I decided to update the tail lights to some LEDs from Amerilite to update the H2... I am pulling out the brush guards and lights and have run into a problem.

The previous owner of my H2 installed a set of rear brush guards that required drilling holes into the body. 2 per Brush Guard. They drilled, and did not paint so there is some light rust in each hole... I think the work was done in 2021... so not much time to cause any real damage. The rust in the drilled holes came right out using Boeshield RustFree Rust and Stain Remover... amazing stuff actually. I have cleaned up each hole and plan to use touchup paint to do it right as I cannot undo the holes now... they really should have found the OEM Brush Guards... but here we are. Issue: Around each hole the paint is stained a light rust color. Can't seem to get it out with the Boeshield. Also tried some paint polish... no go.

Any ideas, or do I have to live with it?

Photos..

 

Diluted molasses on a soaked rag, cover with Saran wrap and tape down, but can take days if not weeks. Vinegar is also another mild option. VM&P is another option but more harsh and it will remove clear coat when left on too long. Put it on a cloth, buff it, clean with water or alcohol to neutralize.
if putting guards back on, white plastidip on stained area will give a membrane between fasteners and body so it doesn't stain more.

 

Thanks... good idea with the plastidip!

 

Those are crazy large holes for tiny light guards. Someone did not know what they were doing. Bigger head, smaller screw is what should have been used. That is problem #1. You can use white plastic panel plugs in there to hide them and the paint burn.

The paint is burned from the heat of the drill bit. That is why it is discolored. No way to restore that back.

FYI: OEM guards have grommeted holes in the body also. How did you think they were attached?

Use SS hardware from now on to avoid rust. Like OEM does. Water seal new screws with clear silicone.

Use touchup paint first, including on the body drill slip gouge. Avoid plastidip for this. No bueno For many reasons. Bad advice.

 

@finall - That makes sense... The rust remover should have worked. If the drilling burned the clearcoat, then that is not coming out...

The OEM guards appear to hug the tail light and are held down under the edge without drilling...


The ones installed on my Hummer require mounting to the vehicle...


a. I cleaned the holes thoroughly to remove rust and lightly sanded

b. I painted the drilled holes using 4in1 GM Touch Up Paint to cover the bare metal

c. I purchased a set of rubber well nuts to fit the holes - Servalite industrial with brass nuts

d. For the screws I am going with stainless steel black oxide coated screws - just to go that one step further!

e. I added PPF under the tail lights as I noticed sand and dirt would get trapped under the old ones and wear the paint

I am going to let the paint set this week, then fill the holes with Boeshield for water protection, and get back in business... will drop final photos later this week....

 

You may have it backwards.

Those 2 small holes you see on at the bend on your black-painted pieces are OEM holes for OEM screws that should fit into your holes.
The black unit appears OEM.

Not sure what the silver ones are, but either a different year or not OEM. They do not appear to have 4 mounting holes. And the tangs are the wrong size for OEM.

I went to look at mine OEM ones. Stainless steel.
The OEM body holes have a plastic/rubber grommet in them, you are screwing into the grommet, and not the metal itself. The screws/bolts are SS and have a allen-key head. Because that is what you need to set them from an angle. So total of 4 fasteners per cover.

Now I think your holes are OEM installed by some trim guy, perhaps like some GM parts, at the dealer during PDI. It just looks like the grommets are missing. That is all you need to get going.