Paint/Rust Concern- Exposed bolt holes after switching rock rails w running boards

[Mu5tachi0]

Kids were having issues getting in so ordered the OEM runners from my Ford dealer. Because the rock rails were in the painted holes and then removed, it is now flaking off in some areas and bare metal is exposed. Also feel like it looks like it should have a trim piece there but Outerbanks seem to be the same. Suggestions until there is an aftermarket option? Def want to do something to protect it before salt hits the road.

Sponsored

 

[Theherofails]

If you’re talking about the pinch weld seam on the bottom of the tub, why not hit it with some spray lacquer? It’s not as durable as the factory clear coat, and that’s a positive. You can remove it later if need be without damaging your top coat. Sure, the paint will still be chipped and visible, but the metal will be protected.

Wear a ventilator or do it outside. Nasty stuff to breathe.

Also a super cheap fix. Home Depot will sell Deft lacquer in a spray can for $5 and it’s quality stuff.

Don’t forget to mask off any place you don’t want clear coat.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

Hit it with some touchup paint.

 

[RednWhite89]

Kids were having issues getting in so ordered the OEM runners from my Ford dealer. Because the rock rails were in the painted holes and then removed, it is now flaking off in some areas and bare metal is exposed. Also feel like it looks like it should have a trim piece there but Outerbanks seem to be the same. Suggestions until there is an aftermarket option? Def want to do something to protect it before salt hits the road.

Damn, I'd like to see a close up pic, but it almost looks like they put the rails on while the paint was still wet. I've dealt with this on equipment I sell with shrink wrapping applied before the paint had cured. Before any DIY solution, I'd take it to the dealer and see if there is any warranty remedy. Taking off bolt-on rails shouldn't damage the paint.

 

[AceGoliath]

Kids were having issues getting in so ordered the OEM runners from my Ford dealer. Because the rock rails were in the painted holes and then removed, it is now flaking off in some areas and bare metal is exposed. Also feel like it looks like it should have a trim piece there but Outerbanks seem to be the same. Suggestions until there is an aftermarket option? Def want to do something to protect it before salt hits the road.

There are some official Ford black trim “trail armor” that fits over them, but kind of pricey or I know Jeep owners typically tend to paint over them in black.

https://accessories.ford.com/plate-door-scuff-vm2dz-1613208-a.html#2021/Bronco

 

[noliveaxle]

Why don’t you spray with a flat black. The whole pinch weld. It will cover paint chips and you won’t see it. Kill two birds.

post 5 above is a better idea. But just touch up the chipped paint.

 

[stm378]

Seems like a bit of a missed opportunity on Ford's end, any chance there's an Aftermarket combo rock rail with a step that could use the same mounting holes as were on the rock rail?

 

[Mu5tachi0]

Why don’t you spray with a flat black. The whole pinch weld. It will cover paint chips and you won’t see it. Kill two birds.

post 5 above is a better idea. But just touch up the chipped paint.

The point is is just bought a new vehicle and had the dealer install a factory part. I shouldn’t have to paint my new car.

 

[Phil]

Mask off the pinch weld and spray paint it black

 

[joeramirez]

I would love to have your problem but I don’t even have mine yet until 2022!

 

[Funkdoobiest]

What on earth are you going to do if you get a scratch or dent on a door?

 

[CWO4]

The point is is just bought a new vehicle and had the dealer install a factory part. I shouldn’t have to paint my new car.

When you remove a manufactures part that covers an area you will typically find stuff like this. On my $70,000.00 bass boat I removed the manufactures console to install an aftermarket mount, the recessed area looked like a blind monkey cut it out. Adapt and over come, the Bronco is not the only vehicle where you will find this kind of stuff.

 

[Ig_bronco]

Kids were having issues getting in so ordered the OEM runners from my Ford dealer. Because the rock rails were in the painted holes and then removed, it is now flaking off in some areas and bare metal is exposed. Also feel like it looks like it should have a trim piece there but Outerbanks seem to be the same. Suggestions until there is an aftermarket option? Def want to do something to protect it before salt hits the road.

Better solution.... get rid of the kids!!!

JK, i have a 2 yr old and a 10 year old. I get it.

 

[Rayder]

I plan on getting that whole pinch weld and rocker area lineX'd. I don't trust it one bit.

 

[Bronco Don]

See if the Rockrails will go back on with your steps at the same time looks like room to me.

Sponsored