sorry grif,
wasnt meaning to be a wise guy......hope it didnt come off that way!
you might try, after getting it installed, taping it off, and undercoating the phoo out of it. otherwise, i would say rusting would be minimal, at least in comparison with the underside of the vx, or my vx.
and the clips i have seen like the ones you purchased, have been anodized, parkerized, or something....it just doesnt look like paint, so i guess just keep us updated