rust removal question

[MMcCowan]

After a few harsh winters I now have a little rust and bubbling paint forming on the rear wheel well or fender area. I have a crude plan to take care of it but I am not a body guy at all. I was going to sand it down a little and then apply some rust inhibitor like por-15. Then maybe a coat of paint. Since I have been thinking of adding some fender flares anyway I would throw some on to cover it up. Does this sound like it would work out okay or am I kidding myself and have it taken care of by someone who knows what they are doing? It's not a show truck but I intend to drive for several years and I can't stand the sight of rust.

 

[cbmkr]

It might work for a while but the inside braces will rust out next and then you need to replace the box. This is an issue with the design of the bed the 3 holes on the inside of the inner fender that will hold debri and cannot drain due to poor design. It will at sometime rust the braces all the way out.
My 06 is showing this problem and it is parked almost always inside during the winter.

 

[Turbo Kidd]

Ditto..... My truck is garage kept and always clean, but the rear fender (Box) is starting to bubble and rust too. The rest of the truck is great. Even the doors are perfect..... My friend owns a body shop and he told me that all we can do is slow it down, and that no matter what we do, it will come back. I am having him do his magic in a few feeks and see how much time it buys me. If I keep the truck for the long haul, I will replace the bed when I have too. However, I may go with an all aluminum flat bed next. That would be nice for the snowmobiles and ATV's.

 

[KO_RAM]

I had the same thing happen to mine a couple of years ago. I went to the dealer and Chrysler replaced both box sides (complete outer skins) under warranty. It seems the 03 through 05 years (I think) had some foam above the wheel well and inner support that held the moisture and caused it to rust out prematurely.



I'd have to go back in my records, but I was still under the 7/70K warranty (about 65K miles if I remember right). I took it to the dealer and they did a good job for me getting Chrysler to back up their warranty.

 

[Blakers]

I would have the whole underside of the truck sprayed with oil each fall. There are many places around here that do that and most will drill holes in strategic places so they can get oil into all the vulnerable spots. Then they stick plugs in the holes so they can reuse them each time.

This won't help fix the damage that is already done, but once you get it repaired, it will help slow down future rust.

 

[EricBu12]

My truck had the complete underside rubber coated. in the fender areas and such as well. .

I did this with my old '01 when I got it new and I never had a problem. . I also had always painted my frame and axles as well. . the new owner of my old '01 cannot believe I lived in a salt winter area. . he thought I lived in a dry area as the underside was clean.

I live in Salt Lake City and it is parked outside.

 

[WRLIVE]

I have the same problem with my passenger side fender. I too was considering MMcCowan's plan although with some clear bra under the fender flares. As my body guy warned me that fender flares can be a 'nice' way to trap dirt etc.

Does anyone know a ball park price for a bedside?