Let's Talk About Rust Prevention...

Alright - so with all the shit going on with rust and the frame replacement recall, I wanted to start this thread to learn about preventing and treating rust on my vehicle.

My 2011 Prerunner DCSB has not gotten a letter in the mail about the free undercoat/frame, and I checked my vin on a recall search and it's not up there. Still waiting on it.

I'll be the first to admit I neglected the shit out of my Tacoma. It's been my daily driver, parking lot princess vehicle since 2013. In fact, i had it parked for 2 years straight when I lived in downtown Denver. Didn't even get it registered. I did get the oil changed yearly and started it at least once a week in the winter, etc. Still terrible. This truck has done winters in Indiana (2), Colorado (4), and Tennesse (2). Needless to say, IN/CO winters were brutal.

ALL that being said - I've started the process of taking better care of my truck inside and out, and want to make it go the distance. One thing that worries the hell out of me - rust.

See pictures below.

Step rails are completely rusted through. I'm removing those and will probably get some aftermarket ones later, or just skip em. Recommendations are welcome.




I was honestly scared to look under my truck. I haven't even checked it since I bought it. Shameful. Anyways, when I got under there it wasn't too bad, compared to a lot of other stuff I've seen online.





So now that you've seen the damage... what do you think? My plan it to hit all of the surface rust with a brush grinder, then pass over everything with an undercoat. Any recommendations are welcome. If you need more pictures LMK and i'll add them.

If rust has killed your truck - tell me more! I want to hear about all the experiences.

FWIW - I'm at this point where my truck is paid off, and I'm deciding whether to trade in/up or keep this and invest the monthly payments into it instead. So all opinions welcome - TIA

 

Frame looks completely fine. There are numerous bolts and fittings that are rusted making it look worse than it is.

Grind/brush off the surface rust and then use your favorite paint/rustproof.

 

- Thx for reply. All i'm familiar with is Rustoleum, any other brands good?

 

Agree, frame looks good. Brush clean what you can, I recommend POR-15 as a coating over the rust you cannot completely clean off. Then, Fluid Film the INSIDE as well as the outside of the frame rails and anything else metal under there twice a year. Great stuff let search be your friend.

 

Roger that - thanks for the reply. I'll keep digging through search

 

I agree completely. After hearing the story and seeing the pics of the steps I was bracing for some cringe-worthy frame damage but that frame looks solid. Much better than many in coastal California. Be sure to check the boxed sections near the cats. If they are good too then that thing could last decades especially if you now take care of it too

 

Welcome. I have a 1st gen with 250K miles in salt loving Ohio. Frame is in good shape. Due diligence like spraying off the salt at every opportunity, just garden hose pressure if possible, will keep it going for a long time.

 

Frame looks good. I'd invest the monthly payments and keep it if it's been reliable, which it seems like it has been despite the neglect

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0lJDuCWFlA
I admit we don't get a lot of snow here on the westcoast therefore our chance and risk of rust is reduced greatly. Still didn't stop me from coating the undercarriage of my truck with Fluid Film. Great product and easy to use....I'm sure there are other product my fellow TW folks can and will chime in on to help with the problem.
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Lol - I was scared to look honestly. Think i dodged a bullet. Thanks for the feedback and that's good hear

 

The letter is on its way. I finally got mine for the 2011 last month after hearing about this “letter” for 3 years. I don’t even need it and whoever gets my trade-in this March is going to get one of the best high mileage 2011 copies anywhere. The best advice I can give on preventing corrosion is to take the truck or any vehicle to the Aqua Jet or Spray n Shine once a week in the winter months, especially during weeks when salt and brine is spread, and water clean the undercarriage. Or if you have an outdoor water source, when the temp is above 40 F and no wind, get outside and wash it.

 

Roger that - Indiana was bad too. I still go home to Iowa for the holidays, but luckily this year was crazy warm.

 

Been super reliable. Only weakness is 2WD, but i've still never been stuck. Great truck

 

Corroseal is the best rust converter I have found, don't let the low price stop you from trying it. Applies easily by brush or spray and can be painted over or Fluid Filmed over.

 

Adding that to the list of products to check out! Thanks and i will definitely report back

 

RIP everyones alerts. My bad, i need to use multiquote lol.

Ok def going to check that out. So after I grind off what i can - apply corroseal to the remaining rust, then treat with a paint/sealant?

 

There is no weakness in 2WD, only opportunity... (i just made that shit up, but it was pretty good).

Good luck!

 

I need this on my mudflaps

 

Fluid film. Many people here use it. I work on aircraft the hover over salt water for extended period of time around 20-25' ASL. We use it across pretty much the entire lower section inside of all the access doors, on flight controls, etc. It's literally a life saver. I dont live where I need to use it on my truck, but if I did, 100% trust that stuff with my life.

 

No need to grind, wire brush off loose top rust. Corroseal works best when applied to rust. It is thin and rust sucks it in converting and sealing stopping oxidation. Can be sprayed inside box frames to stop internal rust.