I will probbably talk to the local body shop about this subject tomorrow but I want more than one opinion. I have uh, "camper" mirros on my '94 F-350. I'm assuming they are made of stainless stell, could they possibly have a chrome plating? Any ways, my question is about rust around all the bolts. What should I do to get rid of the rust and keep it off for good? I'm thinking sand blasting might be a good idea, but I'm not sure if there is any special finish or not. Any opinions?

Logan

 

If stock, the mirrors are made of stainless steel but the bolts are made of carbon steel-hence your rusting problem. Use a very fine steel wool to remove the rust stains and replace ALL bolts with stainless bolts.

 

You might also use some WD40 as a lubricant/solvent. It will help breakup the rust and make things a bit smoother.

I have a 94 F250 but I am not sure if they are factory or addon, I would assume factory. I am not sure if the mounting plate at the bottom of my mirror is stainless or chrome. The rust type makes it look more like chrome plate. In either case, you might also want to take a look under the plates to make sure the rust isn't spreading to the truck door panel and paint. SInce you probably are going to replace the bolts anyway, this should be just one tiny more step.

The "bow" or frame that holds the mirror on mine appears to be aluminum or maybe brushed stainless. In either case the bow has no rust at all. The mirror itself is one of these rectangular one with rounded edges. It is either chrome plated lightweight steel or maybe it is plastic, never really inspected too closely, but it sounds like plastic, I could be wrong.

BTW does anyone know of a good glass coating to prevent ice buildup on the mirror surface? I have almost had a couple accidents over the years because I could not see through the ice and could not get it off while rolling down the road. I have not had any of my other cars ice up the outside mirrors that bad.

Jim Henderson

 

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 11-Apr-01 AT 00:25 AM (EST)[/font][p]Rain x works good, but you have to apply it once a month or so to keep it working. On your windshield it works too. I would think that you could put some in your resevoir and it would do the work for you!

PS - Just did the stainless bolt route on my '78. Looks a hell of a lot better, especially when the lame-a$$ body shop put in zinc-plated hex heads that looked like crap! Stainless carriage bolts are the way to go...30min job! If you are an expert at getting your door panels off like I am!

1978 F250 4x4 - 351M
Build 'em, don't buy 'em!

 

I have had the same problem on the 87 some light steel wool will take care of the rust then get urself some real stainless steel bolts and then clear coat the mirrors to seal them and you'll be in good shap.

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Mudslinger_82 aka Mike G

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