Rust in a step side

[KVB]

The cabs of these tend to rust in the same places, but what about the boxes.

I am thinking of buying a short step side.

Are there areas that tend to rust? Anything that you should look for?

Considerations?

Will the bolt holes line up?

Thanks in advance.
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[bj383ss]

The only place I have seen stepsides rust beyond surface rust is where the front bottom of the fender bolts to the stop. If there is any rust through the bedsides I would avoid because the steel gauge on the stepside beds is much thicker than the cab.

Biggest issue I have had is multiple dents in the fenders and one of my stake pockets was pulled on really hard and the top rail was pulled away from where it was welded to the stake pocket.

Bret

[aerotruk63]

If you want to see where they rust , take a look on the 4WD project at my place. The fiberglass fenders don't help but on stepside fenders where the support rods attach and at the bottom front of the fender where it bolts to the step. Up along the folded edge where the fender attaches to the box. If equipped with the spare cutout inside the pan where crap can collect. Along the bed strip inside the box where it attaches to the box. The old wood is like a wick and retains moisture so the bed strips rot out.

[KVB]

Thanks for the info. It was pretty much what I thought. I have found a box, and am having it looked at this week. Just needed to give some pointers to the guy who will check it for me.