Automotive Body Component Field Corrosion Behavior in the De-Icing Salt Zone

Doors were removed from recycle-yard vehicles in Syracuse, N. Y. and examined in the laboratory as part of an on-going field study on corrosion behavior trends in the de-icing salt region of the U. S. Lower doors, including hem-flange internal surfaces, were examined, and performance trends as a function of materials selection, age and mileage were determined. The results to date on doors from 167 Syracuse vehicles are indicative of the nature and history of salt-induced corrosion in the region, and they indicate the degree of benefit from galvanized construction and body design features.