alphapenguin

I noticed that my side strakes seem to have some corrosion forming. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? I assume I could repolish it, but how would I continue to protect it?

philodox

Well, if you live in an environment where it snows, there will be salt on the roads. The aluminum fender strakes will corrode if you don't keep them clean all the time. Here is what I did.

I removed the stratkes. Using a dremel tool, I polished them to a high shine. That took all of 15 minutes for all the them. Once I was done shining them, I got some finishing spray (clear coat) and painted them. You can get a clear gloss at any paint store. It will help keep the salt off the aluminum and they will stay shiny. So far so good. I hope that helps.

magixpuma

umm sorry but aluminum doesnt i rust!!! am i wrong?

philodox

you are right, it won't rust.. but salt will still corrode and eat away at it.

alphapenguin

it doesnt rust, but it does corrode. Sometimes if you see little white bumpy lines, its referred to as "filiform corrosion." I am not sure if I spelled that right, but regardless, thanks philodox. I'll try that next weekend.

philodox

No problem. Just remember to use very light coats othewise it'll look like an orange peel.

irish8

philodox is on the money!! I would also recommend, once fixed and back on the car you clean them on a regular basis. Also, add some wax to them when you clean them.

Good luck!!

- Irish

red_rx8_red_int

It doesn't rust, it pits. It does corrode. I also say thanks to philodox and will try it.

philodox

No problem guys, my pleasure to help. I did it to my fender strakes about 2 months ago and have had no problems with the clear paint flaking or chipping.

brothervoodoo

But can you top this.....

I didn't think so!!!

philodox

my god

Outlaws eXtreme

What was that, acid spilled on it?

brothervoodoo

The Brits have some vile weather over there!!! :o

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

It helps if you wash your car yearly.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

get replacements immediately

mikeb

LOL

they better hold up for 200.00

Air Force RX8

Wow, makes me glad I am on the DLS Customs list for the non-metallic strakes! OOOOOHHHHH I can't Wait!!!

alphapenguin

yah mine are getting bad, time for a buff'n. what kidna of coating do you put on it after you polish it?

jenkins-crew

buy the fiberglass ones....tadaahh, no corosion.

philodox

I use a clear gloss spray paint to put on my strakes. That way they always stay shiney, and I don't have to worrya bout corrosion. Been almost a year with no issues or flaking.

salituro64

Wouldn't polishing and waxing them also protect the finish? I wonder why Mazda didn't make them chromed or stainless.