Rusted screw heads

[Riverbankannie]

I have had a session cleaning the van today. Once a year up on the roof! These are the screws fixing my solar installation. First 2 photos. Should I be doing anything about them ?
Separately two screws in the hinge edge of both passenger and driver’s doors have rusty screw heads, (Photos 4 and 5) just the top ones in each case, the next ones down (photo 3) look ok.
What, if anything, should I do.?

 

[Odd-no-more]

They should have used stainless screws, but if they are not loose or the head damaged, I would clean and grease them rather that replace them

 

[TheBig1]

Treat the rust with a rust converter first like kurust, then carefully paint them with hammerite metal paint. The roof ones, I would not be happy removing to replace unless you absolutely have to. A quick way to cause a new leak. Fortunately you have caught them in time

 

[TheBig1]

Amazon product ASIN B004Z4UMUA

 

[jeffcav]

On all non 'heavy' load bearing fittings, like the solar panel and the other fitting(I can't tell what it is) you should swap for Stainless Steel, I would opt for 316stst(A4) marine grade, they will then last for ever, cant see what the door screws are holding so cant advise, any fittings that do a lot of work, like the door hinges, need to be high tensile steel so best not to swap them.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Phill D]

the door screws and you will find some under the bonnet tend to rust, just crap screws. i bought some stainless replacements off fleabay and just replaced them as they started to rust.

on the solar panel screws, i would agree with others and not disturb them if not necessary but as has been said treat with Kurust and a dab of hamerite paint.

 

[pappajohn]

As others, stainless roof screws... The rusty ones will only get worse.
Door hinge screws, don't bother...or maybe a little grease pressed in the hole.
They have to be a LOT worse than that before a torq screw won't come undone

 

[TheBig1]

self tapping screws form their own thread and bite into the material they are screwed into. Removing and re-fitting is not a great idea, as they never tighten up as well as the first time. Changing to a stainless steel screw is going to be better to prevent rust, but will cut a new thread, weakening the material and hole. The only part rusty so far is the top of the screw, as oxidisation, rust, takes an oxygen rich environment and the threads will not be rusty yet. If you stop the rust now by treating with rust converter, it won't travel down the screw thread. If you then paint with a decent rust proofing paint, it will prevent further rust

The torx screws in the door just need a coat of rust converter, as the screw is not exposed to weather

 

[airwave]

Should I be doing anything about them ?

Personally i would replace them . I needed to get access behind the innerwing on my van last weekend and spent two hours cutting the thing out , due to rusted screws . Caused me extra work putting the liner right again afterwards .

But it did give me chance to practice a new skill , i'm learning .