2010 Gmc Seirra

[mikestruck]

I bought my first GMC truck 3 months ago, washed it the other day and noticed rust spots on both bumpers. Going in to GM on friday. what will they do only 3500km, I hope they replace the bumpers.

[mato27]

Here is a previous thread where this was discussed!

 

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...c=109819&hl

[pm26]

Imagine, after they replace your bumpers, they will remain rust free for another three months!

[Zembonez]

Imagine, after they replace your bumpers, they will remain rust free for another three months!

 

Where are you OP? Salty conditions obviously accelerate this sort of thing. The "spots" you mention... are they specs or larger spots? Might be rail dust rusting on the surface of the bumpers if they are specs.

[pm26]

Might be rail dust rusting on the surface of the bumpers if they are specs.

 

Good point. I heard of similar "rust spot" complaints on car forums which turned out to be rail dust. Except that the spots were all over the cars.

[Zembonez]

Might be rail dust rusting on the surface of the bumpers if they are specs.

 

Good point. I heard of similar "rust spot" complaints on car forums which turned out to be rail dust. Except that the spots were all over the cars.

 

A lot of vehicles have rail dust removed when they are being made ready for delivery. It's not uncommon for the guy doing it to overlook a chrome bumper or two. Might not be his issue but it is possible I guess.

[gmcgirl]

Forgive me for asking but what is rail dust? Also, got the front bumper replaced today on my 09 and they scuffed the crap out of the black upper part of the bumper!

[C. Charles Hahn]

Forgive me for asking but what is rail dust? Also, got the front bumper replaced today on my 09 and they scuffed the crap out of the black upper part of the bumper!

 

Rail dust is literally what it sounds like. Trucks are transported from the factory to the dealer in railroad cars, and when the wheels of the car rub against the rails (steel on steel) metal dust is produced and is airborne. These airborne steel dust particles land on the paint and other surfaces of the trucks being transported, and bond there. Over time the particles rust, which is what you're now seeing on your truck.

 

A clay bar will easily take care of removing the rail dust and other industrial fallout that may collect on the paint and other surfaces, leaving them looking like new again. All you really need is to have the vehicle detailed, or detail it yourself.

 

And as for your front bumper.... take it back and make them fix it again! It's unacceptable that they would cause damage like that and expect you to just live with it.

[gmcgirl]

Forgive me for asking but what is rail dust? Also, got the front bumper replaced today on my 09 and they scuffed the crap out of the black upper part of the bumper!

 

Rail dust is literally what it sounds like. Trucks are transported from the factory to the dealer in railroad cars, and when the wheels of the car rub against the rails (steel on steel) metal dust is produced and is airborne. These airborne steel dust particles land on the paint and other surfaces of the trucks being transported, and bond there. Over time the particles rust, which is what you're now seeing on your truck.

 

A clay bar will easily take care of removing the rail dust and other industrial fallout that may collect on the paint and other surfaces, leaving them looking like new again. All you really need is to have the vehicle detailed, or detail it yourself.

 

And as for your front bumper.... take it back and make them fix it again! It's unacceptable that they would cause damage like that and expect you to just live with it.

 

 

I'm going back to see the service manager on Monday. I will have to try and find that claybar - where do they sell them? I spent over 2 hours cleaning the beast today and it looks damn good! Just need to get that chrome looking better.

[MarkD]

You can get the clay bar at any parts store or wal-mart. Depending on the kit $10-$25.

[gmcgirl]

You can get the clay bar at any parts store or wal-mart. Depending on the kit $10-$25.

 

 

Thanks, I'll check it out and pick it up.

[MS3DALE]

Forgive me for asking but what is rail dust?

 

 

Subject: Bumps or Rust Colored Spots in Paint Due to Rail or Iron Dust (Remove Rail Dust)

 

 

Models: 1994-2010 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn)

 

2003-2010 HUMMER H2

 

2006-2010 HUMMER H3

 

Condition:

Visible rust colored spots or bumps on a vehicle's paint surface from rail or iron dust.

