Aluminum body corrosion warning when installing aftermarket parts on F-150

[Louis]

This mainly addresses AFTERMARKET items being installed. Splash Guards etc.

Many already know this, I am just the messenger.

March 16, 2021 Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

This bulletin applies to 2015 and later Ford F-150 trucks that feature aluminum bodies. When installing aftermarket equipment, be aware that aluminum can corrode when mated to steel, as dissimilar metals can experience galvanic corrosion. This can occur when there is contact between different metals, such as steel or stainless steel fasteners. When installing aftermarket equipment, it is necessary for the installer to pay special attention when drilling or clamping dissimilar metals to the aluminum body.

Anytime the factory paint is damaged/disturbed, it is recommended that the paint is repaired with a suitable coating prior to installing items such as splash guards, bug shields, tool boxes, etc. When installing fasteners into the mounting hole, the fastener should not have contact with the aluminum sheet metal (no interference fit to the hole). When using zinc coated steel bolts or screws, an aluminum washer should be installed. For further protection, an isolation layer should be used between the two dissimilar metals. When clamping onto the truck, a polypropylene or urethane tape can be used as an isolation layer. Ford-approved anti-corrosion coatings include Motorcraft PM13-A, NOX-Rust 7703-W or Zinc-Rich primer.

An example of a steel bolt securing a steel item to an aluminum body panel. Note the air gap preventing the bolt from contacting the aluminum, the aluminum washer between the nut and aluminum and the isolator layer between the steel component and the aluminum body.

https://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/articles/8940-aluminum-body-warning-for-ford-f-150?

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[Coolrain]

? Sooooo Ford does know about anti-corrosion coatings!!!!! Maybe they should think about applying this to the bottom of their trucks!!!

"Ford-approved anti-corrosion coatings include Motorcraft PM13-A, NOX-Rust 7703-W or Zinc-Rich primer."

 

[Rich55Marshall]

I wonder how this applies to the Ford mudflaps that I was planning on getting from my dealer next week.

 

[Louis]

I wonder how this applies to the Ford mudflaps that I was planning on getting from my dealer next week.

I got the ford factory plastic molded splash guards for my truck and there is no drilling required. Fyi
But I'm not too sure about those!

 

[Knickell]

? Sooooo Ford does know about anti-corrosion coatings!!!!! Maybe they should think about applying this to the bottom of their trucks!!!

"Ford-approved anti-corrosion coatings include Motorcraft PM13-A, NOX-Rust 7703-W or Zinc-Rich primer."

Got em’!

 

[Rkh51]

Atleats Ford gives you a heads up and not send Aluminum out with no primer and Barrier to protect the parts

 

[spiritrider1]

As an aircraft mechanic I've dealt with dissimilar metal corrosion for decades. It's well known to protect dissimilar metals whether with mylar film, zinc chromate paint or paste, etc. When I installed my floor boards on my 2018 I used plastic washers and loctite on the threads to help. Funny thing is the weld nuts are steel (lol) so they are tacked or glued on the aluminum body. Also, when installing Bull Ring tie downs on all 4 corners (yes, there is a hole on the front rails under the plastic cap!) I glued aluminum washers at all four corners to limit the steel contact of the Bull Ring mechanism. I also used mylar tape under the steel clamp edges of the Bull Ring to minimize chaffing on the underside of the aluminum top cap. See pics...

There is only so much you can do. The point is, do what you can to mitigate any chaffing, rubbing, etc. If the parts are pressed (torqued) together there will be little problem. If the parts tend to move around or chaffe, then you will start seeing oxidation on the aluminum parts. It starts like a light powdery white substance then grows to a flaky pastry that just disintegrates!

Now - I just got my 2021 Powerboost XLT!!! Time to start modding it and showing it off on the forum!

 

[DirtFreak]

This is a video of how they put on those Ford Gatorback mud flaps.

 

[DirtFreak]

I wonder how this applies to the Ford mudflaps that I was planning on getting from my dealer next week.

See video below.

 

[KGB81]

I put the clamps for my tonneau cover on directly to the box. Ill have to check and see if they are galvanized steel or aluminum clamps. Its a gator roll up soft tonneau. If not alum clamps ill go back and re-seat each clamp with some foam or elec tape in between

 

[jiggadog]

I wonder how this applies to the Ford mudflaps that I was planning on getting from my dealer next week.

All of the hardware is compatible with aluminum body. Pretty sure it says as much in description. I have them in my alumabody. There’s no drilling and all existing mounting points are used.

 

[Rich55Marshall]

Thanks guys!

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