Preventing rust / rockers / cab corners - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GMC87 · 09-02-2010, 01:04 PM

So I recently picked up my 87 GMC crew cab from Alabama. This truck has spent the better half of its life in the lower states and yet still has rust through the cab corners and little on the rockers toward the back of the cab also where the tirm on the doors held water. Other than that it is absolutely solid.

So here is my question how in the hell do these things rust only or more frequently in the cab corners and rockers??????

Also after I make the repairs how can I prevent it from happening again because I live in Ohio and it is going to see lots of snow and salt.

My plan was to clean it up real good paint with POR-15 then repair with fiberglass and bondo then paint again with POR-15 over that.

Is there somewhere that water is getting in from up behind somehow??

Here are some pics

BigBlocksRule · 09-02-2010, 01:50 PM

Dust and dirt accumulates in cab corners and along the inside of the fender openings, then holds moisture when it makes its way in there. As for the door, they generally rust due to poor window felts which lets water inside the door. The only thing you can really do about it is routinely clean in those areas.

77gmcjoe · 09-02-2010, 01:51 PM

I've never tried it, but I was told once that occasionally pouring linseed oil down inside the cab corners would keep them from rusting. The guy who told me that had an otherwise crappy truck, but it did have good cab corners.

*EDIT* I didn't tell you, your truck looks mean!

GMC87 · 09-02-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77gmcjoe

I've never tried it, but I was told once that occasionally pouring linseed oil down inside the cab corners would keep them from rusting. The guy who told me that had an otherwise crappy truck, but it did have good cab corners.

*EDIT* I didn't tell you, your truck looks mean!

Thanks hoping to keep it looking mean and let it turn into a rot buggy!

*nbpro* · 09-02-2010, 02:49 PM

I've seen this on trucks up north when I lived there, and down south. My suggestions when replacing or repairing the corners. Use a good epoxy primer to seal off all areas. My thoughts are the original sealer from GM wasn't that great. Also, weather stripping and rubbers should be kept softened to keep them sealing correctly.

09-02-2010, 01:04 PM	#1
GMC87 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: N.Canton, Ohio Posts: 70	Preventing rust / rockers / cab corners So I recently picked up my 87 GMC crew cab from Alabama. This truck has spent the better half of its life in the lower states and yet still has rust through the cab corners and little on the rockers toward the back of the cab also where the tirm on the doors held water. Other than that it is absolutely solid. So here is my question how in the hell do these things rust only or more frequently in the cab corners and rockers?????? Also after I make the repairs how can I prevent it from happening again because I live in Ohio and it is going to see lots of snow and salt. My plan was to clean it up real good paint with POR-15 then repair with fiberglass and bondo then paint again with POR-15 over that. Is there somewhere that water is getting in from up behind somehow?? Here are some pics

09-02-2010, 01:50 PM	#2
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: Preventing rust / rockers / cab corners Dust and dirt accumulates in cab corners and along the inside of the fender openings, then holds moisture when it makes its way in there. As for the door, they generally rust due to poor window felts which lets water inside the door. The only thing you can really do about it is routinely clean in those areas.

09-02-2010, 01:51 PM	#3
77gmcjoe What do we get for $10? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Beardstown, Illinois Posts: 340	Re: Preventing rust / rockers / cab corners I've never tried it, but I was told once that occasionally pouring linseed oil down inside the cab corners would keep them from rusting. The guy who told me that had an otherwise crappy truck, but it did have good cab corners. EDIT I didn't tell you, your truck looks mean! __________________ 1977 GMC K25 400/400/205 1989 Chevy Suburban R1500 350/700R4 (work beater) 1994 Chevy K3500 dually 454/4L80 1996 Corvette LT4 350/ZF 6 speed 2000 Bonneville SSEI Supercharged 3.8 Liter V6 1966 Chevelle 2 door sedan (Needs major repair ) Last edited by 77gmcjoe; 09-02-2010 at 01:52 PM.

09-02-2010, 02:49 PM	#5
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: Preventing rust / rockers / cab corners I've seen this on trucks up north when I lived there, and down south. My suggestions when replacing or repairing the corners. Use a good epoxy primer to seal off all areas. My thoughts are the original sealer from GM wasn't that great. Also, weather stripping and rubbers should be kept softened to keep them sealing correctly.



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