new hvac senior citizen

[oldabe]

I have old gas furnace maintained by my gas company but the inside base is rusty and I want to save as long as possible--I have scraped the rusty surface under the pilot lite and would know
how I can preserve the surface---what type paint or other coating or new piece of sheet metal
on top --any help would be great---thanks

[bustedknuckles]

No!don't,no!don't. Danger Will Robinson Danger!