Galvanized steel firewall question

[bryris]

I assume all Cherokees have galvanized steel firewalls, right? It looks like mine does.

I am getting deep into this thing as I am prepping it for new carpet and when I was down in the passenger foot well scrubbing adhesive up with a toothbrush, I peeled up the insulation a bit and discovered what looks like rust. It is possible that it is adhesive or something else. I honestly didn't get a chance to look into it much. But, no one would have ever seen it without peeling up that insulation.

Does it make sense that galvanized steel would rust? It looks like its from moisture coming through the hole where the right nose wheel steering push rod passes through. No evidence on the engine side at all. It definitely hasn't rusted through, so that is good. It looks pretty surface. I am so glad I found it.

If its rust, what is the best solution? Sand and paint? Cold galvanizing spray?

It could just be adhesive. My back was so spent after hours of work in that tiny cabin, I couldn't do anymore. It really looks like rust, but I could luck out...

 

[magman]

 

[Tweety]

 

[bryris]

 

[GM.]

 

[av8ator1]

 

[Tweety]

 

[Warriorgreg]

 

[Ray93J]

 

[bryris]