F150 Box Side Panels
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New User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 21
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F150 Box Side Panels
My box side panels are to the point that they have rusted through at the fenders. I have recently taken these off and have but new FORD panels on. I would like to know if there is any extra prevention I can do to make this panels last longer than the first ones. The panels are not painted yet, but they do have the black primer from the factory.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 38
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From: 391 SW bonifay Glen
F150 Box Side Panels
Forgive me for asking, but did I read this correctly? You can buy replacement sheet metal for the area above the rear wheels on the box? If so, I would love to know more about this as my bed is rusting above both wheels. Although the rust is not bad, I was just thinking about letting it go until I could get up enough cash to buy a new box from some part of the country where salt on the roads is not used. Did you go to Ford for these and how expensive are they? Did you install these yourselves or have a body shop do this?
Thanks Jim!
Thanks Jim!
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: 391 SW bonifay Glen
F150 Box Side Panels
After re-reading your post, I saw that you already answered one of my questions. Knowing that these came from Ford, I would think that the quality of the metal would be better than some of these aftermarket import shops.
As for extending the life of these, is it possible to undercoat the insides of these after they have been installed? I think its pretty apparent that they rust from the inside out. If its possible to undercoat these, I think that would be the best option.
My 2-cents,
As for extending the life of these, is it possible to undercoat the insides of these after they have been installed? I think its pretty apparent that they rust from the inside out. If its possible to undercoat these, I think that would be the best option.
My 2-cents,
Senior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 228
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From: Poynette Wisconsin
F150 Box Side Panels
After you weld in the panel, paint and prime both sides(if possible), that black stuff ain't worth crap. Use a chip resistant under coating. Something else to look out for is if you have chrome trim, use new screws not the old rusty ones and spray the under coating all around the tips of the screws so moisture can't get in there.
