Ford F-150 2015 - Corrosion

Module�2�-�AluminumTextbook
2015�Ford�F-150�Structural�Repair�Training�Course�(FOR06) 30
Some�of�the�tool�considerations�for
cosmetic�straightening�include:
• avoiding�cross�contamination
from�tools�that�have�been�used�on
steel�parts.�A�best�practice�when
working�with�aluminum�is�to�have
dedicated�tools�for�aluminum�use
only.
• not�using�hammers�with�serrated
faces.�Hammers�with�serrated
faces�can�thin�the�material�and
cause�profile�imprints�from
contacting�the�aluminum.
• polishing�the�faces�of�hammers
and�dollies.�Polishing�the�faces
and�surfaces�of�hammers�and
dollies�helpsprevent�corrosion,
softens�edges,�and�removes
imperfections.
• rounding�the�edges�of�the
straightening�tools.�Doing
this�helps�reduce�thechance
ofscratching�the�backside�of�the
panels.
• using�hardwood�mallets�and
slappers.�Oak,�ash,�and�elm�are
good�materials�for�making�mallets
and�slappers.�They�are�a�hard
material,�but�yet�flex�a�bit�upon
impact.
Ford�publishes�repair�position�statements�to�help
provide�direction�for�safe�vehicle�repairs.
Ford�has�a�straightforward�position�about
repairing�cracks�in�aluminum.�If�the�cracks
occur�in:
• cosmetic�parts,�the�cracks�may�be
repaired.
• a�structural�part,�the�part�must�be
replaced,�as�the�crack�must�not�be
repaired.
Corrosion
Aluminum�corrodes�in�the�presence�of�steel�and
moisture.
Galvanic�corrosion�occurs�when
dissimilar�metals�in�contact�with�each
other�in�the�presence�of�an�electrolyte
such�as�water.