Swingcase toolbox requires drilling into bed, rust concern?

[ChinkySuperman]

I wasn't aware of the fact the case requires drilling into the bed until I bought the thing, I'm very particular about my sprayed bed so I"m having some concerns about rust.  Anybody with these currently or in the past had any concern or issue with corrosion where the self-tapping screws go into? 

 

 

This is the case i'm talking about.

 

[Tx_operator87]

I wasn't aware of the fact the case requires drilling into the bed until I bought the thing, I'm very particular about my sprayed bed so I"m having some concerns about rust.  Anybody with these currently or in the past had any concern or issue with corrosion where the self-tapping screws go into? 
 
 
This is the case i'm talking about.
 

I have one in my 2500 with the bed liner sprayed and I haven't noticed any rusting or corrosion. I do have a bed cover though so water never really gets on it to where it would speed oxidation up. I think it would take a very long time before/if it caused any noticable damage. Side note: I love mine, thinking about getting another for the passenger side

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[ChinkySuperman]

20 minutes ago, Tx_operator87 said:

I have one in my 2500 with the bed liner sprayed and I haven't noticed any rusting or corrosion. I do have a bed cover though so water never really gets on it to where it would speed oxidation up. I think it would take a very long time before/if it caused any noticable damage. Side note: I love mine, thinking about getting another for the passenger side

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better about it, and yes I do the Switchblade tonneau cover on it, going to install it tonight.

[Ozer]

I had mine for over a year and dont see any rust. It stays dry in the bed with a cover.

You could start the screws or predrill small holes and then dip the screws into some paint before driving them home perhaps? Or use stainless steel hardware.

[diyer2]

Coat things with a dab of grease before install.

 

[fish_guru]

I used stainless nut-serts to install mine. 

I drilled the holes, painted the bare metal and then installed the nut-serts. Worked great.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Rivnut-Insert-Nutsert/dp/B01MS0ED4L

[Donstar]

The dealer installed a bed liner in my '09.  They used self-tapping screws with a "tar" like coating.  Removing the liner six years later revealed no signs of oxidation in the screw holes. Maybe your GM parts guy will have a proper name for this product.  I would do as Ozer suggests and apply a little paint or silicone.  At the very least it will make you feel better. If your screws are snug and rust resistant,  you will unlikely experience any rust related issues from this install.

[Limelight]

22 hours ago, ChinkySuperman said:

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better about it, and yes I do the Switchblade tonneau cover on it, going to install it tonight.

As others have stated- I used some silicone when I installed mine. It’ll be fine. I like my swing case but the little plastic piece underneath that locates the pull handle broke and disappeared causing the case to fall off. I was able to fix it though. 

 

Side note- does your Switchblade leak from the box up front?  Mine is horrible- worst purchase decision I’ve made as far as accessories go. 

[ChinkySuperman]

8 minutes ago, Limelight said:

As others have stated- I used some silicone when I installed mine. It’ll be fine. I like my swing case but the little plastic piece underneath that locates the pull handle broke and disappeared causing the case to fall off. I was able to fix it though. 

 

Side note- does your Switchblade leak from the box up front?  Mine is horrible- worst purchase decision I’ve made as far as accessories go. 

Is the leak coming from the box itself? there should be two drain hoses there.  But sorry to hear bout your Switchblade, I love mine.  It's almost completely waterproof for me, the only water I will see is from the two drain hoses since the ends are just sitting on top of the bed instead going through the bed.

[Thomcat]

I wouldn't worry so much about rusting out in the bed area......more so from the other side. Had rear wheel liners on my '16 install and no rusting. I would think twice about an install without rear wheel liners, or at least undercoating the other side of the tapping bolts.

 

Wouldn't fit the '19 without blocking the internal bed lights, necessary at night with a closed tonneau cover. Besides after 3 years the plastic cases on both of them (actually 4 both on the originals and on the second replacement set) were cracked in numerous places bouncing around with only about 60-80 lbs each. Found it easier and more practical carrying that weight using two milk crates in the '19.

[Fltmech]

I had on on my 2015 since new. When I removed it before trading in a few weeks ago I had zero rust. It was under a bed cover. I did as others and painted the hole after drilling and coated the screws.

[Ozer]

I was under the truck yesterday and could see the self tapping SS screws i used, they still looked shiny so def use SS hardware.

Probably wont hurt to reach up and put some grease/paint/silicon on the screws from the back side. 

[TXGREEK]

Just Drill in screws, paint the holes and screws with black automotive touch up paint which you can get from any local automotive parts store.

[Nanotech Environmental]

I'd suggest spraying a good anti-corrosion oil in the back of the rear stake post. The kind of oil that 'creeps', yet is thick enough to adhere and stay in place.
I use this one for the tailgate, box sides, rockers, cab corners and front fenders etc.;
http://www.commercialoil.ca/products/view/30
Anything similar will be fine.

Pop the rear tail lights out and spray it in the various surfaces in the cavity, ensuring you get the backs of the screws and holes. 
If any rust is going to start, it will start from back there.

Repeat annually.

Edited September 23, 2019 by Nanotech Environmental