GM is going aluminum

colliehauler wrote:
I wonder how salt will effect aluminum truck bodies?

Based on my experience with boats around salt water I have to answer "It depends". I have seen some aluminum just turn to powder after a few years but I have seen little evidence of that on hulls made for salt exposure with the proper alloys and properly prepared. There corrosion resistant coatings for aluminum that are very effective. The coating process is called anodizing and can be used to impregnate the surface with dies, giving interesting color to the metal. Electrolysis can be an issue. The biggest problem may be aftermarket equipment not installed properly causing electrolysis.