Installed bed stiffeners, is it necessary to treat the drilled holes to prevent rust?

I installed some bed stiffeners and wondered if it is necessary to treat the drilled holes with an anti-rust spray? They have washers on either side and are tightly bolted. I am hoping not (as the stiffeners are already installed) but if some treatment is needed, would fluid film aerosol can work? I understand there is no curing time which would be ideal to complete the work

 

Anti seize would help.

 

Where you live
How long you will keep your truck
How much time you have
How much primer or paint costs
Friday posts

 

Live in the PNW. It’s a 2021 Tacoma and planning on owning long term I think.

 

I also live in the PNW... I back painted the drilled holes when I installed bed stiffeners on my 2015... Just seemed prudent given the weather conditions here. YMMV

 

Why would you not paint the bare metal edges of the holes you drilled?

 

CAUSE I FORGOT AND DON’T WANT TO TAKE IT ALL APART AGAIN!


That and I cut the fuck outta my hand putting it all back together. Lessons learned for the next truck I suppose

 

Make sure you clean up the all the metal shavings because if they're sandwiched between the bed and the bed stiffeners, you'll get a bunch of small rust spots where those are at. I discovered this when I removed my bed stiffeners and it wouldn't hurt to fluid film or paint those holes for peace of mind.

 

I personally wouldn’t worry about it if they are already installed.
If you are worried about it, and don’t want to take it apart.
Maybe a clear coat touch-up pen and go around the bolt and washer head.
Yeah, it might look “funny”. But it should help a little.

Again, it’s not something I’d worry about. I’d worry about something else. Like the frame.

 

Since they're in, maybe loosen significantly and Fluid Film the bajeezuz out of them so it penetrates the threads?

Thanks for the reminder. I've got a set of Total Chaos stiffies to install this week on my rig. I'll probably repaint the affected areas and do some "proofing" to them, as well.

 

Okay, I understand you cut yourself. But seriously, just do it for your investment that you put into your vehicle.
It’s not hard to uninstall vs reinstall.

i only say this cause I’ve done the stiffeners, and hammer hangers recently. The stiffeners are no where near the difficulty as the hammers.
Just do it

if it makes you feel better - I recently did my trans oil. I went to empty my collection container and realized I forgot to replace my crush washer.. Anyways - before running the truck on the road I decided to wait till it cooled off, and repeat the procedure and change the crush washer.

a few hours worth of my time is a better peace of mind. So I say, just do it.

 

lookup POR 15.

 

I think it depends…
1) is the rest of the truck? Yes do it No you don’t need to start now.
2) do you like to finish a job? Yes do it. No don’t ask the question you don’t finish things
3) are you keeping the truck? Yes. Do it. No others will see how the truck has been cared for.

pick one

 

so a normal vehicle project then!

if i don't cut myself at least once while doing anything even as simple as an oil change, i keep doing stuff till something happens.