DIY undercoat or get a pro? I do not have a lift, just jacks and ramps.

I am about to purchase my first pickup and first Tacoma, it is a 2015 from Georgia with nearly no rust. I would seriously like to keep it that way.
My competence with tools is pretty high and I am familiar with working on vehicles laying on the ground, but I just watched a few videos about Fluid Film or Woolwax and it looks like it would be pretty challenging getting up into the most vulnerable areas if I was laying on the ground.
Has anyone done the undercoat with jacks and ramps? How challenging is it? I will get the pro spray gun if I'm not taking it to a shop.
Any advice or experience is appreciated.
Peace,
Secher.

 

It’s not hard you’re just going to smell like sheep for a month, I do mine on a lift now but I’ve probably sprayed 20 vehicles with fluid film on the ground

 

Okay, if the rate is much over $200, I'll do it myself, and have a set of tools in the bargain! Thank you!

 

Fluid film creeps to an extent, so the most important part is that you do it regularly not so much getting every little spot, I think a 5 gallon bucket is under $200 and should last you a long time

 

what lift

fluid film comes in cans and can be done on the floor in fresh air to breathe

same as washing
Whatever works

 

I do Woolwax on ramps and jack stands yearly. My truck came from Texas to Wisconsin and still has zero rust anywhere. Do it yourself and buy the good gun. Woolwax is thicker and you won’t smell like a sheep like the other stuff, works great.

 

Honestly I haven't done mine yet, but it's on my list and have read a lot. Doesn't really need it but this is my checklist. Be sure to get lots inside the frame where you can and let it drip, hence the tarp.

- Compressor capable of 70-90 PSI
- Tyvek suit
- Good facial mask, side-closed eye protection, paint beanie for hair, nitrile gloves
- Undercarriage pressure washed, allowed to dry for at least a day or two
- masked off areas you do not want to get Woolwax on (rubber hoses, fittings, etc.)
- Truck parked over a 12 X 20 tarp in open/well ventilated area
- 1 gallon Woolwax and pro spray kit (2 to be sure)
- Good creeper for rolling around under, optional

 

Buy 8 cans of spray on fluid film, and wear old clothes, a beanie, and a 100% filter mask. Put down cardboard. Park truck on top. And then slide under it and spray from the one end to the other. Don't hit the exhaust or fan belt! Have a cold one when finished!

 

Good solid info. Thank you!

 

Definitely going to do this. Probably go with the sprayer and a gallon, because I'm going to do our other vehicle as well, but good info, many thanks!

 

I have decided to go with Woolwax, it seems like the better product, particularly for my use case. Thank you!

 

Do you know if there is an expiration or use-by date? I mean can it keep for years?

 

I’ve had my current bucket for a few years now and it’s fine, you could just get a gallon if you’re worried about how long it’s good for

 

Hrm.. okay then, it may just be worth it, thanks!

 

I found one place near me that uses Woolwax and they seem like a good shop. If their price is right, I may have the first one done by them and do the followups myself. Thanks for replying!

 

I buy FF by the gallon. Spend a few bucks and buy a FF gun. I'm in Maine next door to NH where they clear the roads with salt my frame is still black (after 13 years). Even the smallest amount of rust any where gets blasted and painted then then the FF. A lift is a huge plus but if you can get it off the ground your smiling and I would recommend taking all 4 tires off it makes things a lot easier.

 

I will probably end up doing just that. I am considering building 24" ramps from a couple of timbers and some sizable rounds sawn to match the angle and give me some space to move.
Do you have a sandblaster? Are they a hassle to maintain?

 

I guess it could be called a sand blaster I use the ultra fine metal blaster. Weighs a ton black stuff that once was called "black beauty") it's fine metal particles. The nozzle is ceramic and is replaceable it is some thing your local NAPA store should have. It's a mess because it goes every where just like sand so all the better outside. It will take paint/rust down to bear metal. In my case I have a lift so it's messy but a lot easier.