How to Fluid Film your 3rd Gen

You're a sadist. I dry heave every time I use the stuff.

 

Mine actually dripped out of the box sections every time it got above 95 degrees to the point I though I had a differential leak.

 

I think it has a good scent, not right out of the can but when it's on the truck lol.

As for reapplying every year, yes it should be reapplied every year, but if it saves my truck, a $35 gallon jug doesn't hurt my feelings.

It won't effect the drain holes in the doors and tailgates, water runs right off it

 

So you use fluid film and still have rust?

 

Some folks from the great white north above us have mentioned

https://corrosionfree.com/store/rust-cure-formula-3000-2-pack/

Anyone have any experience with this.

 

My truck wasn't rust-free when I bought it in 2015 and rust never sleeps. It was about one of the least rusty trucks I looked at so I'm trying to keep it clean. But nothing stops it forever. My last truck got a Fluid Film once a year before winter and it was fairly rust free at 25 years old but even it wasn't pristine by far. I will say that in 1991 Toyota did a MUCH better job building and painting the frames. No comparison. But that truck was made in Japan, which I think makes a huge difference.

This is the sort of thing I fix when I can. After painting and coating it I still find little spots of rust coming back every spring. Rock chips, coating with magnesium chloride for weeks on end, the power washing, the Fluid Film can't last but it does slow it down a lot.

 

I just got a quote from a local fluid film application center for $11 a linear foot. Thinking I might just have them do it. I asked if it would soften the black factory paint they said it only softens the rubberized tar like undercoatings but not factory paint

 

It is safe on paint. $11 a linear foot?

How about $74 for a gallon and the gun, you'll be done in 45 minutes and you'll have half a gallon left over?
This is a super easy DIY!

 

I do see your point, but I've done so many DIY's in my life that maybe this time I'll just treat myself for a change, besides I have a feeling that I'll get more on myself and the driveway than on my truck! Maybe have the shop do the first thorough treatment then I'll just maintenance with the spray cans every few years.
Does it affect any rubber bushings or hoses, that kind of stuff?

 

Great post. Thanks OP for documenting this process. Does not apply to just Tacomas as I am going to do this to my son's GMC Sierrra as well.

 

It's all the same, protect all the metal paying most attention to doors and rockers!

 

This is super easy to do, I just did some of mine tonight.. need to go buy more cans, got it at lowes. I thought it was going to drip and make a mess but it wasn't too bad at all. But yeah that stuff does stank! Not terrible but lingers in the nose hairs! I need to spray in the rocker panels too, that is what destroyed my old explorer

 

Thanks again OP- your original write up was the one I referenced.
Beautiful Fall day today in NJ. Got up early and washed/ waxed the beast, and just applied the first coat of Fluid film- bought 3 spray cans from Lowes and it covered pretty well. I had some clean rags and wiped off the surface grime before application and then "went to town" spraying everything metal on the underside and engine compartment. It was really very easy - somehow i was expecting it to be more difficult.
My truck was built in Oct 2015 and there was some slight rust but mostly really clean.
My advice to everyone who drives on salt covered roads- If you want a simple DIY rust protection- get some Fluid Film and give it a try, especially if you are planning on keeping the vehicle for a long time (like me).

 

It's super easy, I would say you probably need about 3 more cans for best protecton.

I mean I used a half gallon on my truck. I used spray cans on my previous tacoma and it took 6 cans to completely cover everything

 

Just hit my new truck for the first time. I ran about a gallon on the frame and probably 4 spray cans for details, but I send to overdo things. I will probably poke my head under there again in a week or two and see how it's creeping.

 

Op do you have a link for your purchase thru eBay?

 

Yeah, I will get the kit from Amazon- but decided to get the spray cans at Lowe's just to see how it went. Now I know and will be keeping up with this as a regular maintenance thing and using the gallon can and compressor route-thanks again for the original write up.

 

Maybe this is a dumb question, but...
If I had my truck rustproofed by Ziebart,could I still hit it with the Fluid Film for some extra protection?

 

it's undercoating season so prices went up it looks like. Cheapest kit I can really find is $88

No problem at all!

This will likely soften your undercoat, cause a mess and let water get under your undercoating..

 

I get Fluid Film products from here:

http://www.kellsportproducts.com/

Not for any particular reason. They do ship fast and have guns specifically for Fluid Film. They also have a discount a few times a year.

I got the pro gun and all of the optional wands but really only use the regular tip and the flexible 360 degree wand. I highly recommend getting the 24" extension hose with the 360 nozzle for the spray cans. It will allow you to get into a lot of places that the big gun won't fit.

Hint: If you are using one of the 360 degree wands, spray inside a clear plastic soda bottle first to see what kind of coverage you are getting.