Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever seen diamond plating fender trim. I found small bubbles in the paint starting to form around the fenders tonight while doing a touch up. I have seen other diamond plating on jeeps, ect. I am trying to brainstorm possible solutions that may cover these imperfections. Is there anyway to stop these bubbles before they get to big. What about fender flares?

 

Rust is a dirty four letter word to me right now! Regarding fender flares, I have the Bushwacker extenda-flares. They probably cover about 1 1/2" around the fender lip (going from memory). Covering it won't stop it from spreading though. I'd see what a body shop wants to fix it right.

I just had the areas under my rear doors replaced with new metal and the top of my tailgate fixed - all from rust. Set me back $370 total. I had to do it for vehicle inspection here.

Don't get me started on the process for de-rusting my Smittybilt nerfs, tail and brush guards. One bright spot - my PIAA 520's were rusting too. PIAA has a lifetime warranty on the housing - new ones coming for free!! Found this out after I had already sanded and prepped the housings for paint :pat:

I've been prepping my rusty stuff (non-body shop) with Permatex Rust Treatment. I'm then using spray on bedliner for my top coat. It looks good, hides pitting, and is supposed to be tough as nails. We'll see...

 

Yep, rust is something I'm familiar with. This past summer I had both rear quarters above the wheel replaced with all new metal. The SR5 fender trim was hiding an enormous amount of rust! I didn't even notice until one day, I decided to take them off. The whole arch on both sides was so deteriorated the metal was practically falling off!

There is literally no way to stop the rust short of cutting the infected area out. You can slow it down by sanding and prepping the area. However, it will come back.

I don't even drive my Runner in the winters anymore because I'm nervous about rust. That is what a winter car is for.