I'll be installing running boards and mud flaps on my truck soon and the installation instructions call for drilling holes in the pinch weld and cab support braces. I'm thinking that a coating of a rust inhibitor on the drilled sites would be a good idea. Can anyone suggest a good product to use or am I just being too cautious?

Thanks,

Dave

 

whenever I do any drilling or even screwing into the sheet metal I screw the fastener in and back out and then coat it with some household generic silicone. That way the screw sticking out the back side won't be sharp and it seals the hole so it doesn't rust. I know a little different answer than what you were asking for but just my $.02

 

underwoodtransp,

Thats not a bad suggestion. Its funny you say that because if you purchase the generic front molded plastic mud flaps from dodge, the screws that come with it are coated with a mushy plastic that coats the hole and the screw as you thread it on. Gotta say that the german portion of DC sometimes has its advantages.... such as the attention to a detail like that.


Mike

P.S. I REALLY REALLY REALLY hate to make this comparison, but my 3rd gen truck reminds me of my old german designed VW in the respect that everything down to the location of a tie-wrap is planned and deliberate.

 

When I installed mine, I used some paint primer ( small nail polish-sized container with the litle brush attached to the cap). Then when it died, I put RTV silicone in the hole, before putting in the screw.

 

Very good suggestions that I will follow.

Thank you,

Dave

 

I did pretty much the same thing, after apllying the paint, allowing it to dry, installing everything, I'd hit the area with the 3M under coating in a spray can; white lithium grease also works well as a rust barrier.

 

I used a spray can undercoating on several past vehicles and felt it worked very well. Just spray the holes before you insert the bolts. What running boards are you installing?

Good Luck!

 

I have switched over to stainless steel for most fasteners exposed to the elements (including washers). My local hardware store has ss at almost the same price as electroplated fasteners. If you are near a marine supply store, you can get superior grade sealants for practically anything and it will last forever.