Hello All,

I am thinking about replacing the factory bed caps on my 2002 F-250 Crew Cab Long Bed with Dee Zee Diamond Plate bed caps.

With all the chrome on my truck and the diamond plate mud flaps, lic. plate frame, and on my 5th wheel trailer that I have I think it will look really good. Although, I have heard that after a while I will start getting rust. Has anyone else experienced having these on that could confirm or deny this?

Looks are one thing but longevity of the looks is another.


Thanks,

Brett

 

Have you ever tried keeping diamond plate clean & polished looking. What a pain - and all we have it on is the tool box & rails. If you don't keep it polished you'll get that hazy oxidized look.

Seems like it would be more trouble then it's worth.

Carlene

 

Thanks for the info but I guess I don't really pay that much attention with the little diamond plate I already have because I've felt it's just like keeping the chrome bumbers, grille, side bars, and wheels clean.

Are you saying that diamond plate is a pain in general or are you just regarding the diamond plate tool boxes and bed caps (rails)? What year did you get your bed caps and do you think it's possible that the newer bed caps are made different for easier upkeep?


Thanks Again,

Brett

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-May-02 AT 09:10 AM (EST)]Brett - Sorry it took so long to get back to you.

We got our rails (caps) and tool box shortly after getting the truck, which was about 6-7 years ago. Neither have any signs of rust and the rails on the side of the bed and tailgate definately are great for protection. It looks great when it's new and/or polished. Just wish it was easier to clean.

As for cleaning being a pain, try running a piece of cloth over what diamond plate you have. Unless it's changed, the plate will chew it up.

I couldn't find it, but I read a post awhile ago about polishing diamond plate - the guy recommended using **** carpet. I thought that made alot of sense but haven't tried it yet.

Carlene

 

Thanks Carlene,

The product from Dee Zee I am thinking about getting is described as such. "Made from heavy-guaged Brite-Tread aluminum, available in Hi-Luster, UltrGloss Black and Stainless Steel". It is really smooth with no barbs or corners to snag on so I'm thinking it is not true diamond plate but a simulated diamond plate, like my license plate frame.

As long as it won't rust or hurt my bed I'll probably go ahead and get them.

Thanks for the information.

Brett

 

>Thanks Carlene,
>
>The product from Dee Zee I am thinking about getting is
>described as such. "Made from heavy-guaged Brite-Tread
>aluminum, available in Hi-Luster, UltrGloss Black and
>Stainless Steel". It is really smooth with no barbs or
>corners to snag on so I'm thinking it is not true diamond
>plate but a simulated diamond plate, like my license plate
>frame.

Am I totally off base here for thinking once and a while that some aluminium navel jelly would clean it up, folloed by perhaps a coat of wax to help retard the aluminium oxide?

I was not thinking caps for my self, but replacing some of my bed floor, rather then the caps with the diamond plate, though in my case I don't have much of a bed to speak of I can see why the stuff would be a pain and 1/2 to clean

 

There is a product called Aluma-Crome or something like that and it was the best stuff in the world for alumn. It was basically wipe on and wipe off. If you are interested I'll E-mail my parents and get the address off of the can for ya. I found a can of it there last week.

dj

 

DJ,

That would be great!

Thank You,

Brett

 

I just recieved that address. Sorry about the wait.


Allumagchrome


Karseal Corp.
11552 Hart St.,
N.Hollyood, Calif. 91605
Phone 213-877-0168
Poduct # 90620

When I used this stuff years ago it was great.

dj

 

DJ,

Thanks for getting me the address, I do appreciate it.

I found out that all off Dee Zee's Brite-Tread Aluminum products are powder coated to prevent oxidation so I'm not sure if I'll need a heavy duty cleaner but I will definitely look into it. www.deezee.com


Thanks Again,

Brett

 

No problem and sorry about the wait.

good luck

dj

 

>Thanks Carlene,
>
>The product from Dee Zee I am thinking about getting is
>described as such. "Made from heavy-guaged Brite-Tread
>aluminum, available in Hi-Luster, UltrGloss Black and
>Stainless Steel". It is really smooth with no barbs or
>corners to snag on so I'm thinking it is not true diamond
>plate but a simulated diamond plate, like my license plate
>frame.
>
>As long as it won't rust or hurt my bed I'll probably go
>ahead and get them.
>
>Thanks for the information.
>
>Brett
>
>

I think the Putco Stainless Steel stuff is about the best you can get.

Larry

 

I have a set of the DeeZee bed caps you are talking about and they have worked just fine for me. I used the adhesive backing strips that came with them to secure it down while I drilled and bolted them up securely (with included hardware)... Nice compliment to my truck. I haven't gotten around to polishing them up in a while and they don't seem to have dulled too bad since then... A worthy investment IMHO.
Ray