File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PI0564C
April, 2013

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting

Models:

2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade Models
2011-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2011-2013 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

This PI is being revised to add the Express and Savana models. Please discard PI0564B.

Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment that areas of the frame wax coating are peeling off and rust/corrosion is visible on
the metal in these areas. Several examples of this condition are shown in each group of graphics below.

Truck Example Photos

2708901

2708906

2708908

Van Example Photos

3396076

3396078

3396079

3396080

Recommendation/Instructions
A specialized metal coating product, Rust Bullet®, has been found to be the most suitable product to provide
corrosion control and protection to address this type of repair. Our recommendation is to use the Rust Bullet®
Automotive Formula* and the Rust Bullet BlackShell®* and that they must be applied according to the
manufacturer’s procedures.
Important: To ensure proper coating performance, all of the manufacturer’s “Applications Guidelines” MUST be
followed.
Prep the frame and apply the Rust Bullet® Automotive Formula and the Rust Bullet BlackShell® coatings following
the steps below:
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

2708909

2. Remove any of the visible white labels on the frame (usually one per side), if labels are in the area to be
reworked.
3. Determine a start and finish point on each side for the section/area of the frame to be repaired.

2708910

4. Using a rag and wax/grease removing solvent, remove the wax coating from the truck frame in the designated
repair area. The graphic above shows an example of a small portion of the wax coating removed.

2708911

Important: Rust Bullet® coatings have strong adhesion qualities that provide outstanding results with little or no
surface preparation prior to application. Rust Bullet® is designed to apply directly onto rusted or clean surfaces;
however it is recommended to remove any loose flakes/scale of rust prior to application.
5. Any loose rust or loose flakes should be scraped, wire brushed or ground off.

2708912

6. Remove any residual wax, oil or rust by wiping the frame down with a Scotch-Brite™ pad and wax/grease
remover.

2708913

Important: The frame must be dry and free of wax/oily substances prior to application of the new coating.
7. Use an air hose to blow dry the frame.

2708914

Important: Protective clothing, gloves and eye protection are recommended during set up, application and clean
up; it is extremely difficult to remove Rust Bullet® coatings from your skin after about 20 minutes. Also, pay close
attention to the proper ventilation and stirring procedures outlined in the “Applications Guidelines.”
Note: Rust Bullet® coatings may be applied by brush, roller or spray equipment. The brush on application is
recommended for this type of repair.
Important: A second coat of Rust Bullet® Automotive coating must be applied to completely seal the first coat.
Before applying the second coat, the first coat must be completely dry (approximately two to four hours) and should
not be wet or tacky.
8. Apply two coats of the Rust Bullet® Automotive Formula by brush to all rusted and bare areas of the frame
where the wax coating was removed. Ensure the first coat is allowed to completely dry before applying the
second coat.

2708916

9. After following the manufacturer’s suggested optimum drying time for the two coats of Rust Bullet® Automotive
Formula, brush on one or two coats of the Rust Bullet BlackShell® coating as required to achieve desired
appearance. Though referenced as gloss black, the BlackShell® coating dries to a low gloss appearance.
10. Lower the vehicle and allow the final coat to dry as recommended by the manufacturer.

Parts Information
Obtain Rust Bullet® Automotive and Rust Bullet BlackShell® and the “Application Guidelines” by contacting the
website at www.rustbullet.com, or by calling 1-800-245-1600* (Export Dealers please review the website listed for a
distributor near you).
A pint can of each product will cover approximately 25 square feet as described in this PI, which should cover both
sides of the center/low visual areas of the truck frame. A quart, covering approximately 50 square feet, would be
necessary if extended lengths or a full frame were repaired.
Dealers in Canada: The Canadian distributor of Rust Bullet BlackShell® is KAP Corrosion Control and Servicing
(kapcor.ca). Canadian orders may be placed by contacting Certified Tool & Supply Ltd. at 780-434-8711.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/
materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume any responsibility for the
products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use Labor Operation below and include material cost.
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

B9978*

Remove Frame Wax, Apply Metal Coating

Use Actual
Clock Time

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.