Roof Rack Rust (Rust in general) - At what point should it be a concern?

[Moving Chicane]

I throw this question out as the result of having a very new brand name steel roof rack now on my 4Runner and in two spots this AM I noticed the beginnings of rust (in the mesh link). Now please understand these two spots are exactly where the installation tools banged/scratche/wore against the rack so it's the result of "user error," but I hate anything doing with rust regardless of cause - especially when it's on my rig!

So the question is: at what point do you all worry about rust on your steel roof rack or other metal/steel equipment/vehicle parts/etc.?

I imagine I can get many many years out of this mesh roof rack (I can, can't I?) no matter how much rust eventually appears (living in SoCal. I expect any rust to be slow in spreading). But then I also think I should have the rack taken off now and the rust addressed (which seems a bit senseless really as it'll just get nicked again next time we load the rack up). In the meantime, I primered and painted the two spots with auto repair paint.

Thoughts? Personal love/hate of rust?

 

[Crom]

If I caused the damage, I know what I would do. I'd take the rack off and buy a $5.00 can of whatever Rustoleum matches and paint it in my back yard. No, Rustoleum is not as durable as the factory powdercoat on the rack, but in my opinion it will keep rust at bay. I have used Rustoleum on my rock sliders which are 3.5 years old, and everywhere that's not been pelted by rocks is still rust free and protected.

Now, If your rack was rusting in multiple places like this :snorkel:, well then, I'd get the manufacturer involved:

 

[Crom]

I spoke to my roof rack maker, and they suggested: Krylon Rust-Tough enamel (semi-flat black). I couldn't find it at Walmart, or Dixiline. Hmmm.

 

[BigSwede]

Try Rustoleum Rust Reformer. It is made to"convert" the rust to a paintable surface.