Hmm... aluminum will corrode, and pitting corrosion is not uncommon. The most common way that aluminum will start corroding is through contact with steel. Two dissimilar metals coming together can start an anodic process, add water and salt to that and you can almost watch the aluminum fall apart in real time.
The best way to prevent corrosion of aluminum is to Anodize it. Oddly enough, that process is actually corroding the whole surface inside and out. Once this happens further corrosion is halted.
Since the factory step rails are made out of
used beer cans I doubt that they went to the trouble of Anodizing them or applying an Alodine or Iridite coating. Additionally, they are mounted to a steel frame using steel bolts. Once corrosion starts... well, you've heard of cancer right?
Sorry man.
------------------
~SlimeDog[This message has been edited by SlimeDog (edited 03-24-2001).]