sircharlespiko

Hi everyone, what is the best way to Prep holes drilled info the body of the truck ? I'll be drilling the fenders to install oem flares on my xlt but am not sure how to Prep them to avoid rusting. Touch up paint, a special coating, silicone? Thanks in advance.

noboost5.0

Black RTV OR SILICONE SEALANT, MADE BY PERMATEX, although I'm sure more, can be bought at mst autoparts stores

conger

I like POR products. I've used them in some rod and sports car builds.

sircharlespiko

Thanks for the replies so far, any particular product from this company for this purpose that you like? Do I just apply to the exposed areas and let it dry? Thanks again

conger

I depends on the application. Air and water are your enemies. If I'm treating a ground wire connection, prefer to install a stud. Similar to the way they do with aircraft wiring. So I will drill the hole clean and burnish for good electrical connection. Install the stud then paint the base on both sides with POR15 to seal. Leaving the threads on the stud clean.
If it's to seal a bracket I will do about the same thing by leaving the bracket installed for future use.

sircharlespiko

Thanks, I won't be running any electrical, just the pins/screws to secure the flares to the fender lip. Would the silicone /sealant be sufficient?

conger

The important thing is the keep moisture out to stop any rust.

sircharlespiko

So is silicone sufficient, or would the por be better? Thanks

DavidKR

my objection with silicone is that it can eventually dry out, crack, and come apart. whenever I've drilled holes in any painted parts, I take some primer, brush it on the exposed area, then cover with a touch-up paint. it may be excessive, but that's essentially the way the factory does it, so that's the way I like to do it.

boostdriver

I would also coat the hole thoroughly with the Fluid Film product. I love that stuff! You can usually find it at a John Deere dealer. Great for rust prevention and even some lubrication. It mostly does not dry out, especially if you use a thick coat.