Having noticed wing corrosion due to galvanic action, (aly wings, steel nuts and bolts) creeping out from under the running boards strips i decided it was time to get the wing resprayed.
I then set about removing the strips. However the nuts and bolts were nearly all rusted and had to be snapped off from underneath.
(gently fatigue the the bolts with mole grips by rocking in the direction the strip is running).
After re-spray, Instead of replacing them i used 3mm Aluminium Rivnuts (M3) and stainless machine screws (M3 pozidrive countersunk 16mm ) so there was no steel in direct contact with the wing, ( this will involve drilling the holes to 4.9mm) I also used double sided trim tape under the running board strips to create a seal, the screw heads were greased with Corrosion Block Blue Grease, the rubber re-fitted and then spayed Satin Hammerite underneath followed by underseal.
I did consider aluminium rivets but Rivnuts allow you to undo the screws.
To save you the expense of a respray job like me, I think its worth removing the rubber strips now and then to check the bolt heads for corrosion and possibly grease them or soak the channel in ACF50. Its not tricky to remove and replace the existing rubber, strangely, you may find the rubber longer or shorter when you replace it but this is easy to adjust by carefully pushing the (using a blunt screwdiver) in the appropriate direction.
If you decide to buy new strips (at around £50 a pair) you will still have (mild?) steel nuts and bolts in direct contact with the wings, that is why i saw no point in going for new strips as the existing strips were ok. Be careful when handling the strips as the aluminium is very pliable. Hope this info helps…. John K
