I just picked up my 2005 at the end of March. I just gave it its first good bath since and noticed some tiny flecks of color on the tailgate that wouldn't come off (not easily anyway). It looks like rust. Are these trucks known for having flaws in the paint job that can result in this kind of thing? Thanks for the help!

sounds like rail dust

sounds like rail dust

Yep, hit it with a clay bar.

Thanks a lot for the replies. Ignorant question time: what's rail dust, what's a clay bar, and where can I get one? Thanks again - this is a new one on me.

A while ago we had a few people come in with that, we found out they all parked near a welding shop that was using a grinder...lol. Rail dust is from when the truck was on the train and fine dust particles can stick to the paint, which i doubt it is being a 05, should of been gone long ago. a clay bar is a detailing tool, its a clay bar with a mild adbrasive in it to smooth out minor paint flaws.

Sounds like fly poop to me.