 

Cause:

Rail dust comes from tiny iron particles produced from the friction between train wheels and the tracks and gets deposited on the vehicle surfaces. Iron dust can get deposited on the surface if the vehicle is stored near any operation producing iron dust such as an iron ore yard. Either material can lay on top of , or become embedded in , the paint surface.

 

Correction

Because the severity of the condition varies, proper diagnosis of the damage is critical to the success of repairs. Diagnosis should be performed on horizontal surfaces (hood, roof, deck lid, pick up box, etc.) after the vehicle has been properly cleaned. There are two types of repair materials recommended to repair rail dust or iron dust:

 

GEL TYPE OXALIC ACID:

- Has the characteristics of the liquid type oxalic acid but stays where you put it because of its gel consistency.

 

CLAY TYPE NON-ACID BASED:

- Requires surface lubricant during use.

 

- Has different grades available.

 

Caution: Rail dust remover (Oxalic Acid) is an acidic substance containing chemicals that will break down the iron particles embedded in the finish. When working with rail dust remover, use the necessary safety equipment, including gloves and goggles. Follow the chemical manufacturer's directions closely because it may require special handling and disposal.

 

If, upon inspection, some particles are still present, the various chemical manufacturer's processes can be repeated.

 

After the removal process, small pits may remain in the clearcoat and can be corrected, in most cases, with a finesse/polish operation.

 

Procedure

Move the vehicle to a cool shaded area and make sure that the vehicle surfaces are cool during the removal process. DO NOT PERFORM THE REMOVAL PROCESS IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR ON A VEHICLE WITH HOT OR WARM BODY PANELS.

Wash the vehicle with soap and water. Dry it immediately and clean the affected areas with a wax and grease remover.

Perform the removal process according to the chemical manufacturer's directions.

Once the damage has been repaired, the final step involves a polishing process.

 

Rail Dust Remover Manufacturers

Use the chemical manufacturers listed below, or equivalent:

 

Auto Magic® or Clay Magic® products available from:

 

Auto Wax Company, Inc.

 

1275 Round Table Dr.

 

Dallas, TX 75247

 

(800) 826-0828 (Toll-Free) or (214) 631-4000 (Local)

 

Fax (214) 634-1342

 

www.automagic.com

 

[email protected]

 

E038 Fallout Gel or E038E Liquid Fallout Remover II available from:

 

Valvoline Car Brite Company

 

1910 South State Avenue

 

Indianapolis, In 46203

 

(800) 347-2439 (Toll Free) or (317) 788-9925 (Local)

 

Fax (317) 788-9930

 

www.carbrite.com

 

[email protected]

 

*We believe these sources and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

 

If rail dust remover is not available in your area, call one of the numbers listed above for a distributor near your location.

 

Warranty Information (excluding Saab U.S. Models)

Important: Refer to the Policy & Procedures Manual, section 1.2.1.7 for detailed information regarding warranty coverage for this condition.

[gmcgirl]

Great info, thanks. Looks like I have a little TLC work to do

[C. Charles Hahn]

Rich, with all due respect I really wouldn't be recommending any type of acidic "rail dust remover" to anyone who isn't a professional. This is a normal detailing concern which can easily and safely be taken care of with a claybar by anyone, professional or non. Acidic cleaners can cause permanent damage if not used properly.

 

I would agree with GM's recommendation of Clay Magic, though; in my experience it's one of the easiest and most effective clay products to use. Clay Magic kits are available from AutoZone parts stores.

[MS3DALE]

Rich, with all due respect I really wouldn't be recommending any type of acidic "rail dust remover" to anyone who isn't a professional. This is a normal detailing concern which can easily and safely be taken care of with a claybar by anyone, professional or non. Acidic cleaners can cause permanent damage if not used properly.

 

I would agree with GM's recommendation of Clay Magic, though; in my experience it's one of the easiest and most effective clay products to use. Clay Magic kits are available from AutoZone parts stores.

 

I agree,The Clay Bar is the way to go.