What is the BEST way to rust proof my Taco?

I just bought an '04 Xcab V6 4X4. (pics to follow...) It's a nice CLEAN Arizona truck. Almost perfect condition with 59,000 mi. There isn't even any dirt on the frame, let alone rust!! I am moving back to the midwest (not by choice...long story). I want to completely rust proof this truck since it will be driven daily in the "Salt Bath Belt". I know I have to do something cause it's basically raw underneath. It probably won't last the 1st winter without rust forming.

I have been reading about dealer applied rustproofing for the frame, but is it any good? How about for the underbody? Are the aftermarket rustproofers any better? What is the BEST way to long-term rustproof this otherwise virgin truck?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Jay

 

Im looking for the same info. Im about to buy a winter truck for Va winters, and to keep the miles off of my new Camaro SS... and whatever I do buy is gonna get the whole underside coated for the same reason.

I have very limited experience with underbody coatings but I've heard a little about POR15. They make alot of different rust proof coatings for different purposes. But I heard they're pretty expensive. But their claim to fame is that you can apply it right on top of rust and it will stop rust in it's tracks.

Anyone with more experience care to chime in?

 

ok did some more research. It appears that POR-15 is well received by guys who do frame off resto's but the problem with coating a frame while on the vehicle would be that POR-15 requires some pretty intensive prep work prior to coating. It's also highly toxic, and you have to be wary about getting it on your skin, it doesnt clean off.

Seems like this would be less than desirable for a DIY'er who would be laying on his back in his driveway, painting upside down.

I found another solution... Zero Rust seems to be alot easier to work with and cheaper too. You can apply in a single stage, or there's a clear coat available for UV protection should you be painting something that would be getting direct sunlight.

Link ~~~>http://www.zerorustusa.com/uses.html

 

Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind. I simply want a rust proofing company to treat the frame, inner panels, underbody, etc, (i.e. Ziebart, or whatever I find when I get back to Illinois.) I won't have the time or place to do the work either.

fwiw...If I were to go that route I would only use a good 2X Epoxy primer followed with whatever top coat. (PPG, Dupont, Southern poly, whatever). I have NOT had good results with POR15 and clean metal, even with all the proper prep steps. However, POR does like surface rusted, and sand blasted surfaces. It stuck like glue on that.

PLEASE don't turn this into a POR15 debate!!

Thanks for the reply..Jay

 

Haahaa Rhino line or lineX the whole thing!! 

 

Look for a place that does oilguard, spray it everywhere underneath and on and inside the frame, repeat every couple years.

 

Leave it in the garage...



Somebody had to say it

 

Or replace all the metal parts with plastic.

 

That would be a 2nd gen