Rusting Brackets

Sandblasting and POR-15 to the rescue...

 

Looks good. For the price of vehicles today you think manufacturers could do a better job at protecting parts from corrosion.

 

It's more than just cosmetic. If you don't treat them they rust away, starting with pinholes at first and then disintegrating enough to break apart. It's also difficult to find the part numbers for these brackets on the Toyota parts diagrams.

I think Toyota cheaped out on more than just the metal they used for the truck's frame. The metal and/or finish on all of the brackets leaves a lot to be desired. I've been pulling every accessible bracket in the engine compartment and under the truck and sandblasting them. Then I use either Eastwood Rust Encapsulator spray can for a quick repair or POR-15 for a more permanent fix. The downside of POR-15 is you have to wait 3 to six hours before the parts can be handled, depending on the humidity and temperature. One of the major upsides, aside from the longevity of the finish (as long as it's not exposed to sunlight), is that the paint flows out to make a smooth finish and does not leave brush marks. If it's exposed to sunlight, you have to top coat it.

 

OP's truck is a 2006, getting on almost two decades old. Most vehicles in NY state are on their way to the crusher in half that time.

 

Look great. Is that a parking brake bracket?

I've taken a similar approach to my truck.... ongoing restoration.... addressing issues like you did before things get out of hand.

 

Yes, that's the passenger side parking brake line bracket.

Here is the driver side parking brake line bracket, before and after:






Here are the two horns in front of the radiator, before and after:













Here is the next little project bracket, near the gas tank:

 

Did some exhaust work and decided to dress up these brackets that hold the exhaust manifold to the transmission housing. Derusted, chemical treated, and then some high temperature paint.

 

Looking good! That ought to last a good while.