I have a 1997 F150 and I live in Michigan. I noticed today that a couple of stone chips are puffed out and seem to be filled with a white powder. I also noticed that under the front lip of the hood it is cracked in two and seems to have the same power substance in it. Does anyone know what the heck is going on? And what I should do to stop this asap? I want my truck to still look nice.

 

If that hood is aluminum then that white powder is corrosion, its actually called oxidation

 

could it just be salt from the roads. i know it seems simply, but that may be all it is

 

I agree with beckerjs. It sounds like oxidation of the Aluminum.

 

Does anyone know of a good way to treat the aluminum hood before I touch up the spots?

 

acid etch it with alluminum prep then alodine it, but first sand everything smooth. zink cromate primer on top of that. carefull with the acid it will damage the surrounding paint. follow directions on the cans, neutralize acid with 50/50 vinagar and water. 16yr aircraft mechanic but I probably forgot something