I noticed a few rust spots about the size of a pin-head in the bed of my new Mega-Cab. I also notices a nick in the side of the tailgate that is also showing rust. Don't they use galvanized steel on a $49000 truck ?

 

Why would they....that would cut into their 20g profit per truck...

 

Something I thought of years ago, was putting a small amount of Nickel and other alloys in steel and makeing it low grade stainless steel.Sorry I am not better informed on metalerugy just a thought I have had for years.There must be a combination that would work.

 

If the pin-head sized spots weren't nicks to begin with, it could be rail dust if your truck got a train ride. This is a reported problem. My previous Gen II had it all over the tailgate. It can be removed with a clay bar or a cleaner and then waxed. An 06 should not be rusting already.

 

I'd say its rail dust. All manufactures use galvannealed steel, which is pretty much the same as galvanized, with a little iron added to the hot mix to improve paintability.

 

Rail dust.....I guess that makes sense.
Thanks for the input.

 

I know its not a 3 gen dodge truck but my mom got a 2006 chrysler 300C this past fall and the first time it got washed i did it for her (60 miles on the Odo). Well the hood and roof had the same rail dust spots on it. I used a claybar too and it came right off and now you can't tell it was ever there. Kinda sucks though, you buy a truck or car that cost alot of money and there is crap all over the finish.
matt