Hello All,

I just got a new Silverado 1500 4x4 a couple weeks ago.I keep my trucks a long time and want to protect the truck as well as possible from the rust inducing environment we have here in New England.I am scheduled to have a Linex bed liner sprayed in next week.Is that the best way to go?On my last truck the movement of the shell type bedliner caused a lot of damage to the truck, that is why I am thinking the spray in this time.Also the truck has no mud flaps.I was going to get the model specific mud flaps.Any advice for installation?I don't want to trap moisture.Any other ideas to protect from rust and corrosion?

thanks very much
Tony

Do you have a Ziebart installer in your area, I had my 90 Full size Blazer Ziebarted and I sold it last April for $5000.

New cars/trucks are protected and warranteed against rust through from the factory. Adding rustproofing such as Ziebart will void the factory warranty. Protecting it againt stone chips is a good idea. Mud flaps behind the wheels and the air deflector on the front edge of the hood save a lot stone damage. I also agree with your thinking about the stry in bed liner.

I also keep my trucks a long time, Drove an 81 GMC until I bought a 97 Silverado.
Ditch the bed liner, the spray in is the way to go. Get heavy duty mudflaps and then make custom brakets out of stainless and attache them to the frame and fender edge, don't use sheetmetal screws. A good quality bug shield on the hood is a good idea.
The truck will be rust free for about 5 years until the salt, sand and grit begin to wear the paint off underneath. Then get it repainted or undercoated (chassis, framerails, supports etc)
Keep it as clean as possible, keep all the drain holes clear and in 10 -15 years you'll be able to sell it real easy and buy a new truck..... graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Thanks very much for your responses.I have made arrangements for the bedliner and ordered the mud flaps.The air deflector will be next.

Tony