About to drill holes for mud flaps - anti rust suggestions?

[bladz1454]

I couldn't wait for the Weatherguard No-Drill flaps so I went with a set that requires holes in the rear. Has anyone ever put anything extra around the hole after drilling to prevent rust down the road? I was thinking either some clear silicon or like even a glob of touch up paint around every hole? Would be sweet if these kits came with small rubber grommets to insert after drilling.

 

Any thoughts?

[montyss]

lithium grease around the holes you drill , work it into the hole so it comes out the other side , I tried paint a couple times at work and found that grease works the best

by the way nice truck !! I like it

[bladz1454]

lithium grease around the holes you drill , work it into the hole so it comes out the other side , I tried paint a couple times at work and found that grease works the best

by the way nice truck !! I like it

 

Like spray white lithium will do fine? I would have never thought of that, I use it on my other cars clutch joints every once and while so figure it would break out eventually. Thanks for the tip though - I will look into that!

 

And thank for the compliment, I need to add an updated pic after the flaps and visors go on!

[oldmann]

I couldn't wait for the Weatherguard No-Drill flaps so I went with a set that requires holes in the rear. Has anyone ever put anything extra around the hole after drilling to prevent rust down the road? I was thinking either some clear silicon or like even a glob of touch up paint around every hole? Would be sweet if these kits came with small rubber grommets to insert after drilling.

 

Any thoughts?

You can't stop the rust from forming after drilling. You can try to slow it down slightly, but it will never stop it.

[bladz1454]

You can't stop the rust from forming after drilling. You can try to slow it down slightly, but it will never stop it.

 

Yea I've been reading up and that seems to be the consensus (which is weird because dealers drill multiple holes when installing their flaps). I was looking at the rear fender this morning and realized that the stock plastic fender is actually pretty stable and I'm going to rig a set-up that requires I only drill into the stock plastic instead now. I will let everyone know how it goes.

[oldmann]

Yea I've been reading up and that seems to be the consensus (which is weird because dealers drill multiple holes when installing their flaps). I was looking at the rear fender this morning and realized that the stock plastic fender is actually pretty stable and I'm going to rig a set-up that requires I only drill into the stock plastic instead now. I will let everyone know how it goes.

Good idea. I'll bet it will work well. Another option is to use a toggle anchor to spread out the stress.

 

[jdvaughn]

I get all of my vehicles Krowned and it makes a big difference in the long run. I live in north western PA where snow is a more than a fact of life...it is a guarentee, hence so is salt.

 

Krown used to be just a Canadian thing, but they are starting to become more prevalent in the states. It is basically a light weight oil similar to wd-40 that is sprayed inside all of the quarter parnels, rocker panels, kick panels, etc.

 

The theory is that the oil helps to displace any mositure from the surface of the truck's metal. Lots of shops in the country around me simply use used motor oil, but as you can imagine it makes a lovely mess.

 

The krown fluid is clear and clean and not anywhere near as messy, but does cost you.

 

Overall, my cars look brand new compared to the same model year without krown in the salty north.

 

The long and short is that they make small cans of the stuff you can spray in and around that area if you dont want to get the whole truck sprayed (although i would recommend it from my experiences so far). If you google it you will find all sorts of info on their site and other forums. just an idea.

[HD10]

I installed the factory flaps at all 4 corners. wherever I drilled a hole I painted liberally with "Chassis Saver" frame paint. I live in Ohio so salt and rust are always a problem. ODOT uses this paint on there plow trucks. It dries like a rock and nothing will take it off if you get it on you so wear gloves.

[reardiff]

I realize this thred is 4 years old, but have the same question. About to drill holes for OEM Mud Flaps but concerned about giving a place for rust to start. Paranoia or valid reason not to?

 

Have looked at the no drill Weather Techs but from the pictures I've seen they just don't seem to have that 'from the factory' look as the GM brand, but hard to tell sometimes from looking at a fixed view picture.

[reardiff]

I just couldn't get my self to drill holes in my new truck so went ahead and pulled the trigger on a set of Weather Tech no drill mud flaps, and have to say they went on easy and do look really nice. The fit and finish is great, and overall look is just like I'd expect from OEM. Only been a day but so far very happy with them from all perspectives, price, visual appearance, and easy of installation. I'll try to take some pictures for anyone else thinking of going with them.

[Sour_Squirrel]

Pics would be great.

I'm curious how you did this.

[2017SierraSLT]

Fluid Film sprayed in the area would work well.

[sjr613]

 

Yea I've been reading up and that seems to be the consensus (which is weird because dealers drill multiple holes when installing their flaps). I was looking at the rear fender this morning and realized that the stock plastic fender is actually pretty stable and I'm going to rig a set-up that requires I only drill into the stock plastic instead now. I will let everyone know how it goes.

Any pick on your mud flap installation and how it worked with drilling just through the plastic

 

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[bladz1454]

I went with Husky, had no choice but to drill a few holes but I silicone the hell out of it and feel confident it should have a long life. In a year or two I'll remove the flap and take a look. If i need to, I can just debur a little and re-silicone.