Prevent Rust on Solid Body Parts

[NorthState]

I have owned (3) GMT400s. Two ‘98s and currently a ‘97. On my second 98, I replaced the passenger cab corner/rocker panel. On the one I have now, the rockers/corners seem solid, but the paint on the whole truck is that terrible one that is peeling to the primer. I am going to paint it, but was wondering if there is anything preemptively that can be done to keep from a repaint in the future. Like, has anyone drilled “weep” holes to drain the inevitable moisture that is bound to cause rust?

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[NorthState]

I have owned (3) GMT400s. Two ‘98s and currently a ‘97. On my second 98, I replaced the passenger cab corner/rocker panel. On the one I have now, the rockers/corners seem solid, but the paint on the whole truck is that terrible one that is peeling to the primer. I am going to paint it, but was wondering if there is anything preemptively that can be done to keep from a repaint in the future. Like, has anyone drilled “weep” holes to drain the inevitable moisture that is bound to cause rust?

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Above is the finished cab corner and then the one I need to paint, that has the good corners/rockers

 

[NorthState]

I live in Eastern North Carolina, so as long as I keep her out of the ocean, I should t have a salt problem, thankfully. I just don’t want to have to deal with rusty wheel openings and other parts, if I can prevent it.

 

[NorthState]

*Bump*
So I thought I had good rockers and cab corners… turns out, I had some coming thru the driver’s extended cab rocker area.

You must be registered for see images attach

Cut it out, patched, glassed and primed. Gotta fox about 5-6 ****** dents and then wet sand and paint.

You must be registered for see images attach

Does anyone have opinions about the plastic plugs under the truck in this area? Leave them in or out? Why plug another hole for moisture to go out of? Right?

 

[letitsnow]

I leave my plugs in, but every fall I remove them to spray fluid film inside the rockers then reinstall.

 

[NorthState]

@letitsnow tell me more about this fluid film you speak of, please. I don’t recall ever hearing of it.

 

[letitsnow]

fluid film - Google Search

 

[NorthState]

Hmm, interesting. Never heard of it, but hey I live under a rock! Thanks for the tip.

 

[CumminsBronco]

I've got a can of fluid film and applicator gun in my shop, that I just received...and I've got a 97 Suburban that has spent its whole life in AZ., but now resides here. Its as rust free as the trucks rolling off the assembly line at the plant where I work. Hoping to keep it that way with regular use of FluidFilm.

 

[NorthState]

@CumminsBronco and @letitsnow how often do you have to spray it?