Preventing Rust

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Tomorrow morning,I am going to install the Mopar tube side steps on my truck. I must drill approx. 10 holes along the bottom of the body rim and the under body. What kind of primer should I coat the drilled and smoothed holes with? Also is there anything else I can do to prevent rust where I drill. Should I use touch up paint over the primer? The instructions state use a mopar approved primer(?). Thanks in advance for your help!

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2001 2500 ETH/DEE Blk/Agate 4x4 QC LWB SLT+ 3. 54 LSD, Every option except Snow Plow and Cab Lights. 12000 lb Warn Winch and all the right gear.

 

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There are several products out there, the one I use is "Extend", I think it is made by permatex? This "bonds" with the metal and will prevent rust by turning the oxidation into a coating, much the same way the bridge steel prevents rust?? I would then follow up with a rust resistant primer that matches the original color. Finnaly, put a little dab of silicon on the bolts/screws and you should never have a rust problem where you drilled.

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

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If they are the chrome tubes from Mopar...

SEND THEM BACK!!!!!

They will be Rusted out within 2 years...

Trust me. . This is the voice of experiance!!!

Get a set of SmittyBilt Stainless Steel bars...
NO DRILLING REQUIRED!!!

You Will Be MUCH HAPPIER... .

 

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I use BelRay motorcycle chain lube in every hole I drill. The stuff foams and expands and gets every where. Does not come off and rust never happens under this stuff.

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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Larry, they are black brushed aluminum. I mounted them today. Other than the finish of the chrome, do you feel the design is OK?

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2001 2500 ETH/DEE Blk/Agate 4x4 QC LWB SLT+ 3. 54 LSD, Every option except Snow Plow and Cab Lights. 12000 lb Warn Winch and all the right gear.

 

[Archive]

Good for you!!!
As long as the material is aluminum you should be good to go!

The Chrome side bars were the biggest pieces of junk I've ever seen...

The thing to look for with those is the weld joints. .

When you first see brown streaks coming out of a seam it's all over!!!
They fall apart at a rapid rate after that!!

Since you have aluminum I would think you will avoid the BS to get DC to replace them when they go south.

Only one problem with aluminum. . it HATES SALT. . it will create an electrolytic process that will literally dissolve the aluminum.

Ask anyone who is into saltwater boating about it... . they've been there!!!

Good Luck!!
Larry