GM is going aluminum

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

Most commercial aftermarket bodies (utility trucks, ambulances etc) have been aluminum for some time mostly for corrosion resistance. Once a layer of aluminum-oxide forms, it protects from further corrosion. A bigger enemy for aluminum is surfactants like simple green, which if not rinsed thoroughly can prevent the aluminum oxide layer from hanging on, and then corrosive agents can attack.

GM has used aluminum for hood and fenders on some cars on and off for years.

I wonder what the cost of repairs are going to be and how that's going to affect insurance rates as you know it's going to cost more to work on them.

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.

The switch to aluminium is an attempt to make the vehicle lighter to meet the new increased mile per gallon mandate imposed by the government. These new mandates sound good when imposed, as they decrease dependency on foreign oil and less pollutants are pumped into the environment. However, when the big picture is examined, such as increased vehicle costs and use of less desirable, lighter metals, the mandates are less attractive.

Get a white one, the oxidation will not show from a distance! Chris

I wonder how salt will effect aluminum truck bodies?