Quote:
Originally Posted by Otter
Thanks for all this great information. I've been doing a lot of reading in the last week and still wondering about this frame vs body mounting "issue".
BTW, JWA, your steps...no beauty contest winner there.
EDIT:...using factory holes and not drilling new ones you're not introducing a rust isssue. Have I got that right?
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Largely depending on your climate rust IS a BIG concern when new holes are drilled or cut into the original body. Most vehicles today have a high grade rust resistant envelop for the entire body as it rolls off the production line. Cutting into that by any means is an opening for rust to begin. Once started it eats its way through the metal under the rust envelope.
FWIW I'm a former body shop owner, currently installing windshields etc so know a bit about preventing rust. The simple act of replacing a windshield can introduce many rust openings----if left untreated the results sometimes seen within a year or so. So................
Looking at my ugly installation you'll see no new holes anywhere in the body----that was 100% by design, adapted my steps accordingly. Running board mounts that utilize factory openings in the pinchweld are perfectly acceptable---there's no drilling or cutting required.
Factory E-Series boards are carried pretty much 100% by the frame which would be my preferred mounting method. Do keep in mind neither of my vans do any off roading of any sort so perhaps my mounting style would conflict with that sort of use.
Another FWIW: as much of a rust bucket my '03 has become not one portion of the mounting areas show any signs of rust after almost 4 years use in the Ohio climate.