Rust under plastic panel door frame

I just bought my 2008 double cab with 103K on the odometer from a friend. He was the 2nd owner and he had it for 2 years.

There may be a thread already on this, I’ve searched high and low to no avail though with this particular location of rust. I don’t know the particular name of the panel that this rust is under but it’s seemed to form from the rubbing of the plastic panel that is where you step into the truck. The only other rust on the truck is the muffler system. The rest of the truck is pretty clean including the frame.





Looking for some advice on
A) is this a pretty common problem? It’s the worst on my driver side, and is starting on the others but not bad.

B) what’s the best plan of action to fix it, (wire brush, rust converter, paint?)

C) because the plastic panel is so tight on the paint below it I think it will happen again after I fix it and the plastic rubs more on it. Should I cover the paint just on the step area with like spray on bed-liner type product to keep the plastic from digging? I almost want to trim the depth of the plastic so it still clips in but the bottom edge doesn’t touch the metal.

Thanks in advance

 

I never seen that before, what state do you live in? That is almost like it was flooded with salt water at one time. My guess is you live in a coastal area that experiences flooding.

 

Damn, sand, apply POR 15, paint. Get some G-TEK door sill protectors.

 

I second that. Look at the seat post right above it.

 

Myself and the 2nd owner live in Pensacola on the Gulf Coast. First owner had it in Panama City so it must have happened with him. Nothing showed on the car fax report.

 

Ya I'm in South Ontario. All 4 doors in mine do that. Pulled the plastic. Sanded cleaned and painted

 

Haven't seen rust in that area before:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-prevention-treatment-consolidation-thread.355928/

 

It may not of been submerged, but I bet people getting in and out with beach sand and saltwater on there feet or shoes contributed to those areas rusting. Also driving on roads that have salt residue from high tides or storm surge. Just take the plastic of and clean it good and apply a good film of corrosion X or fluid film.

 

That my friend would be part of the rocker panel

 

I've had this in all my vehicles so far, Pontiac g5, ford ranger, and my new to me Tacoma. the best way to fix this is to get a wire brush on a drill, scrape it all off until you are at shiny metal (don't leave any cause it will come right back) then clean with a solvent, (typically acetone) apply a nice layer of rust primer (I use rustoleum) then color match and clear coat heavily. No issues the two times ive done it. The taco is gonna get it once winters over.

 

Sand from the beach scraping away the paint when the plastic panel moves. That's my thoughts. Had it on both front doors of mine. Traded it in last weekend for an 18.

 

Wanted to share with y’all my first “bodywork” undertaking. I must say it felt pretty crazy at first taking a wire brush on my drill and blasting into my paint and getting down to that bare metal. Overall it came out pretty good. I went with @Newfiebruh ’s recommendation. Rust primer - color match super white - clear coat. Then added some door sill protectors I got off eBay that had bigger dimensions then the OEM ones I’ve seen that don’t give much wrap down coverage to prevent it happening again, (and to hide my blemishes).

 

Nice! looks like it turned out really good. I cant wait till it warms up so I can do mine, lol the rust sitting there is annoying me. Do you have the link for the protectors? might order some myself

 

yeah I think they'll work pretty good too. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-15-Ta...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

looks good.

 

Gulf what did you use to pull off the trim on the door sill? Looks like it should just pop off with a flathead. I'm gonna have a go at mine here today after work, also will post before and after in anyone is curious.

 

You can just pull them up with your fingertips. They're held on with clips.

 

Do you have mud flaps on the Front???? I had a similar issue that "could" have been from the front wheel picking up water and throwing up into the bottom door opening.

 

Here's the before snap. I have all the paint work done, but the plastic trim is not wanting to go into place properly. Once I get that fixed ill show the after.

 

@Newfiebruh Yours was about as rusted as mine, including the seat post. Look forward to your finished pics. That seat post is next on mine to get painted, bothers me getting into my truck every time.