best DIY undercarriage rust prevention measures

My Tacoma doesn't have any real rust issues but I want to make sure I stay on top of it to avoid issues in the future.

What's your best DIY rust preventative measures?

I was considering one of two options - sand down any surface rust I have (a) spray Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer underneath and/or (b) cover everything with FluidFilm.

My issue with things like FluidFilm is they remain "wet" and once you spray that stuff on, you are going to have a mess every time thereafter you need to do maintenance work underneath.

Also - shoutout to @Soft Taco and question for you directly. I watched your video from last year using Rust Reformer and just noticed you did a video last month using Fluid Film. In that first video from a year ago, you said (re: Fluid Film) "I'm not a fan for a number of reasons"... but this new video you actually applied Fluid Film. What were your initial reservations about Fluid Film and what changed your mind?

Thanks.

 

Use woolwax. Same idea but a lot less greasy.

https://www.woolwaxusa.com/WoolWax-Undercoat-Kit-4-Quarts-PRO-GUN-Straw-or-Black_p_42.html

been doing this ever year and still looks new underneath. Only takes a few minutes to apply

 

Fluid Film, yes it's messy but it works and there ain't alot of good alternatives IMO.

 

I’ve used various products but my most recent choice has been RP342 on the outside of the frame, and corrosionX HD on the inside. The rp342 seems to be holding up fine here almost a year later and the corrosionX HD I’ve used countless times in the past and it’s been great. I used to shoot the outside of the frame with it but it does end up becoming a filthy mess when it’s time to work on the truck.

 

One of our "zombie hunter" members likes cosmoline ... post 268977 ... white biohazard suit optional ...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-13449

 

Hey! I am not a fan of a greasy belly on a vehicle. Lanolin based products like fluid film, wool wax etc. however, what really changed my mind was my move to the rust belt. Upstate NY. I knew I had to join the undercoated lines on top of a painted (rust reformer) and cleaned belly. Circumstances forced my hand. No regrets. However when I had my backwoods bumper installed the owner was under the truck and was like “you know you got a massive leak right?” Nah brother, that’s fluid film.

 

In a nutshell, rust reformer is simply a decent paint that is for basic rust prevention. I.e. Colorado, or anywhere outside of the rust belt. Fluid film and other similar products are for us blessed salt road enthusiast.

 

This. If you just have light rust or surface rust, spray right over it IMO.

Yes it is messy, and yes you do need to redo it at least once a year. But I think its probably the best solution available

 

NHOU (New Hampshire Oil Undercoating) frame treatment has been holding up well, and I enjoy the drive to Kalispell, Montana every so often (Flathead Lake, National Bison Range, Flathead cherries), as that's our closest dealer. There are more dealers in rust belt Chicagoland and points east. https://nhoilundercoating.com/ The first treatment on the 2009 was done in 2022 on this Montana truck that I brought home to Idaho 7 months earlier, and the applicator and I agreed that it didn't need steam cleaning to start with due to the low mileage. Otherwise, there are so many products available...

 

Waxoyl
See my post about it in the first gen section. Bought a west coast truck 8 years ago and brought to New England. I apply waxoyl every 2-3 years. Truck is perfect underneath. Bumper chrome now starting to rust but that is easy replace. They have a hardwax product for undercarraige and a different product for cavities and inside frame rails. The DIY kit has a 360* wand to apply inside frame rails. Best product out there (fluid film I also hear is good...)