'05 Renegade, rusty rock rails

[mbw919]

Our '05 Renegade is still looking pretty good considering the amount of salt it gets driven in here in Michigan. The only rust issue so far is the oem rock rails. I took them off last year to clean up and repaint, but the inside of the tubes are rusting badly and they look bad again one year later. I was hoping to buy replacements and rustproof the inside, but according to JustForJeeps.com they have been discontinued by Mopar. I know there are expensive aftermarket rock rails available, but we just want them for looks and don't really need any additional protection. Has anyone found reasonable replacements for the oem bars? If anyone has fabricated their own, what tubing did you use?

Thanks,

Martin

 

[Dave]

Most that take them off do so to put heavier ones on. Then they sell or just about give away the OEM ones. I got several sets and sand-blasted/painted them because I keep bending them. One set was free, one was $50....etc, etc. They all had rust around the drain holes. I don't know how you can prevent it. I power spray the underneith and the rock rails as best as I can after every snow storm.

Maybe someone on here has a spare set to sell.

Dave

 

[Luke]

I have the same problem ... stripped them, rust protected and bed lined them last year. I just noticed that the finish has failed already near the drain holes and at the front where the plastic plugs are. Grrrrr. I am trying to decide whether to do it all again or just scrap them.

Keep us posted as to your decision.. and good luck!

 

[DJSKJ]

Martin,
I hear what you are saying about vehicles and rust in Michigan. I fixed that problem by moving out of the state.:ROFLJest:

How many miles on your 05? I have an 04 Rene with 69k I am debating If I should keep it or not. No rust issues, which is a plus.

DJ

 

[LibertyTC]

The OEM rails hang to low for off road, and will fall apart with salt exposure.
Rocky Road super sliders etc are ok....
http://www.rocky-road.com/media/supersliders_1.JPG
They can be re painted easily and would look great bed lined.

 

[Marlon_JB2]

Just looked under the '05. Same problem, although it doesn't seem as bad as you have described.

It's my sister's so... I'm not worried about it. lol3.gif

Maybe this summer I will remove, sand and repaint them.