Painting Holes from Bed Stiffener Install

No problem.

The silicone is just there to fill any voids. One side should be fine since there will be no relative movement with that many bolts fixing it in place.

It is totally up to you depending on what kind of exposure you see there. For myself, I found sand behind the taillights from the beach, so that side was most important to me.

 

Thank you for all the help!! Got these done a couple of weeks ago, and forgot to update.

Ended up painting 1 layer primer + 2 coats paint using Q tips and krylon quick dry. Worked well, but realized I scraped a good amount of the paint off putting the hardware in, so I took them off and applied a layer of black silicone as if it was paint (using Q tips also) over the top.

Made a very durable, sealed layer. Just had to make sure the area was thoroughly dried first.

Good luck to anyone else trying this!

 

anyone use

$7 3m vhb 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

3m vhb tape in the metal to metal surfaces to prevent squeaks?

 

Silicone is good "shtuff", but there are a few that will accelerate rust on bare metal vs. preventing it. Do a little research first. Polyurethane caulk or body seam sealer is generally a safer route if unsure.

 

Good info! Thanks.

If you can recommend a particular product or two, I can edit them in?

For my setup, the holes were painted before I installed the bolts. The hardware seemed to be SS. And also, even the abused areas of the CaliRaised Stiffeners are corrosion free. I remember seeing similar in taillight buckets the last time that I was in there about a year ago.

 

I have never heard of someone saying that any stiffener has squeaked. Usually, there is enough minor misalignment in the drilled holes, that they are well locked in place. The hardware is generally oversized for the tasks also.

 

No specific recommendations other than AutoZone's, etc. generally stock seam sealers. All Big Box stores will carry an assortment of Polyurethanes. My dad and I did a frame off resto on a 68 Chevy step-side and learned quickly about using silicone on the interior cab mounting bolts. We found it while my mom was working on the upholstery and fixed it. A family friend was a mechanic and educated us. Quick fix and it prevented replacement of the Cab corners we had just replaced.

 

Good stuff. I will add this post at any rate.

 

Is it important to paint them? I didn’t. Does it really matter at this point?

 

I use galvanizing zinc paint followed by nail polish. The galvanizing paint forms a chemical seal and the nail polish (enamel) forms a very strong physical seal.

 

Back when I used to care about things looking good I’d spray a q tip and use this to paint the hole. Now I just hose it with spray paint. Don’t care about runs either.

 

I already installed, do you guys think it'll be a problem? Didn't do any of that, no paint at all!

 

Rustoleum.

 

I think I might take out each bolt one at a time and paint the insides later today. The only issues would be the burrs. Honestly fuck it. Might as well just do that and say I tried to paint them….

 

Took them apart and painted them. Just wondering does your guys stiffeners have a tiny gap towards the bottom? Is that normal?