2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Too Soon For Rusty Chrome?

[khaneberg]

I've had my truck 13 months now, and I'm already getting rust spots on my rear bumper and around my fog lights in the font. It can't be blamed on dirt and grime sitting on the truck, because that just doesn't happen. I think it's too soon to have rust showing up. Any thoughts?

 

[y-knot]

I would say it's because of cheap, low quality plating. If the lights are after market , some, most brands are very bad for cheap chrome. I went through that before with other trucks, and I learned to never buy lights unless they were stainless steel. Cost alittle more up front, but very much worth it. The bumper, if it is stock dodge, well they have gone to lower quality parts on everything else, so thats nothing new, or no big surprise. I suppose you will just have to stay on them with a good polishing. Good luck.

 

[khaneberg]

All stock chrome, fog lamps came in the package when I bought the truck new. Heck, the chrome nerf bars (aftermarket, non-DC) get the most abuse and are in the best shape!

 

[Mundgyver]

Just out of curosity, how much salt do they throw down on the roads up in that part of the country

 

[khaneberg]

Last year... . quite a bit, most places exceeded their salt budgets by 100%+. BUT, my truck only ran maybe 1 outta 5 days. I had another truck for work, so mine ran only every now and again. And was washed regularly.

 

[bmoeller]

Depending on where the rust spots are at, did someone get some acid wash meant for aluminum on the chrome? Some of it is pretty strong and will ruin chrome, even on a Texas square bumper and grill on a KW.

 

[khaneberg]

It's around the front driver's side fog lamp, and a few misc spots on the rear bumper. I doubt acid is at fault.

 

[bmoeller]

Had a thought- Where you live, do they use rock salt or either liguid calcium chloride or (not 100% sure on the name) magnesium chloride (something like that).



The liquid forms of the de-icers are very corrosive. From what I heard (don't hold me to it) that the mag. chloride(?) is much worse. From what I heard, it eats into the wiring, severly corrodes chassis and brake parts. They said that there were several states being sued over it, due to major damage from it.



**edit** Just found this- http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/pn...ONCERNS_WITH_CORROSION_AND_VEHICLE_DAMAGE.pdf

 

[Mundgyver]

Something you might want to look into is an electronic rust -buster. It operates like a ships zinc blocks on the hull. It will prevent rust by pulsing 8 Milli second of current through the body at regular intervals. I know these work because I used one with 4 anodes on my van when I was stationed in Hawaii. I actually created a bear spot of metal about the size of a quarter. No rust formed while in Hawaii 4 years and then out in North Carolina for 4 years. They are offered by JC Whitney as I recall.



One of these might be what you would want, because they stop the migration of electrons in the metal, which is what rust is. The migration of electrons from one potential to another. This devise neutralizes that action from taking place.

 

[bmoeller]

http://www.rustbustr.com/ Thought about getting some of these. No need for any wiring.

 

[Tomscreek]

After each FREQUENT washing use either a good quality chamois or Windex and paper towel and go over all the chrome. It will take that film off and you'll never have rust. Just washing at the car wash won't do it.