Help removing rust and cover hole left in bumper at trailer hitch ball bumper hole?

[atpatter]

Hi,

I recently had U-haul add a trailer hitch to my gladiator (about 2 months ago). I'm looking to solve 2 problems this created. I'm assuming the scratches and rust are due to the hitch install, but not 100% sure.

1. There is a little rust developing on the metal part shown in the picture. It's not the outer layer of the bumper but inner layer of the bumper (?). How hard is it to get this taken apart in a way that I can easily remove the rust (if that's needed)?
2. Related: what sort of products should I use to remove the rust and prevent it from spreading? I got some loctite rust extend neutralizer, but I read that it might cause unrusted surfaces to rust (on the back of the product it says this), so that seems like a bad idea.
   1. Is this even worth the effort to address if I'm going to cover it up anyway?
3. What can I use to cover the ragged circular hole they left? I found some sheet metal hole plugs that look like they might almost work if I have the proper bonding glue, etc
   1. 2" hole plug - This one is almost right - it's just leaves a hair of a gap if not fitted perfectly. If I got some good bonding substance, I could probably ensure there is no gap by liberally applying it.
   2. 2.5" hole plug - this one is too big.
   3. 2.25"-2.3" hole plug would be perfect but I'm having a hard time finding one anywhere.

Thank you!

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I use extend a lot, and have used it for years. I used it on car restoration, converting rust so it can be painted over and I use it on some armatures, the clear them, to make them look new and get rid or or prevent rust.
I've never had it cause rust.
For one thing after you treat the area, you are supposed to prime and paint, or at least paint it. Don't leave it exposed.

Frankly, I'd clean that area, use Extend, let it dry, then paint it.
I've not seen return on anything that I've properly treated, then sealed or painted.

 

[Shopshirt]

Is that where the hitchball goes? Wondering why it looks like that. Is that the bottom, it looks like they drilled through the top of the bumper?

 

[atpatter]

Is that where the hitchball goes? Wondering why it looks like that. Is that the bottom, it looks like they drilled through the top of the bumper?

That's the top of my bumper right at the license tag. I think that's normal way to do it unfortunately. It looks like a bit of a mess which is why I'm cover it with a plug (and to help with rust I guess )

 

[SargeDiesel]

My 2002 Dodge Ram has three(3) large cutouts for the heavy duty tow package hitch adapter. One(1) large center and two(2) smaller ones on each side. It came with a cover.
I personally would have been pissed if they tried to pawn that off as a professional installation. Looks like they used a pocket knife.

If it was me, I would use a hole saw or similar to make a perfect hole. Get it to a size of an easily obtained plug of your choice/quality.

Good luck with your project !

 

[atpatter]

I decided I'm either going to use my 2" plug since it's almost right in size and either glue it down with silicone sealant or a some black tape for now.

I may be able to get a friend to 3d print a plug exactly the size I need if I want later.

For the rust part, I may have messed up. I let the Loctite Rust Extender dry for about 21 hours, then I needed to run to the dealer in the rain to get a new set of tires today. I covered it up so it wouldn't get rain on it but I still think some moisture got on it. I figured it was okay since it was close to the 24 hour cure time it recommends. When I got home, I decided to spray some concentrated cleaner on it Chemical guys: All-Clean+ citrus cleaner. As soon as I sprayed it on, there was a lot of discoloration where I sprayed it where there was neutralizer. Here is what it looks like now, after spraying and rubbing with a q-tip to try to get any dust off from driving earlier:

By the time I got home, it had already been 24 hours of cure time, so I figured it would be okay to wash that area off before applying the primer. However, it seems it turned purple... Is this supposed to happen? Will I need to reapply rust neutralizer and start over?

Sponsored