BuiltRight Rust

[Vermonster]

Pretty work sir...
I would have just pulled them and hit them with POR and put them back on...never would have thought to call the manufacturer.
I just assume most companies will tell you f off after 3 months...
Nice to know reputable companies still around.

I agree. One was actually cracked I saw too. Glad there was a lifetime warranty. I assume it does not covered everything, but this made me happy. I’m looking at the bridge panels now. Not available yet - but it seems it will connect the front and rear.

 

[Explorerinil]

Response from BuiltRight:

“Hey Josh, Those look rough! The salt/ road treatment seems to accelerate the corrosion, and a bed cover can be a gift and a curse, as it can trap moisture in the bed, also accelerating the rusting. If you get car washes in the winter, this could be a double whammy, so to speak. BUT! We will get you taken care of. if you could send me one photo of each panel, ill get you replacements sent out!“

Class act as usual. I will ask about the same thing happening or how I can prevent it further.

I do not do winter washes - just find it's a waste of money. I do a nice treatment in the fall and spring.

Thanks for posting, it’s good to see a company stand behind their products.

 

[Modman]

I’m looking at the bridge panels now. Not available yet - but it seems it will connect the front and rear.

I'll have to check those out. I didn't realize they existed!

 

[Vermonster]

I'll have to check those out. I didn't realize they existed!

Brand spankin' new. I think pre-order only...and I can only see them for the Raptor.

 

[Vermonster]

Well that didn’t take long. New replacement panels are rusty already. I let BuiltRight know, and I also said not to send me another batch. It makes no sense for them to lose money on this, if it’s only going to happen again. As of now, they do not have stainless or aluminum options. That said, I love the function of these panels and I am not ready to cry uncle yet.

As mentioned, I have the entire inside of the truck done too with BuiltRight too - that’s all fine. It’s just the oem powder coat cannot live in New England, I guess.

So here is my plan - I am having my new Chassis Unlimited bumper powder coated to an iconic silver match, and I’ll bring these molle panels along to also have silver done on my dime (which is fine). This is a multi stage process that the local powder shop feels they can make exceed the oem powder that most manufacturers use. Time will tell, but I look forward to the results. I also feel the iconic silver against the black bed spray will really pop.

Stay tuned!

 

[Vecman]

View attachment 270900

Well that didn’t take long. New replacement panels are rusty already. I let BuiltRight know, and I also said not to send me another batch. It makes no sense for them to lose money on this, if it’s only going to happen again. As of now, they do not have stainless or aluminum options. That said, I love the function of these panels and I am not ready to cry uncle yet.

As mentioned, I have the entire inside of the truck done too with BuiltRight too - that’s all fine. It’s just the oem powder coat cannot live in New England, I guess.

So here is my plan - I am having my new Chassis Unlimited bumper powder coated to an iconic silver match, and I’ll bring these molle panels along to also have silver done on my dime (which is fine). This is a multi stage process that the local powder shop feels they can make exceed the oem powder that most manufacturers use. Time will tell, but I look forward to the results. I also feel the iconic silver against the black bed spray will really pop.

Stay tuned!

That will look awesome!

 

[Vermonster]

That will look awesome!

Man - I sure hope so. It's been a super drag to see the rust on these.

 

[Vecman]

Man - I sure hope so. It's been a super drag to see the rust on these.

That is weird honestly - hopefully the iconic silver will eradicate the future risk

 

[Vermonster]

Maybe it was having the bed cover? New england is known for the salt. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) uses a liquid salt brine (a mixture of water, sodium or magnesium chloride, and a corrosion inhibitor) sprayed directly onto roads to prevent ice from forming.

I assume that mixed with temp changes and humidity causes this and the OEM powder coating is not up to snuff for this part of the world. That's another reason I had the entire truck undercoated when I bought it. Frame looks great - and the aluminum body panels are great!

 

[Optimus🤖]

Sorry this happened to you, brother. Great idea to get them powder coated. Here's what those panels will look like when color matched. It's gonna look sweet!

 

[Vermonster]

Thank you, AI Master. When I do take some photos, I better clean my bed first!

 

[Optimus🤖]

Thank you, AI Master. When I do take some photos, I better clean my bed first!

You're welcome! I contemplated cleaning it up but there's nothing better than a dirty bed .

Now you have an example to show the shop. For shits and giggles, email it to BuiltRight. Who knows: they might toy around with the idea and send them to you on the house. Free advertising for color matched panels! (we'll split a 10% royalty).