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Rust Under Rubber Mat

WS6Y2K

Charter Member
Full Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
761
Location
DFW, TX
Today I was doing some cleaning around the yard and took down a old rusted up trampoline and loaded in the back of the Av and took to the local gas station dumpster. Well since this had a lot of rust on the poles I decided to clean mat. I put some cleaner on the mat and hosed it down with water. I then decided to take the mat off and let it air dry. Well there was a bunch of small rust dust from the poles of the trampoline all under the mat. I put the midgate down and removed the spring loaded cover to get all the rust dust off. After hosing everything down I dried the bed and found some small rust spots all over the bed. This was not from the trampoline as it was only on the bed for less than half a hour. This had to be from something else.

I use my Av as a truck and carry anything and everything that I can. From dirt to trash to working materials. Back over the Thanksgiving holidays I put some new ceramic tile on my floor at home. I put all the old tile in the back of the Av and took it to the trash. I did the same thing and hose everything down. I am sure some of the small parts scartch the paint and with the condisations rust is now showing.

If anyone carries more than just groceries in the back pull out your mat and take a close look.

I will be at the dealer Mon for the water leaks and will show them the rust that is starting to show. For now I have removed the hard covers and the rubber mat so it can dry off.

See what the fix is for this one.
 
I recently had my mat off for the big clean (need to post some really funny pictures of my 2-year-old helping). I saw no rust and have carried more than groceries - but not implements or the results of home improvement destruction.

No rust, scratches or spots. This is very, very, very, alarming and I'm sure we all want to hear more on the status. You would think GM would have had this down...
 
I was just wondering if it was hard to clean dirt and trash out of the back without scratching the floor or getting the drain clean because I was planing to haul some mulch to place around the house
Rick
 
I had my rubber matt out for the first time last week and did not see any rust. There was condensation under the matt. I dried the bed and re installed. I checked again today and noticed that the condensation was there again. I guess this is normal. I have not had any leaks,,,build date 9-01.
 
I don't think you will get any rust if you can keep your bed clean. That is the reason I take off the mat and hose it down so there would not be any dirt or small rocks under the mat. That is what is causing the rust. Small rocks or in my case very small pieces of ceramic tile have made some scratchs on the paint finsh and with the condisation this is causing the rust. I will let you guys know what the dealers says.
 
Why shouldn't we have a spray in liner applied under the mat on the exposed painted metal bed? I would think this would be a great insurance policy if you plan on keeping the AV for along time.
 
Yes you are right. I am hoping the dealer will think about doing this. If not they will just be spending time sanding and repainting over and over. I am sure they could probably get this done with a couple of hundred dollars. There is not much to spray. We will see.
 
I've been seriously thinking about having it done, but I was thinking of taking all of the plastic off and having the sides done, if just up the sidewall a bit. It would be easier just to do what you can see....

I took my rubber mat out two weeks ago after the posts on here about rust, etc. Lots of water under there! So I'm leaving it out until I know I have to haul something back there of until I think of something else to do. (like put the mat back and ignor the condensation) or spray the bed.
 
Hernz Av said:
Yes you are right. I am hoping the dealer will think about doing this. If not they will just be spending time sanding and repainting over and over. I am sure they could probably get this done with a couple of hundred dollars. There is not much to spray. We will see.
What did the dealer finally do about the rust in your bed? ?I had my bed and mat done today and noticed rust forming on the drivers side near the tailgate under the mat. ?I haven't noticed any leaking before and don't use mine to haul anything unusual.

I called them and they want me to bring it in on Monday.

goo929
 
Could GM have possibly changed the paint and primer used in the bed of the Av as compared to their open-bed trucks assuming that maybe they wouldn't be used as much?

The reason I ask is b/c my 7 year old S-10 is pretty scratched and banged up from hauling stuff, is always open to the elements, and I only have a rubber mat in the bottom. The primer is showing at most of the scratches, but not even a hint of rust. The primer is really thick. I'd be disappointed if we discovered that corners were cut here.
 
When I first bought the truck I lifted the mat and condensation was there. South Texas is great for condensation.
I took mine to Linex and had the floor sprayed. Looks great, and I don't worry about the condensation.
It wasn't cheap, something over $200 for the center section.
The reason I selected Linex is that their product can be applied in thin coats and isn't 1/4 to 3/8ths inches thick, didn't need the thickness, just the seal, and it dries really fast
 
I don't have any rust under my mat, but the mat is stained on top. I was carrying something rusty one day only for an hour or so but by then the mat was stained and I have'nt been able to get it off with soap and water. Non-slip, easy staining it appears.
 
Chasman said:
I don't have any rust under my mat, but the mat is stained on top. ?I was carrying something rusty one day only for an hour or so but by then the mat was stained and I have'nt been able to get it off with soap and water. ? ?Non-slip, easy staining it appears.

My mat was looking rough. Sticky stuff on it, dirt, stained, (no rust stains though) - I mean yeck! My 8 year old son brought it back to just new condition - NO LIE. Did a tremendous job and the trick was discovered by accident.

Armor All makes an all purpose cleaner they sell in a purple bottle - I even think it is called All Purpose Cleaner. Well when we found the sticky mess in the bed I had my son use an ancient bottle of that stuff to clean it up, for lack of what I though was a better solution. When I saw the area he cleaned I couldn't believe it. Bright (but not glossy), black, and nice and tacky like the day I took home my Av.

JTDC! I've got to get me more of that stuff! I had to go to three auto parts stores before I could find it and then my kid the next weekend did the entire bed mat with the stuff. I used Eagle One Interior Protectorant (the spray not the gel) on the bed liner walls and the inside of the tailgate while we were at it. The liner, the bed sides, and the tailgate looked factory new. It took my kid about an hour. Honestly I was bursting with pride at his attention to detail on the whole project - wish he was 1/2 as focused on other things he does!
 
Chief said:
JTDC! ?I've got to get me more of that stuff! ...?

JTDC! I see the Chief is a big SP fan (I guess I am too if I knew the acronym, Mr. Hat).
 
Anyone tried the DIY paint-on types of bed liners?Would they work for this?Seems like a THIN coat for use under the mat would work.

Seems like one brand is "Herculiner"(sp).
 
I have Herculiner in the back of my truck. It is pretty thin yet very aggressive/abrassive. It is good there but might be too course for the Av bed. It also peeled up in a couple small places when I was hauling firewood although they do sell a touch up quart. That may be enough for an AV but you need the roller. I would recommend Linex. I thought I saw it at Pep Boys for a do it yourselfer. It is about the right texture.

By the way, the stuff is messy.
 
Goo,
I did not let the dealer know when they were working on my water leak. I was more concerned about the water leak. It was very small and hard to see. I am just going to wait a little longer where you can see it better. Let us know what your dealer tells you.

goo929 said:
What did the dealer finally do about the rust in your bed? ?I had my bed and mat done today and noticed rust forming on the drivers side near the tailgate under the mat. ?I haven't noticed any leaking before and don't use mine to haul anything unusual.

I called them and they want me to bring it in on Monday.

goo929
 
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