Rust, TRX flares and 5 years

[Yak]

I have an 05 Dakota club cab I bought new, at 61yo I'd like it to last a few more years before I buy another truck. I'm dealing with some rust around the rear wheel lips, other than that, the truck is clean with 71k on the odo. My thoughts are to cut out the rust, prep the remaining metal with one of the many products Eastwood has and cover the hole with TRX flares. I'm just not sure how far the TRX flares extend up the body. Does anyone have a measurement for that?? BTW I've been a Ford tech since 82, same dealer since 88 and have been turning wrenches since 72 so this is well within my abilities. Any other thoughts would be welcome.

[dakotaff]

Here ya go, the TRX flares go up about 4 1/2 inches.

[Yak]

Thank you very much. I'll post pics of the project.


Here it is in beast mode

[RXT]

As a Ford tech, you now that old Fords didn't always rust...they usually leaked enough oil to coat the chassis. Lol!

And thats your clue here. Sadly, you know that rust is really hard to keep controlled and even after you repair it, it can still spread, or you might find more later down the road. My suggestion is after you repair the fender lip to apply a product like fluid film to the under carriage to stop any new rust from spreading, especially in the rocker panels. It's messy but you know that oiled steel doesn't ever rust.

After completely replacing the cab on my 99, I just spray some used oil into boxed in segments where paint might not have reached.

BTW, you have a lot in common with my dad. He's in his 70s now, retired now, but turned wrenches for Ford since 1964. You probably chewed over the same Ford issues, especially back in the 70's


Ed

[Rango]

Hello, having rust issues on my fender lips too. Want to protect repairs. Please tell me a product/brand name for “fluid film” (haven’t heard that name before). I was thinking about WD40 as a rust inhibitor. Any comments on that approach? Thanks for your years of experience. ~Harry

[Rango]

Originally Posted by dakotaff

Here ya go, the TRX flares go up about 4 1/2 inches.

Is there a TRX link for a Club Cab model? All fender flares during web search say “Crew Cab Only”. Don’t know what to do. With the longest cargo bed maybe the Dakota Club Cab is comperable to its same platform Durango, Chrysler Aspen or Mitsubishi Raider?

[dakotaff]

Here ya go.

[Rango]

Thank you for the product link and GREAT website for Dakota parts. Was one of the few sites that for wheel flares had a compatibility list of 300+ vehicles. A must for any Dakota owner needing parts & accessories. ~Harry