Acceptable Rust and How to Fix?

MidCitiesMildMan · Nov 6, 2018

Sum1 Else said: ↑

Ever heard of WD-40?
Click to expand...

Terrible rust protector. Check out Boeshield T9.

Pine State · Nov 6, 2018

SnowSpartan[OP] said: ↑

Thanks for all the replies, everyone.

If the rust is normal, then the only thing I'd probably hit is the rear brakes. The orange rust color really stands out behind the wheels.
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Personally I hit my truck with fluid film every year. Two cans will cost you about 10 dollars and an hour to apply it. I didn't even jack the truck up this year, tho you probably should. That will last you a good year of peace and mind. Dont hit the exhaust, it will burn off regardless.

HelloMyNameIs · Nov 6, 2018

Sungod said: ↑

This for your hitch -
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I always figured these would cause more rust, as I'm sure they hold moisture and other things in...

tallpilot · Nov 6, 2018

It’s all just surface rust. Wire brush it off and spray matte black Rustoleum on it. Done.

Fluid film or Boeshield if you really want to go all out. It does a good job of keeping the leaf springs from squeaking too.

TireFire · Nov 6, 2018

Pine State said: ↑

Personally I hit my truck with fluid film every year. Two cans will cost you about 10 dollars and an hour to apply it. I didn't even jack the truck up this year, tho you probably should. That will last you a good year of peace and mind. Dont hit the exhaust, it will burn off regardless.
Click to expand...

Where do you get fluid film for $5?

Boricua · Nov 6, 2018

RysTac12 said: ↑

Rustoleum rust dissolver liquid (not gel). You spray it on and it does the work for you. I’ve used this and products like this for years and can attest to the chemical treatments amazing results. Phosphoric acid is the key ingredient and many companies make similar products. I’m not a fan of any of the non-acid treatments as they consistently fail to get the same results.

Fortunately most of the items you listed are cast and really aren’t an issue for rust as they won’t flake and fail like parts you need to worry about (frame and mounts). Additionally, applying a rust sealer and treatment like phosphoric acid may make hard parts like you listed brittle over time. The parts like the ones you listed are cast because they are strong structure points that get really hot and need to breath. The unfortunate/fortunate effect of a rust treatment/sealer is it creates a barrier for about 12 months that may/can keep the heat from dissipating as it should.

Outside of that (assumption), you will be amazed at the power of a product like rustoleum rust dissolver with phosphoric acid. I used to use “Ospho” but it’s harder to find locally and is more than twice the price.

The product kills the rust, turns it black, and seals it for about 12 months if left untreated. The benefits also are that you don’t have to primer it or sand/prep it as it does that for you. I have used it ever since I started working on cars for over 20 years. I just treated a 2007 Colorado for my son and it completely removed the rust and primed it. Then I sprayed underbody paint over it and his old truck looks new underneath. No sanding. No prepping. His entire underbody is black and looks like new. We even did his rims and only used a top coat after overnight treatment of the acid. So far there are no issues noted after a couple months so...

As long as phosphoric acid is in the ingredients it should be good. Also, note that the gel versions do not provide rust inhibitors for that 12 month protection.

Click to expand...

That looks amazing! Is this better than the fluid film? How durable is it in comparison to FF?

Pine State · Nov 6, 2018

hx989 said: ↑

Where do you get fluid film for $5?
Click to expand...

Sorry i guess my memory is fuzzy and i misremembered. Its $9 at lowes.

ELT2JV · Nov 6, 2018

Buy engine enamel and get under your truck. Go to town, never worry.

OdiN1701 · Nov 6, 2018

RysTac12 said: ↑

Rustoleum rust dissolver liquid (not gel). You spray it on and it does the work for you. I’ve used this and products like this for years and can attest to the chemical treatments amazing results. Phosphoric acid is the key ingredient and many companies make similar products. I’m not a fan of any of the non-acid treatments as they consistently fail to get the same results.

