I have been looking to buy another truck (7.3, 01-03) and have seen a couple with the chrome trim around the wheel wells. How often is this just something decorative and how often is it covering up rust? Any help and/or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Most likely decorative, but it is a good place for rust to start.

 

It all depends on the truck and owner. If they do have the chrome trim on there to cover rust, the rust will most likely not be limited to just the wheel wells. If you see rust in other places it is a good indication there will be some underneath.

You can also check inside the wheel well to see if the rust has gone all the way through the body of the truck.