So I'm sitting at my tire dealer waiting for my truck to get her new wheels and tires on. I have time to think. I have a headache rack coming and I'm not sure what to use for bolts to bolt that and my toolbox down to the aluminum bed without causing corrosion. Any thoughts?

 

Stainless steel hardware would be my guess.

 

Google Ford Service Bulletin Q-222 how to attach to aluminum panels - Don't use stainless steel per instruction.


Approved Fasteners

􏰀 􏰀 􏰀􏰀 􏰀
Isolator Recommendations
􏰀 Aluminum washer 􏰀 Urethane tape Examples
􏰀 Aluminum Rivnuts
􏰀 Polypropylene tape
Aluminum Clamps
Plastic Scrivets
Aluminum Pop Rivets
Plastic Push Pins
Zinc coated steel fasteners used with an aluminum washer
In this section we illustrate some best practices to isolate steel from coming in contact with aluminum. Using the
previously listed fasteners and coatings in addition to good isolation techniques will help ensure durability, strength and
quality of your F150.
Note: The following illustrations are not vehicle specific and are intended for reference only.
Figure 2 shows a steel accessory and steel fastener properly isolated from contact with the aluminum sheet metal.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Important: Fasteners or coatings that should be avoided
If you have any questions, please contact the Ford Truck Body Builders Advisory Service as shown in the header of this bulletin.
Originator: BBAS Page 2 of 2 Date Issued: 07/22/14 Path/Filename: Bulletins/bulletin originals/Q222/Q-222.pdf
Figure 1 shows a plastic accessory attached to the aluminum sheet metal and the fastener properly isolated from contact
with the aluminum sheet metal.
Note: both figures show the fastener using an aluminum washer and having an oversize hole providing an air gap to the
aluminum sheet metal.


Important: Fasteners or coatings that should be avoided
If you have any questions, please contact the Ford Truck Body Builders Advisory Service as shown in the header of this bulletin.
Originator: BBAS Page 2 of 2 Date Issued: 07/22/14 Path/Filename: Bulletins/bulletin originals/Q222/Q-222.pdf
Figure 1 shows a plastic accessory attached to the aluminum sheet metal and the fastener properly isolated from contact
with the aluminum sheet metal.
Note: both figures show the fastener using an aluminum washer and having an oversize hole providing an air gap to the
aluminum sheet metal.


The items listed below can accelerate galvanic corrosion in aluminum and should be AVOIDED. If a steel fastener must be
used it is necessary to properly isolate from contact with the aluminum.

self-tapping screws
steel pop rivets
steel rivnut
steel spring clips
RTV silicone
stainless steel fastener

 

Thank you. So, in English, it looks like zinc coated steel bolts might be the best in my application. The rack and toolbox are both aluminum.

 

yes, used with aluminum washers.

 

Thanks for the help