Rusty chassis, control arm,springs. Pics

[Krank88]

I have recently been looking at the underside of my car that I have owned for 10 years and realize I have rust. Even though I am in a humid environment, close to saltwater, I am certain this rust started elsewhere at an earlier time. It does not appear to be getting worse, but I am sure it must be, even if slowly. Maybe a northern van at one time or in high water. I never got a carfax to see where it was from originally. The body paint is dull but rust free.

Is this rust a cause for concern, especially since I have been investing money in it and plan to in the future. I wish to drive the van 5 more years at least. What could have caused rust only in this area(underneath). Salt?

Is it feasible to expect 5 more years with this much rust, or should I be looking for another Astro. Any solutions?
Danger issues?

[MountainManJoe]

welcome to the club Here we call it a BC tan.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Krank...that isn't rust! That is clean! LOL With that very light surface rust, you can expect another 10 years as long as the body is clean and I bet it is.

[Krank88]

Good news for me then, thanks guys, that made my day. A BC tan, sounds kinda exotic doesn't it.

[1Gary]

You could always spray that with POR.

[Krank88]

I see they have it in Chassis Coat Black. Wonder how well it works?

[1Gary]

The guys here advised me not to use power coating because it is hard and chips and is hard to fix then.The POR stuff is more forgiving and is a rust converter making using it a easier job to do by combining two jobs into one.What you need to do for any rust is to take away the air from getting to it.The outside isn't a problem for that,but as a example frame rails inside is much harder to do as rocker panels are.Think of it as putting out a fire.You take away the air.