Side Sill Corrosion

DPViper · Feb 25, 2006

I have a silver SRT-10 with side sill corrosive spots. I have been told Gen I and II cars had similar problems so I am posting a question here. The 2 spots are about the size of dimes under the drivers door. They were repaired by the dealer but they have returned. Since they are out of site (under the sill), and since I am concerned about the dealer matching my silver paint, I am considering leaving them unrepaired. My concern is if they grow, they will be visible. Does anyone have experience with these types of spots? Will they continue to grow if not repaired? What does the dealer need to do to stop the corrosion? Thanks for any advice.

cgmaster · Feb 25, 2006

corrosion is like cancer it will spread if left un treated.

94RT10Ohio · Feb 25, 2006

I agree, if the car is still under warranty I would push HARD for a whole new sill. The paint will match. I am a bit disappointed DC has yet to use a better material for the sills.

Jeff Lemke · Feb 25, 2006

What is the material on a gen 3 side sill? Still Aluminum? I thuught they were now composite.

Jeff

Steve-Indy · Feb 25, 2006

Hi, Doug. Can you tell us what was determined (or speculated) to be the cause of said corrision??? Thanks.

Realizing that this is NOT the "correct" forum...I'll still ask: Has anyone else seen this type of a problem on a Gen III sidesill? THANKS in advance.

DPViper · Feb 25, 2006

Hi Steve: Eric (body shop) thought the corrosion occurred because the metal heat shield was touching the aluminum sill. They ground down the corrosion, filled the repair, primed/coated the back of the sill, reattached the heat shield and spot painted the sill. I've driven the car 4 times (50+/- miles) and the 2 spots are back. Eric's blended paint repair looks good but not perfect. In some light the sill looks brighter because of the new clear coat (he had to clear the entire sill). I am told the proper repair is cutting out the corrosive spot, welding (?) in new aluminum and installing a new heat shield. Eric was going to do it this way initially but decided he could fix it the way I described because the holes were so small (he had a hard time finding them after sanding the affected area) and he couldn't get a new heat shield. I am concerned every time they paint and clear the sill the contrast will increase so I might be willing to live with it "as is" if the spot doesn't grow in size. As you know Steve, I hate paint that doesn't match and silver is really tough. Thanks!

Big Medicine · Feb 25, 2006

Corrosion is it's own science; it has many contributing variables, among many things being pH, difference in potential, type of metals in contact, and the propensity for those particular metals to interact- in series with the environment and without.

I'm serious; you can get a PhD in the science of this stuff. My company employs a full time doctorate for the purpose.

I would find the nearest institution of higher learning and approach whomever teaches metallurgy; ask them if they might have any students interested in looking at the situation. The professor will likely be interested in having a student get some hands on experience, and certainly the student should be eager to get his hands dirty.

It may be you only chance at an unbiased opinion.

Steve-Indy · Feb 26, 2006

Re: Side Sill Corrosion

Good points, Mike...and thanks for the update, Doug. I AM somewhat puzzled by the above situation, though I have a couple of wild ideas concerning THIS particular car that require a little more research.

Side Sill Corrosion

DPViper

Viper Owner

cgmaster

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94RT10Ohio

Enthusiast

Jeff Lemke

Enthusiast

Steve-Indy

VCA Venom Member

DPViper

Viper Owner

Big Medicine

Enthusiast

Steve-Indy

VCA Venom Member

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