RCI Skid corrosion

[Simpleman74]

Before I get beat up, yes I searched, but kept getting "page can't be displayed" and yes I know it is a skid plate and it will be getting scratched up. My question:

I am looking at RCI aluminum skids. I like the bare metal look but was wondering A. anyone with the aluminum bare skids, how are they holding up to corrosion B. Do they offer a clear coat option?

I messaged RCI but they are closed and I am impatient... that and I like to hear from real world users.

:hat:

 

[Bourbonator]

I don't have the skids, but a quick Google search yielded this: "Aluminum corrodes but it does not rust. Rust refers only to iron and steel corrosion. Aluminum is actually very prone to corrosion. However, aluminum corrosion is aluminum oxide, a very hard material that actually protects the aluminum from further corrosion."

I searched t4r a little and didn't personally find any comments regarding corrosion on the aluminum skids, and only minor surface rust on the steel.

 

[Runn4est]

Can't speak for RCI's aluminum skid, but I have a diesel geek aluminum skid on my jetta, and over the last 3 1/2 years, I do not see signs of corrosion, and it has been dinged a few times.

 

[Engineer]

My Alu. RCI skids have held up through 2 Midwest winters with no issues what so ever. Highly recommend them.

 

[Simpleman74]

My Alu. RCI skids have held up through 2 Midwest winters with no issues what so ever. Highly recommend them.

bare alum not powdercoated?

thanks for the replies... ordering today

 

[wfo9]

They won't look all fancy pants over time.. The finish will dull.. but there will be no deterioration outside of scrapes on rocks...

 

[Engineer]

bare alum not powdercoated?

thanks for the replies... ordering today

Raw Aluminum......well technically they are coated in corrosion AKA aluminum oxide which is likely what attributes to the dull color that occurs over time but this is what provides corrosion resistance.

 

[Simpleman74]

thanks, exactly what I need to know:hat:

 

[Jetboy]

The only issue I think you'll possibly find is the fasteners may cause galvanic corrosion. I'm not sure if this will be a big problem, but it could be in the wrong circumstances.

I generally try to use all stainless hardware for my mods if strength is not a primary concern. Don't use stainless hardware to bolt aluminum to your frame. Galvanized bolts will work a lot better. Chrome bolts will work pretty well too - possibly better than galvanized in this application.

 

[marshal]

Look at it this way. Anodizing is a colored layer of aluminum oxide.

 

[Titanpat57]

Had the aluminum....beat them pretty good...held up great.

Just remember they are not as "slippery" as steel, but for the most part will ultimately look better in the long run (unless you go under your truck and touch the steel ones up). Steel hands down will be more durable over the long term with hard hits, and can be bent back.

From a beauty contest perspective they're a clear choice...:cheer2::flypig:

 

[GA4RNR]

Anyone have any pictures of their 5th gen with the bare aluminum (especially a silver 5th gen) or pictures of a bare aluminum that they have had for a while to see the corrosion?

Thanks

 

[Lightenup_bro]

Anyone have any pictures of their 5th gen with the bare aluminum (especially a silver 5th gen) or pictures of a bare aluminum that they have had for a while to see the corrosion?

Thanks

Corrosion = none

but scratches, gouges, and dents yes.

 

[Southern Trail]

I have steel RCI skids on my 4R. They have held up great. We don't get much snow but we do see plenty of water and humidity. That isn't rust on my skids, that's mud and dirt.

 

[MeefZah]

Anyone have any pictures of their 5th gen with the bare aluminum (especially a silver 5th gen) or pictures of a bare aluminum that they have had for a while to see the corrosion?

Thanks

Both of mine have had RCI skids, as others have said from the older posts above, the unfinished aluminum dulls a bit. It's not really something that is noticeable since it's generally cast in shadow, being under the truck. I personally like the "patina" look on things that get used so it doesn't bug me in the least. If you like shiny things and have to have this skid then buy a box of fine steel wool, I guess.

 

[GA4RNR]

Corrosion = none

but scratches, gouges, and dents yes.

Thanks for posting the pictures!

 

[Tx4Runner18]

Before I get beat up, yes I searched, but kept getting "page can't be displayed" and yes I know it is a skid plate and it will be getting scratched up. My question:

I am looking at RCI aluminum skids. I like the bare metal look but was wondering A. anyone with the aluminum bare skids, how are they holding up to corrosion B. Do they offer a clear coat option?

I messaged RCI but they are closed and I am impatient... that and I like to hear from real world users.

:hat:

I welded/ fabricate alluminim gas haulers for years. Like the ones you see filing up the gas stations under ground barrels.
Anyways, it will corrode over time, but Will last the life of the vehicle, one big suggestion.
Wherever the flanges meet from the skid to the steal, put tape where the two metals meet (alluminim+steel=horrible corrosion)
Our sub frames were steel everything else aluminium, where the two bolted together I'd tape both aluminum and steel and than press them together and tighten the shit it of them. Lol
Go aluminum, and if it ever cracks and you need it welded, I weld for beer!! Haha cheers.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[sf4rnr]

The aluminum have held up great and have taken big hits. Had to take off the last one as a hit pushed it into the muffler crossover. I can't imaging what would have happened if I didn't have it there. The weak part has been that port door. I've had to take it off and bend it straight twice. Again, probably saved what was above it from the hit. On about a year, no corrosion that I see.

 

[WallyT4R]

I coat the inside of mine with fluid film every year when I do the chassis. No issues.