Where to Bring my New 2021 for Frame Rust Prevention Treatment

Central Ohio here....I had a local guy do mine a few weeks ago, and no matter what people are saying, it is a mod that firmly do NOT believe was a waste of money; used the fluid film stuff. Took 45 minutes. Other than some of the re-tunes, I can't think of a mod I will do that will help my truck last as long as I want it to; $175 to me was an investment in the truck...also helped out a local Taco enthusiast in his business...

for Central Ohio people: Columbus Rustproofing
https://www.columbusrustproofing.com/

 

Yeah but you're still doing something to maintain the undercarriage of your vehicles. I don't have the time or know-how to do this so I just have someone else woolwax the undercarriage twice a year and I don't have to worry about it.

 

A simple task should be considered and completed before applying any "rust proofing" film.

Clean the frame/undercarriage of all dirt/debris/stones...... This debris will collect and hold water. Applying a film over this essentially seals the debris/water against the steel.

Another point, keep all drain openings clear. Any water that gets in must be able to get out.

 

Agreed. Although I left Ford out due to their switch over to aluminum in 2015. But the older Fords definitely apply as well.

 

Personally, I'm a bit skeptical of cosmoline on a frame that didn't get it from the start. That being said, my frame was coated with CRC from the factory so I'll be just fine with Woolwax as a supplement.

 

One of the problems with the frame on the Tacoma is that there are several places where there are 2 layers of metal that are only partially welded together which pretty much guarantees that water will be trapped and cause rust. It's actually one of the areas that Toyota addresses with their frame inspection/coating campaign.

 

I do a fair amount off road and I would be concerned the amount of mud and power washing would take a lot of the cosmoline off.

 

Not sure on the tacoma if its that crucial to hit every nook and cranny, but certainly can't hurt. I didn't go into all that with my 2001 tundra, just fluid filming the entire undercarriage well every fall. After 19 years not a single bit of rust on the body. Frame itself wasn't as pretty, but it was all there. If you live anywhere as bad as i do here...i'd recommend fluid film twice a year to, especially if wool wax is similar. I used cosmoline last year on my tacoma...so far one and done.

 

What about just getting under the truck with some cans of spray paint? The idea is to seal it right? Shouldn't paint do the trick? Or do I miss something

 

I'd agree appears cosmoline is best suited to start with a clean rust free frame as in new. I think fluid film is better suited for frames with rust already.....its good at encapsulating rust, but needs to be reapplied every year.
I think toyota has use crc for certain portions of their frames, but not the entire undercarriage. Wool wax from what i've been told is nearly the same as fluid film...imo, a better choice on a new truck would be the crc, or cosmoline if you don't want to keep reapplying it.

 

The rust problem areas would be very difficult to get at for any prep work prior to painting. Undercoating creeps into crevices, soaks rust and prevents further corrosion. Depending on type, must be reapplied annually to any exposed areas that are subject to washing or wearing off.

 

The problem is that on an assembled truck you will never be able to get anything close to complete coverage. You really need the 360 degree tip (either the one that attaches to rattle cans or one that goes on a pro gun) in order to get into all of the nooks and crannies.

 

Imo, any power washing has the potential to blow any rust inhibitor off....even cosmoline being one of the toughest. I periodically use a garden hose to spray under my truck. It had zero effect on the cosmoline coating. I've gotten my truck quite muddy on the poorly maintained dirt roads over the winter here. Took a garden hose once a month and washed the mud away easily. Didn't hurt the cosmoline one bit. If fluid film, or similar, probably be all gone by now.

 

Come take a look at a junkyard near me and you'll see just how quickly a car or truck can rust into scrap metal without care. Plenty of part outs on FB marketplace or craigslist because of structural failure.

Hosing it down will help, but if you want a daily driver that will be worth something in 10 years you need to do some sort of rust proofing.

 

I'm thinking of trying this stuff out. Have a whole case of it at work. Corrosion and rust inhibiting. I'm guessing its similar to fluid film?

 

Sounds famliar. Years ago My dad used to take used motor oil thin it kerosene and spray it under his f150 using a long nozzle connected to the air compressor

 

This is what you need to do during the summer months. Wire wheel the suspect/rusty areas then rattle can rust proofing paint. Then Fluid Film or what you choose right before winter. This process is working pretty well for me so far undercarriage on my truck still looks brand new.

 

Wire wheel brushing first, and the use of rustoleum rust converter liquid works well to prep, and try's to encapsulate rust before you paint. I wouldn't be afraid to use any of the rust inhibitors on the frames afterwards as added protection.

 

Is this still a problem with the 3rd gen Tacomas? With all the buybacks a few years ago and recalls on the 2nd gens I would have thought Toyota would spend some extra attention on frames whether it be zinc coating or some other impact and corrosion resistant coatings. Unless the percentage of affected vehicles is so low it is cheaper to repair them then spend the extra bit of money to take care of it on the assembly line. When I had mine in for the coating recall there was a stack of new chassis waiting for installation. Probably several days work for each changeout.

 

Why is it I dont really see rubberized undercoating recommended or talked about?