Rust repair and Rock Chip Prevention recommendations

[Siress]

I'd like to get some recommendations on how to proceed with these issues.

I had my windshield replaced recently and noticed several rust spots along the top edge due - presumably - to the same issue that broke the previous windshield; rock chips. A local auto body shop took a look and said I should get it repaired immediately before it rusts through the complicated geometry in that area and leads to costly fab work. They then quoted $2.1k for the work, which included the A-pillars and feathering out the paint to ~50% back on the roof.

What about protection from future rock chips? I'd like to have a thick piece of plastic there instead of metal. The thick polyvinyl rubber films are popular for fenders, hoods, etc but I haven't seen them for the roof. The full body wraps seem to thin to offer protection.

I've also got a lot of rock chips that have started rusting on the hood and fenders, and something going on with my B-pillar that I'm guessing is a rusted rivet. I don't even know what that black coating is over the B-pillars. Some type of enamel?

2013 Subaru Impreza WRX, btw.

[punkncat]

For what it's worth, a buddy of mine uses vinyl wrap along the whole front and leading edges of his Corvette before racing events with the series he is in. In his particular instance it doesn't take long to apply as he isn't going for looks, and it comes off in minutes. Keep the rubber, steel bits, rocks from damaging his paint, looks good as new. In his particular locale the "visual" style vinyl wraps generally last about a year (he is in Florida) before it fades or starts failing.

[Siress]

What I would give to go back and install those before the road work started on my commute... Definitely going to install them after getting these repairs.

Just had a local shop being run out of the back of a used car lot quote ~$750 / 2 days for the roof and A-pillars - compared to $2.1k / 1 week from the much more professional shop.

[shadow191]

If you're referring to the clear vinyl films they wrap cars in, they typically do make them for the leading edge of the roof for most cars. I installed the film on my Volvo when I first got it as prior cars got chipped pretty quickly. If you can't find it, you can always buy bulk wrap and trim it yourself. Or just take it to a detail shop and they can do a custom install.

Agree that the vinyl wraps for visuals like color change and such are too thin. My prior car was fully wrapped and the film provided some protection but it's very thin. The clear protection film is much, much thicker. It will stop most but not all rocks.

[mikew]

Lanolin and fish oil are good stop gap measures to prevent the spread of rust in door sills, quarter panels and windscreens.

I owned an old Jaguar saloon for many years and this method worked a treat.

[Siress]

Lanolin and fish oil are good stop gap measures to prevent the spread of rust in door sills, quarter panels and windscreens.

I owned an old Jaguar saloon for many years and this method worked a treat.

Good to know! Thanks.

[punkncat]

I cannot think of the brand...but there is a primer, perhaps rustoleum, that is available as a spray and brush applicator that work really well for helping contain rust. High Zinc or something, they call it. I have used it in conjunction with naval jelly on bad spots...however, this is stop gap.

[Tarsun2]

POR15 rust prevention and containment.