Patent ID: 7845388

Claim:
A method of providing galvanic corrosion protection to a magnesium or magnesium alloy component for making a multi-component automotive structural member, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one preformed aluminum or aluminum alloy galvanic corrosion isolator with a first surface comprising at least one integral leg and foot portion shaped for locking relationship with the magnesium or magnesium alloy component for the structural member, and at least a second surface defining a contact surface for an iron based contacting structure for the structural member, and wherein the galvanic corrosion isolator is cathodic relative to the magnesium or magnesium alloy component; and (b) casting the magnesium or magnesium alloy component in place in mechanical locking relation around each integral leg and foot portion of the galvanic corrosion isolator and in metallurgical bonded relation with the first surface.