Professional undercarriage Restoration on 2016 Sport with only 27K miles

Recently had the "recall" CRC applied by the dealer on the INSIDE of the frame after it was inspected a year ago, but I am still concerned about the remaining surface rust. The Toyota Frame Replace Warranty is 12 years from first use date, which is 2015, which only gives me 5 years to 2027. But I see rust in other areas other than the frame, so I am considering some kind of undercarriage treatment. I got two estimates from a local frame restoration place:
Fluid Film (black) $350 to $400
or COMPLETE undercarriage restoration- rust removal, metal primed, painted, and then FLUID Filmed for $2000, which I am seriously considering. The truck is garage kept, and I do NOT go off roading, or even take it out on salt laden snowy roads for the most part. (please don't judge).I just want to preserve the truck for a long long time. Probably the last truck I'll ever own, as I can't obviously find or afford new ones with the same specs as mine. Any opinions out there about the complete undercarriage restoration? I went to the shop and saw some vehicles that were in the process of being done, and they look great- almost like the factory paint. Also many online pix, especially on the older 4Runners that were restored. Any thoughts?

 

Dude, fluid film and wool wax it yourself. Take an afternoon on the weekend and tackle it. Sure as hell ain't gonna cost $400. Buy 8-10 cans and go to town. I do it to mine every fall.

 

Exactly. Since our dumbass DOT started miss-using salt, that is what I am going to do. This was recommended and goes a long way:
https://www.woolwaxusa.com/Woolwax®-Undercoat-Kit-4-Quarts-PRO-GUN-with-2-Extension-wands_p_42.html

 

Wouldn't "restore" it. That sort of thing has a nasty habit of covering existing rust with nice clean new looking paint. Leave the remaining surface rust as is, its not hurting anything, and fluid film it, or use some other oil based undercoat product once or twice a year.

 

All things metal rust, that's just a fact of life. But spending a few hours once a year to do it yourself will mitigate the issue. Spray the stuff right over the rust and forget about it. Don't wash under your truck until you're about ready to reapply the coating. Most people usually spray right over the old coating. Wool Wax and fluid film 100% work if you're proactive. Use wool wax on high water spray areas like near the wheels and under the frame rails. Use Fluid Film on areas where it's hard to see because it will creep.

 

Don't use Ziebart, bedline your frame, don't POR15 it. Wool Wax and Fluid Film it. Lanolin is the ticket here.

Not sure if the video will load but repair geek on YouTube does a 4 and 5 year review on both wool wax and fluid film. Check it out.


https://youtu.be/tROUf7b9xYQ

 

I know what you're saying- probably the Fluid Film will not let the rust from getting any worse- if applied every year. I thought someone was going to say that if a "total" restoration was performed, it might void the frame replacement warranty- but, then again- why WOULD the frame collapse?? So confused! Anyhow, here's some pix. I just thought for such a low mileage 27K vehicle this is EXCESSIVE, but would like some feedback. If I DO decide on the DIY approach, does that mean I have to wire brush all the rust first, and put it up on jack stands, take the wheels off, skid plate, etc. Sadly, I have to admit I'm not one of THOSE DIY'ers. I'm not opposed to paying $$ one a year if that will stop the rust from getting any worse.

 

Looks fine. Just needs some good lanolin protection.

 

Its not structurally reduced by that little bit if surface rust, and there is not way to remove all the rust by restoration, unless they are gonna cut/reweld all the welded frame pieces. So the restoration would just cover and hide some of the rust without stopping it. Fluid film will creep into every nook and cranny and stop all of it.

 

Yea not even close. Most of that is from the welds. They all rust at the welds. You need to hit the rear differential and crank shaft while you're at it.

 

Not that it really matters, or is even relevant to this frame rust topic, but here's some beautiful "pinups" of "Rusty"....

 

Nice looking truck. How many miles?

 

Thats the kit I use. I also use this to do inside the rocker panels and any other spots the 360* wand won't fit.
https://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Film-E...597870&sprefix=fluid+film,aps,91&sr=8-1-spons

 

Good stuff! I've had a can FF on the shelf for the past few years. They just switched from sand to salt though. Jerks.

 

OK- Now I'm beginning to understand the negatives of a full $$ undercarriage restoration. It may look pretty, but NOT a 100 percent solution to any future rust. So why bother? It actually sounds like the Fluid Film is actually SUPERIOR to the $2000 restoration because it permeates into the surfaces. Didn't know this, and am glad you guys clued me in! Much thanks to you ALL. I know what my next move will be now,

 

Only down side is that you need to do it every year.

 

Hey man we're all here to help each other. Fluid Film and Wool Wax are the way to go. It let's moisture out and wicks it away. It self heals too.

 

Oh and it doesn't void warranty because you can wash it off if need be.

 

Thanks- only 27K on her!

 

Damn, drive it more! You let it sit, it has time to rust lol