Anti-Corrosion Protection

The anti-corrosion system includes a combination of special steels, chemical treatment, and surface coatings which provide a barrier against corrosion.

• Zinc-coated steels, both single and double-sided, are used in sensitive rust-prone areas such as rocker panels, quarter trim panels (31012) , fuel filler door, and luggage compartment door (40110) .
• PVC ribbon sealers between the hem flanges around doors, hood (16612) , and luggage compartment door prevent the entry of water and minimize electrolytic action.
• The entire body is treated in a phosphate bath. The bath provides a coating which acts as a corrosion inhibitor and also provides a mechanical bond for further surface coatings.
• The complete body is undercoated using a cathodic electrocoat process. This process provides an electromechanically bonded, corrosion-resistant coating which penetrates body joints not reached by conventional spray or dip techniques.
• Underbody areas, including the front floor pan (11135) and wheelhouses, are coated with PVC or bitumastic material which resist stone abrasion.
• Cavity wax, a tough petroleum-based product, is injected into hard-to-reach areas, including the lower interior sections of doors and the front and rear edges of the hood and luggage compartment door .
• A coating of primer surfacer is applied to all exterior panels to build a protective film thickness and provide a smooth surface for further color coats.
• Exterior areas subject to stone damage, such as the front fascia ( front bumper (17757)) and the new RKR moulding used for protection.
• Weather-resistant body color paint is applied to complete the sheet metal protection.
• Additional anti-corrosion protection is provided by:
  • Plastic splash shields to protect the wheelhouse sheet metal from stone damage.
  • Stoneguards fitted to the front and rear wheel arches and adjacent door areas.
  • Insulation is comprised of urethane, PVC, and recycled felt.