Yes, there is hope! I used POR15’s Peuclid clear paint on the backsides of my Magnum 500 wheels and my replated bumpers (backsides). That was over 15 years ago and they still look great! This stuff sticks like glue and even looks like it isn’t even there. Applied with a brush and it flowed out like it was sprayed. I highly recommend it. Polish out the rust, remove all wax/grease and then apply it over anything you want to protect. If water can’t get to it, rust cannot form on it.
I searched for this product and they must have changed the name. I’ll bet it is now just called “clear”. Here is a screen shot of the page:
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POR-15 Top Coat - Paint directly on prepped bare metal surfaces
