Is Smittybilt really that low quality?
- Thread starter Cooper Smith
- Start date
I would like to get the fenders sand blasted so I could paint them instead, or I just buy some GR aluminum fenders and paint those
Aluminum is out of the budget for this crust bucket
My Smittybilt bumpers, swing-out spare tire carrier and flat fenders are 12 years old and flawless. No complaints — durable and heavy-duty.
I live in South Florida — every couple of months + -, I routinely hit the surfaces and crevasses with WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor, long-lasting anti-rust spray. (in the tropics, the flat fender seams will eventually show tiny rust beginnings in spots — as long as you’re vigilant, no issues; in the Northeast and elsewhere, same-o, same-o)
I live in South Florida — every couple of months + -, I routinely hit the surfaces and crevasses with WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor, long-lasting anti-rust spray. (in the tropics, the flat fender seams will eventually show tiny rust beginnings in spots — as long as you’re vigilant, no issues; in the Northeast and elsewhere, same-o, same-o)
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The couple of items I have had that were smittybilt have done ok in the rust belt of New England. BUT haven't had any smitty armor, just a winch plate and couple of antenna bases.
I have had a couple of issues with other brands over the years. Power coat cracks and then salty slurry seeps in and rusts. Every spring I have to look over the jeep and any cracks in powder coating gets wired down and spray painted.
I second someone's comment about spraying down the surfaces with fluid film when mounting them and maybe even annually try and spray some between in any gaps.
I have had a couple of issues with other brands over the years. Power coat cracks and then salty slurry seeps in and rusts. Every spring I have to look over the jeep and any cracks in powder coating gets wired down and spray painted.
I second someone's comment about spraying down the surfaces with fluid film when mounting them and maybe even annually try and spray some between in any gaps.
Rust isn't really an issue here until you get closer to D.C./Northern Va. It's more the owners fault IMO. I treated mine with Eastwood products/ drilled frame drain holes soon after buying it. It was originally a Texas Jeep that spent two years in D.C. before I got it nearly 8 years ago.
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