Addressing some rust starting in my truck bed

[Jeepwm69]

Removed my bed mat a few weeks ago and found this. Cleaned the bed thoroughly and figured I'd hit it with a wire brush on my angle grinder, phosphoric acid, and then clean and paint with primer.

Anyone have any advice on a different/better way to stop this in its tracks?

I've let Jeep floorboards get out of hand and don't want to do the same with the bed on this truck.

Obviously, the seam is what I'm most concerned about stopping.

[Dead Parrot]

Start soaking those front bed bolt nuts in penetrating oil. Several applications over several days. Easier to clean and restore the bolts and holes with the bolts out. Give the oil several days to work as you don't want to wallow out the square holes the bolts sit in. If by yourself, set a heavy weight on the bolt head to keep it from rising up and turning while removing the nuts.

I think there should be one or more drain slots on the front to let water out. Often plug up so the water just sits there. If water sits there for days, rust will happen. One option is to drill a hole at each corner.

Make sure there isn't dust/dirt/salt trapped on the underside, especially on the back end.

Doesn't look too bad. Might get lucky and it cleans up nice with some wire brushing.

[Jeepwm69]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

Start soaking those front bed bolt nuts in penetrating oil. Several applications over several days. Easier to clean and restore the bolts and holes with the bolts out. Give the oil several days to work as you don't want to wallow out the square holes the bolts sit in. If by yourself, set a heavy weight on the bolt head to keep it from rising up and turning while removing the nuts.

I think there should be one or more drain slots on the front to let water out. Often plug up so the water just sits there. If water sits there for days, rust will happen. One option is to drill a hole at each corner.

Make sure there isn't dust/dirt/salt trapped on the underside, especially on the back end.

Doesn't look too bad. Might get lucky and it cleans up nice with some wire brushing.

Front corners of the bed have factory holes that drain. They do get clogged with leaves/debris some during fall/winter, but I try to keep an eye on things and clear them if I see water standing in the bed.

I'm in Arkansas so no salt, just a 40+ year old truck that's sat outside since it came off the lot (Dad bought it new).