So I can't remember what the part is called but I think its the rain (gutter) channel that runs above the windows. Anyways I have owned a truck with one and it seemed to rust faster than the rest of the truck since water shouldn't get trapped there but sometime does if the ground is level.

In any case I was thinking about painting it before it gets rusted in order to dodge a problem in the future. I can see that the paint is pitted a bit already. My question has any of the older D2 or D1's had a problem with rust there and if they did what paint was used?

 

Mine has some rust.
I'm not worried about it to much.
I used Rust-O-Lium spray paint.

 

And Rustoleum sells a "rust converter" that when applied to rust changes it to a black finish that can be painted. Did my painted bumper on the F-250 and no rust through in over a year. I think the brand name is "Rust Reformer", could be sprayed on to a thin paint brush to get at tight spots.

 

Remove then treat the rsted are before painting, making sure to get rid of all the rust or youl will have a huge problem later after the rust moves up into the roof.

 

Whats the best way to remove and tread the rusted area in that channel?

 

Probably a small wire brush. You'll have to be careful to avoid scratching the paint around the area (if that matters to you).

 

I think what I'll do is to masking tape off the area above and then hit it with a wire brush. Maybe then wipe off with solvent, then hit it with a primer and then some paint. It doesn't really get seen but it needs some protection.