WNY Rust

[John Christopher]

Did you apply a layer inside the body and that stuck to the outside tape? Let us know.

 

[Plati]

That looks pretty good. I don't know about lasting 2 years but it is easy to reapply if needed.

Reason I say 2 years is, been doing this for about 5 years in various places. After 3 years the tape starts to disintegrate.

All GTape is on outside, inside too rusty and not a good surface (or no surface) to tape to. Tape holds really well to the plastic and painted black body. Short 90 degree & then 180 degree folds at bottom, back onto itself.

I've built a lot of things out of GTape. Made a cooler using that and numerous other parts that better than a Yeti and cost about $20.

 

[Plati]

Someone reminded me to oil the gas fill tube area, so I did that today. Sprayed Fluid Film on it, put my hand up there to rub it around the back & it rained rust chunks. Took as must rust off as easy then Had to respray.

Theres a third tube there, I have no idea what its for but appears disconnected .... hmmm


in the engine area, I hit a few spots ... such as this
(I don't like corrosion)

 

[Plati]

Latest rust casualty on my 2003XLT. I'll probably just wire it up. The exhaust is now riding on the frame & coupling the exhaust system vibration to the cabin. Sounds like a big problem at times.


While down there I peeked at the spare tire, which has never been off. I do not think its would be a good idea to use that for driving. Not even sure I can drop it now. Looks welded on. No point in lugging this POS around like that. Maybe I'll buy a used wheel and stick it up on the roof? For anyone with an Expy thats more than 5 years old (unless you live in Tucson), probably good to Fluid Film that up to prevent this.
I'm not a big fan of rust. Big fan of Fluid Film = yes.

 

[JExpedition07]

Take it to the dealer, will be covered under the 20 year warranty.

In all seriousness corrosion is a part of life, esp here in the northeast. Nothing lasts forever, and for a 2003 in New York it looks about as I’d expect unless garage kept and washed constantly. That trucks still got some life left in it. Rust did my muffler in on my 2007, I replaced it with a stainless steel one.

 

[Plati]

Temp to permanent fix for tailpipe hanger using "parts I had laying around". Solid attachment. Will last about 1 year, probably. Tailpipe fixed firmly in position. Cost = $0.00


Wrestling match to drop spare. Rusted into position. Screw would not turn, had to PBlast. T welded on! Glad I did this in driveway vs side of road. Tire/wheel is OK to keep using as spare. Banged the rust off .... with a spray coat of plasti-dip, will be good to go.


Frame looks good down there. Surprisingly good.

 

[rjdelp7]

Temp to permanent fix for tailpipe hanger using "parts I had laying around". Solid attachment. Will last about 1 year, probably. Tailpipe fixed firmly in position. Cost = $0.00
View attachment 27640

Wrestling match to drop spare. Rusted into position. Screw would not turn, had to PBlast. T welded on! Glad I did this in driveway vs side of road. Tire/wheel is OK to keep using as spare. Banged the rust off .... with a spray coat of plasti-dip, will be good to go.
View attachment 27641

Frame looks good down there. Surprisingly good.
View attachment 27642

Check your body mounts, especially by the radiator. AAA will not mount a rusty spare. I bought a hard spare tire cover, off a Toyota FJ cruiser, on Craigslist($25). It fit my spare and keeps the wheel clean. During the winter the new spare, now goes into the back(no 3rd row).

 

[Plati]

Just read an interesting book on Rust & Corrosion.

RUST The Longest War by Jonathan Waldman

Learned a few things, such as there is an internet store that specializes in products for that
https://www.theruststore.com/

 

[Plati]

One year later (see post #29 for a year ago) the Gorilla Tape body work is holding up well!!

 

[Plati]

Repaired wheel well rust on the 2003 Rustbucket, w/Gorilla tape.
Before & after. This will last at least 2 years easily.
View attachment 25570
View attachment 25571

Ok ... here's a picture more than 2 years later ... took a lickin and still ticking