Annotated close-up of a gray-coated wheel arch labeled Wheel Arc…

Wheel Arch Rust

The tight gap where the reinforcement meets the quarter panel is like a funnel for sand & gravel. As it builds up, it works its way down (due to normal vibration & heat-cycles), causing it to eventually cut through the primer (if present), galvanizing, and eventually the steel ruptures on the exterior. The same thing can happen inside the fenders & doors. This truck was babyed, so it doesn't suffer from that. And to prevent it, I pressure-washed it underneath several times, paying special attention to the locations susceptible to this kind of damage. Then I painted it thoroughly, and finally added this inexpensive foam rod. Instead of being progressively pinched between hard steel surfaces (and the reinforcement is noticeably thicker than the quarter panel), any sand or gravel that collects here temporarily will be easy to rinse off the soft foam before it has a chance to dig into the metal. For even more protection, it could be undercoated into place, but I don't plan to do that.

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Just like on my '83, a white underbelly will make maintenance easier.

Owner caption December 2015 · Photo 413 of 434