I've noticed a serious problem with 1988 thru 1996 at the lower part of the extended cab models, I wondered if any of you may know what causes this rust problem. I think the problem may be the window area in extended cab that may leak and collect in lower part of cab but I'm not positive about that.
I have a 1990 X-cab now that has both sides almost completely rusted out in that area and yes I live in a area that uses salt on roads during winter but I always wash under cab & wheel wells even during winter months to help prevent this but to no avail , it rusted anyway.

I'm currently looking at a 1996 F-150 X-cab with E.B package truck is very clean but there are 3 tiny spots on the lower part on x-cab area starting to bubble out just like my 1990 truck did and this truck was in texas for the last 4 years!

Has anyone figured out were or what causes this or how to avoid this problem?





Rust Sucks!

Michael B.

 

I can't answer your question, but can tell you I just sold a '93 ext. cab that was starting to bubble on the drivers side. I now drive an '87 ext. cab that both sides are rusted all the way through. It also has rust under the rear window where the body seems are.

Joel

 

There is a design problem. There isn't any decent drain holes for the location, and there is a steel support inside the sheetmetal that attracts muck and won't release it.

Washing well under the location does help, but it WILL NOT stop it completly.

My uncle had a '88 that did that, and he had it cut out and replaced. No surprise in less than 5 years, it was almost completly rusted through again.

The wheel wells are similar, I've heard of people cutting out the lower support so they leak, and apparently they have had good results.

It's almost like Ford wants these trucks to rust out.

 

Yup I see your point about no drain holes for that area, so I was thinking why couldnt a guy take a couple of those rubber drain grommets that came on some of the early ford cars? I've got a 65 thunderbird that has enlongated rubber grommets in the rear quarter panels but are designed in such a way that water can escape area but cant get in from spray off front tires. Hmmmm now I got myself thinking theres got to be a dealer that carries those things as a repoduction part. So my thinking is now , buy the 1996 truck, buy some POR15 for inside panel , install drains and cross my fingers!

If anyone has another idea feel free to post it thanks!


Michael B.

 

Hey I found those grommets I was talking about take a look see what you guys think.

Ford part #C4OZ-62103A58-C

Photo at link below:

http://www.mustangdepot.com/images/S...62103A58-C.gif





Michael B.