A few other areas that show signs of rust, are on top of the inner fenders where they attach to the radiator support (to the right of the voltage regulator and to the left of the battery), below the battery box, the cab corners and in two places above the rear wheel wells where the braces attach. The cab corners rust because they accumulate debris and moisture in the pocket inside the cab. The rear fender wheel wells rust because they retain debris and moisture between the brace that attaches to the well lip. I have removed the braces, repaired the damage and reinstalled the braces, buy bent the brace flange backwards so it legs out, instead of in. This creates a gap of about one inch between the brace and the outer fender skin, thus not trapping debris and moisture. The inner fender problem area can be corrected by making sure the small pocket that is formed by the brace from the underside and the inner fender skin is throughly cleaned, undercoated and the pocket filled with automotive seam filler. This is not bondo, but the seam filler used by the auto manufacturers. It remains pliable and can be painted or undercoated.
If you are aware of the problem areas there are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent further damage or eliminate it altogether if done properly.
