?
RB:  We started with POR-15 about ten years ago.  My brother owned a speed shop in Missouri and he used it on body frames.  We tried it and liked it, but it wasn’t easily found in So Cal.  So we decided to try selling it at Pomona.  We had a lot of people interested and modest success, so we decided to pursue selling all of the POR-15 line, and later added Eastwood products for those who prefer the ease of aerosol applications.

PSM:  What exactly do you sell?
RB:  We sell POR-15 and Eastwood specialty automotive coatings primarily.  We can special order most anything they sell, unless prohibited by California’s SCAQMD legislation.

FV POR40-3

PSM:  So what’s new in rust?  What are a few things that classic car owners should know or look out for?
RB:  The most important thing about rust is to eliminate or encapsulate it so that it doesn’t cause further damage.  Rust, iron oxide, occurs when water and oxygen come into contact with metal surfaces.  Basically, it’s chemical weathering and erosion of the metal surface.  To protect the metal, it must be protected from wet conditions or rust will occur.  Both POR-15 and Eastwood’s Rust Encapsulator provide superior protection against water damage.

PSM:  Tell us about POR-15.  How easy is it to work with?  Can the average DIY-er use it effectively, or?
RB:  POR-15 is a paint-on coating which you simply brush on clean, dry, bare metal to protect it from rust.  Unlike most paints, it doesn’t gas off solvents which leave open pores for water to later penetrate.  Instead, it dries from the outside inward, so it leaves no access to damaging water and dries to an impenetrable surface.  Surfaces coated with POR-15 that are exposed to UV light should be top-coated after application.

PSM:  What’s the basic process that a classic car owner should go through to eradicate rust, and to prevent new rust?  How hard is the prep work to get metal surfaces ready for POR-15?
RB:  POR-15 can be applied over most metal surfaces.  To prep, clean well with a product like POR-15’s Marine Clean degreaser.  Surface rust may be scraped or wire-brushed to provide a smoother surface or chemically cleaned with POR-15 Metal Prep (formerly Metal Ready).  This product leaves a zinc-phosphate residue which promotes better adhesion.  Then POR-15 can simply be brushed on.  It’s self-leveling.  Curiously, POR-15 cures with water vapor in the atmosphere, so it actually cures faster under humid conditions.  Primers and topcoats may be applied when it is “finger-drag” tacky, within the first 12-24 hours for best results.

PSM:  What other products do you offer or specialize in?
RB:  We offer the full line of Eastwood specialty coatings, and can special order any products available in California from either the POR-15 or Eastwood’s product lines.

PSM:  Any new products or offerings that we should know about?  Any changes on the horizon?
RB:  We always have new products from Eastwood.  We are very excited about their new line of 2K Ceramic spray coatings.

PSM:  How long have you been coming to Pomona?
RB:  Ten years.

PSM:  What are your most popular items at the Swap Meet?  What sells fast?
RB:  Our most popular items are POR-15 coatings and Eastwood Rust Encapsulators and Chassis Black.  We also sell quite a bit of the Eastwood primers, specialty finishes, and fuel tank restoration kits.

PSM:  Do you offer any special swap meet deals or discounts?
RB:  Yes, we offer a swap meet special “POR-15 Restorers Kit” which includes quart sizes of Marine Clean, Metal Prep, and POR-15 in your choice of color for $65.  This kit will provide about 90 square feet of coverage.  Individually priced online, these products would run $75 plus tax and shipping.  So, it’s about a $20-$25 savings for our customers.

PSM:  Anything else that customers should know about your company or your products?
RB:  Stop by and chat with us a while.  We’ll be happy to answer your questions about our product lines and help you with your project in any way we can!

If you’re working to restore a classic car, stop by Road C, Space 19 on the Main Aisle at the next Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show.  Talk to a couple of experts, and get the products you need to keep the rust on your ride in check!