Fortunately most of the items you listed are cast and really aren’t an issue for rust as they won’t flake and fail like parts you need to worry about (frame and mounts). Additionally, applying a rust sealer and treatment like phosphoric acid may make hard parts like you listed brittle over time. The parts like the ones you listed are cast because they are strong structure points that get really hot and need to breath. The unfortunate/fortunate effect of a rust treatment/sealer is it creates a barrier for about 12 months that may/can keep the heat from dissipating as it should.

Outside of that (assumption), you will be amazed at the power of a product like rustoleum rust dissolver with phosphoric acid. I used to use “Ospho” but it’s harder to find locally and is more than twice the price.

The product kills the rust, turns it black, and seals it for about 12 months if left untreated. The benefits also are that you don’t have to primer it or sand/prep it as it does that for you. I have used it ever since I started working on cars for over 20 years. I just treated a 2007 Colorado for my son and it completely removed the rust and primed it. Then I sprayed underbody paint over it and his old truck looks new underneath. No sanding. No prepping. His entire underbody is black and looks like new. We even did his rims and only used a top coat after overnight treatment of the acid. So far there are no issues noted after a couple months so...

As long as phosphoric acid is in the ingredients it should be good. Also, note that the gel versions do not provide rust inhibitors for that 12 month protection.

Click to expand...

Do you paint it all on the truck? Does it harm any plastic/rubber materials at all - i.e. have to be careful to cover them up and such?

ELT2JV · Nov 6, 2018

Sum1 Else said: ↑

Ever heard of WD-40?
Click to expand...

DanRN · Nov 6, 2018

That rust is normal and nothing can really be done about it nor should really be done about it.

KVTaco · Nov 6, 2018

1. Will one application of Fluid Film last all winter in the Northeast?
2. Do you want to AVOID spray cleaning the salt and much off while this is on the winter so you don't spray off the Fluid Film?

TacomaMike37 · Nov 6, 2018

You are concerned with that?

Methadras · Nov 6, 2018

The rust in these areas might actually be a protectant.

Woofer2609 · Nov 6, 2018

RysTac12 said: ↑

Rustoleum rust dissolver liquid (not gel). You spray it on and it does the work for you. I’ve used this and products like this for years and can attest to the chemical treatments amazing results. Phosphoric acid is the key ingredient and many companies make similar products. I’m not a fan of any of the non-acid treatments as they consistently fail to get the same results.

Fortunately most of the items you listed are cast and really aren’t an issue for rust as they won’t flake and fail like parts you need to worry about (frame and mounts). Additionally, applying a rust sealer and treatment like phosphoric acid may make hard parts like you listed brittle over time. The parts like the ones you listed are cast because they are strong structure points that get really hot and need to breath. The unfortunate/fortunate effect of a rust treatment/sealer is it creates a barrier for about 12 months that may/can keep the heat from dissipating as it should.

Outside of that (assumption), you will be amazed at the power of a product like rustoleum rust dissolver with phosphoric acid. I used to use “Ospho” but it’s harder to find locally and is more than twice the price.

The product kills the rust, turns it black, and seals it for about 12 months if left untreated. The benefits also are that you don’t have to primer it or sand/prep it as it does that for you. I have used it ever since I started working on cars for over 20 years. I just treated a 2007 Colorado for my son and it completely removed the rust and primed it. Then I sprayed underbody paint over it and his old truck looks new underneath. No sanding. No prepping. His entire underbody is black and looks like new. We even did his rims and only used a top coat after overnight treatment of the acid. So far there are no issues noted after a couple months so...

As long as phosphoric acid is in the ingredients it should be good. Also, note that the gel versions do not provide rust inhibitors for that 12 month protection.
Click to expand...

Good advice. RustMort is another similar product. I got to know it well when i owned vintage Datsuns. Apply, and thenwhen dry, paint over with rust paint. Note. Phosphoric acid does NOT play well with galvanized hardware.

Flare side Taco Lover · Dec 10, 2018

My frame was so bad on my 1st gen, it had to be replaced. At least the warranty wasn't expired yet!

Hank Heel · Dec 10, 2018

Lemon law

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