Using Fluid Film

surface shield appears the same consistency as cosmoline. Even looks like cosmoline RP-342.

 

Doesn't Cosmoline dry though? I thought Surface Shield stayed wet like FF and Wool Wax? It also migrates like those as well.

 

This! When I take possession of my OR in a few weeks, this is going to be the first thing I will do right after I leave the dealer. It's going straight from the dealer to the shop in Traverse City and get treated with woolwax. After that, I will spot treat it every year with surface shield. I think having a good, solid and professional initial sprayed foundation is the key here.

 

I do the same thing, super happy with the setup

 

Fluid Film and also Wool Wax work great to protect a Tacoma undercarriage. Annual application is best.

There may be other products that also work great, but I only have first had experience with the two lanolin based products I mentioned, above.

 

I live near the ocean in Florida and NO garage. So rust is an issue for my cars. I recommend Woolwax over Fluidfilm as it's the same lanolin stuff but it's thicker than Fluid Film and does not wash off as easily from rain or puddles.

 

Cosmoline does dry so does fluid flim. I had no problem seeing cosmoline rp-342 seeping into crevice's, as its very thin. Once dry its very hard to remove with water or salt spray. Almost sounds like this surface shield is a rebranded can of cosmoline.

 

Idk, better find out what surface shield is if lanolin, or a cosmoline base. Applying one over the other will create a reaction similat with fluid flim, and cosmoline over each other. You'll have a mess that drips.

 

I Woolwaxed my rig but I'm out here in CA so other than my beach environment, which can still be brutal, I'm not likely to rust through but I did it anyway. I may end up living in a sketchy environment so might as well be safe.

I really wanted to try the PB Blaster stuff. I'm sold on its value but I couldn't get it at the time. Maybe next summer I can use it. I would hope there's no issue going over remnants if Woolwax.

 

Do you put it on your exhaust? I feel like although it will probably burn off and stink, it might leave a slight protective film in microscopic pores, extending the life life of the exhaust in crappy climates.?. I did not apply it to mine but the more I think about it maybe should, or maybe wipe it into the welds.

 

No, I do not spray/cost the exhaust. Sometimes
the exhaust inadvertently gets some overspray, which burns off fairly quickly.

 

I used the Surface Shield spray cans last October I think, before my truck's first winter. It's still on there nice and thick, even after a full New England winter. The driveway was a mess, and so was I, but I'm happy with the results. Overspray on the exhaust stunk for a couple months though. So avoid that if possible.

 

Is it dry to the touch now or still wet?

 

I was just under the truck for something. It's still wet, but I would say it thickened out somewhat. More tacky than when it was applied.

 

Usually if wet, thats lanolin based. Cosmoline will dry to a semi-hard waxy surface that can be tough to get off unless wiped down with something like mineral spirits. I can tell you fluid film being lanolin based will wash off after a new england winter. I had to do my tundra every year when using fluid flim.

 

I have it applied in the fall. Happy with the results. Photo is after 2nd application prior to this winter.

 

I am fortunate that in southern New England there are options to have Wool Wax or Fluid Film applied by folks with the know-how and equipment.

There are even Tacoma World members who sponsor group meets where they apply the undercoating for a reasonable fee; typically $75. This is the option I have been using and it has worked out great.

There also are commercial garages that will do the undercoating; ranging in cost from $150 to $250.

After my Tacoma has gone on a lift, I will crawl under the truck and spray any necessary touchups, using an aerosol can.

 

I get it done in Barnegat NJ.T3 Services.I can recommend.

 

I live in nw connecticut right near the ma, and ny borders. I've seen what some of these shops use for undercoating from everything like old fuel oil, rubberized coatings to what looks, and smells like plastic roof cement to fluid flim. The best was an outfit back in the 70's that used rusty jones....lol.
My brothers 77 trans am was done at a independent shop that had a zeibart franchise, except pretty sure they applied something else that i swear was cosmoline. To this day he has the car, and not a speck of rust anywhere on it. Granted it wasn't driven much during winters here over that time, but even after all those years it looks showroom new.

 

Same here, (I try not to put on exhaust accept for where a bolt/nut bracket is because those rust so badly for me (live by the ocean with no garage). But I do coat my propeller shaft and U joints with it. But most probably flings off. Woolwax is the best thing to use as it does not harm paint or electrical connections and it's thicker than Fluid Film.