2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rust on front door seams

[Gordon Maney]

My 2001 truck has 111,000 miles and has been driven year 'round on Iowa's salted roads. The truck really has no visible problems other than at the base of the front doors, viewed from the passenger compartment side of the doors, at the forward end. There is a seam, or fold, where what must be the door skin folds upward and over the inner wall of the door. Rust is growing in there.

I hate that this is happening and at some point would like to solve it thoroughly. This truck was Ziebarted also. Would the only best solution be to buy two brand new doors and prep them thoroughly somehow, or... ... what?

 

[JKinney]

Hi Gordon



I dont think you coud find a second gen rig in the snow belt that does not have rust on that seam. I removed the bottom gaskets in front of that seam last winter and cleaned up and repainted those seams. I found it while washing the rig, I had yellow water dripping off the bottom of the door.



Mine were rusted pretty bad, the drivers side being the worst.

 

[HookMeUp]

I've got the same problem with my doors. Also the bottom of the tailgate wear the outer skin wraps around is doing the same thing. Wonder if dodge would fix this?

 

[JKruger]

Dodge will not cover it!!!!!! I went thru months of battling with the dealer, Dodge customer service, regional warranty claim reps, managers, etc. That was one of the major reasons I just traded up to an '07. Upon deciding to trade up or not at the new dealer, he talked with the warranty rep again and they agreed to split the cost of the repair if I decided not to trade it. I traded it and they had it sitting on the lot in no time fixed for sale. They cut out the rot and welded in new lower skins. Looked good but we all know that once rust starts it just dont stop!!!!!!!!

 

[Gordon Maney]

That is why I wonder about buying new doors. The question is, how would you prep a new door to prevent that from happening? I wonder if that is possible.

Years ago, I think about 1996 or so, I was looking at 1994 LHS Chrysler cars. I wanted to buy a used car and I liked the look of them. Every single one I looked at was rusting there.

 

[HSpiering]

Fix the problem?? Hard to do other than Paint. To reduce do like I did on my old Bronco. Get a can of Rust-Oleum rust metal primer. Then get a top on the can you can with spray with like a tube (WD-40 top works). fill the inside of the door from the drain holes and then cut the seal back to keep water from sitting next to the door. May work for a wihle???