Land Rovers are some of the longest lasting vehicles made, the greatest enemy to their longevity is corrosion. Land Rovers suffer primarily from crevice corrosion and the general trapping of corrosive elements (salt, moisture, etc.) within its structure. While my primary method to combat this involves stainless steel replacement parts, there are additional concerns to keep in mind when trying to protect your Land Rover from further corrosion.
Contrary to popular belief, of the two primary metals in a Land Rover- aluminum and steel- the aluminum is actually more corrosive than the steel. In fact, aluminum is one of the most corrosive metals there is. So why is the steel all but gone and the aluminum intact? Primarily because when aluminum corrodes it forms oxidation on the surface, which in effect protects itself from the environment. When steel corrodes, it does so in layers, and rust breeds more rust, thus taking structure away from the metal rather than protecting it as aluminum does.
Many people who inquire about FoRover Forever products are concerned about galvanic corrosion when introducing stainless steel. When dissimilar metals are in electrical or physical contact, galvanic corrosion can take place. When two different metals are in contact, the more active (or corrosive) metal becomes the anode and corrodes, whereas the less active metal becomes the cathode and is protected. When you replace your old steel parts with FoRover Forever products, the stainless steel acts as the cathode and focuses corrosion back on the aluminum, which becomes the anode.
Galvanic corrosion takes place where two different metals are in contact. An example of this is where the stainless steel radiator panel bolts to the aluminium fender. Fortunately, this corrosion is easy to remedy. The best way to prevent galvanic action is to insulate the two metals from each other. Land Rover did this by using a thick, gray caulk between seams, not to mention paint. While caulk is an option, I prefer to use a simple 1/16" rubber gasket to insulate the two metals from each other (supplied with FoRover Forever products where applicable). This thin gasket lends itself to disassembly much more easily than any caulk or silicone and is reuseable.
By replacing rusted steel parts with stainless steel items, you effectively eliminate corrosion in that part. In doing so you move from having two pieces of metal subject to corrosion to only one piece susceptible. Installing FoRover Forever products offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing the parts are constructed of a material that will last a lifetime.
