Frame Protection and Rust Proofing

Hey Everyone,

I just bought my 2012 Taco and the first of several winter storms is about to hit CT. They use that brine/magnesium crap on the roads here and my truck is from TX, so, no aftermarket undercoating and I want to take care of the frame and undercarriage, bc, its pretty much mint right now. I called a local guy and its about $1200 to do the job... but buying the truck drained me until March... so I'm looking for some advice on how to care for the frame and undercarriage. My first thought is hitting the carwash after every storm to get the stuff off my frame and undercarriage. I am not a fan of spraying OTC stuff all over the bottom as its often snake oil that does nothing really. How well protected are the frames from the factory anyways these days? Mine looks like its been painted and protected. I would love to hear your experiences and suggestions. Eventually, I probably will bring it to Sandman's Auto and have them do their treatment... its just not in the budget right now.

Thanks

 

I Wash...touch up paint...Fluid film the fk out of it.

 

OK. I was thinking for this winter just wash wash wash with the undercarriage wash every time.

 

No matter how hard you try, you'll never be able to get all of the salt and chemicals off - especially in the tight places. As has already been said, buy about 5 cans of Fluid Film and spray the hell out of it.

 

It is my daily. I won't be able to get this done before the snow falls this week, so I'll wash it and get the FF. Can this be applied in the cold temps? How long does the treatment last? Can it go through a carwash or will I have to reapply after washing?

Thanks for the advice on this.

 

A couple of times a year, usually in the fall, a New England member does a Fluid Film meetup

 

Buy a case of spray Krown rust preventive ,clean the frame and soak it down ! Krown.com. Around $50-60 bucks for a case of 6 and it takes about 4 cans .

 

anyone looking where to buy it, I get my FF at Lowes

 

For the same reasons that you'll never get into all the tight spots when pressure washing, the Fluid Film will only do so much. But something is better than nothing. I used 3M undercoating on my truck when I first bought it. Also keep the drain holes by your cab mounts clean so moisture can drain properly.

 

I found the FF at Lowes, so I will grab some cans and spray down as best I can. I will be spraying over surface rust that is already there. Will this be an issue? Also, do you guys spray everything including, leaf springs, axles, etc... ? Or should I only do the frame and undercarriage?

 

You want to sand and clean off as much surface rust a possible before coating. I wouldn't be as concerned with leafs as the frame itself.

 

Yes leaf springs too ! You want something that will “creep” into crevices and whatnot . I think the Krown will work better and it dries clear and no stink !

 

I've gotten my truck sprayed with Krown (a certified Krown applicator) the past two years. I am completely sold on it after doing some research, and after my own experiences. It really creeps into every crevice. They also spray inside door panels with a "fogging" want, go in through taillights to get inside the bed, use a flexible wand to get tough to reach places. It is also non-conductive so its good for fuses, electrical connections, etc. It does leave a slight oil-ish coating (its pretty much an oil substance). It doesnt harden and encase components, trapping in moisture (which is worse that just leaving it bare). It will drip for a few days after application, but it washes up and stops eventually. Everything underneath looks brand new. Its a 2015 and has spent 2 years in Indiana, the last year and half in Ohio here with me, and both places throw down salt at any hint of snow or ice. The streets are white all winter (ironically not due to snow, but salt build up). Here is my truck up on the lift while getting applied right after I got it.



Around $150-$180 per application depending on the shop applicating. They recommend yearly, but I plan to do yearly for 3-4 years, then maybe every other year. I use the aerosol cans on my motorcycle and lawn equipment. My buddy does fluid film. I think its much better than nothing, but seams too thick and waxy to me to creep in all the crevices and seems the way Krown does. Look it up, do your own research, I think you'll come to the same conclusion.

 

I don’t know how to link one thread to another but below is a screenshot of a great write up on Fluid Film.
Should be very similar no matter what gen you have.

 

I used this process. It's food grade mineral oil and it creeps. A yearly re-coat is recommended. $150 a hit. https://nhoilundercoating.com

 

This is going on 5 years now with Fluid Film every year.

 

I bought the cans last night. Just waiting for 2 clear days with more moderate temperatures. We have 20's in CT right now and 2 storms pushing through. Once they pass and I have a window, I am going to wash the truck and the undercarriage. Let it dry and spray the crap out of it with the cans.

Thanks everyone!

 

When you get ready to spray it. Warm those cans up in a pot of hot water and shake well. It comes out easier and fogs better.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-prevention-treatment-consolidation-thread.355928/