Here in Western Washington we don't see a lot of salt on the
roads. If I am planing to drive in places where they really like
to salt the roads what would be the best preventive steps to do?

Thanks
Sean

 

If you dont plan on staying in the areas for long spray on some fluid film (lots of it) and you can remove it come spring time. You can buy the big can and use a shunt gun for application.

 

Here in Vermont and all of the northern New England region actually...we use a couple of methods. One is an undercarriage oil application, done by a state-approved garage that uses some form of fish oil, heated and sprayed onto the frame, under body, everywhere. They also drill small holes in bottoms of doors and get it inside the doors as well, then plug the holes. I know of 2 certified applicators in Vt., one in Shrewsbury and one in Newfane, Vt. Minimal cost, about $100.00/application or thereabouts.

The guy in Shrewsbury has an '80's Chevy plow truck that is rust-free as a result of his business, and a good testimony to what oiling does.

I just got my dream truck 1/30/13, a 2000 F-350 with a 7.3L diesel in perfect shape...and that truck is definitely going to be oiled every year.

The other option is to find a distributor of KBS products. The products are superior for rust prevention, and the paints are bar none, the best for restorations like for frames on large trucks, etc. They sell a rust inhibiting cleaner that etches the steel, then a sort of primer to apply, then a top coat. The only problem with the final application is, you'll need a jackhammer to remove the paint, it's rugged to say the least. KBS produts. I've always been a Rustoleum user for years, but I found this KBS system to be ahead of the curve as I have bigger trucks I use it on and it's fantastic.

 

Ziebart does great work and offers a lifetime warranty on their rustproofing around here. I dont think they have many locations though. Maybe If you called one of them you could ask if they had any companies they would recommend in your area. I'm sure they have contacts all over

 

i use fluid film great stuff its just temporary tho as it wears of eventttualy

 

 

I just coated the entire underside of my new SD, along with inside of the rockers and doors with fluid film. I'm thinking of driving the 3hrs to the nearest Zeibart dealer and getting the truck done by them, but this will get me by for now. Or I might just keep applying the FF for the life of the vehicle, the $4-500 that zeibarts charges will buy alot of fluid film.

 

it is pretty expensive. But I can give testimony to their quality of work. I have used them on a few of my vehicles and they have always done a good job. After the initial application, the "check ups" arent as pricey. They are extremely thorough, here is a short summary Rust Protection The fluid film seems to work ok, just cant get to some of the areas as good, and doesnt last as long. But it is a cheap good temporary fix.

 

Pretty much got it down to a science on application. Cut it down a little bit and spray via a shunt gun. Did modify an applicator so the nozzle sprays out finer. Takes about 3 hours with a lunch break. Come spring time when the truck is prepped for its wax the underside gets a healthy wash down. I move around to much for dependable yearly application from dealers. Right now my 05 is doing OK so long as I keep up with the maintenance.

 

Ohio is pretty bad with salt. Over the years I have tried some undercoatings only to find out they can crack and trap moisture and debris making it rust faster

I have had the best luck just keeping the bottom clean. After a hard snow/salt, I just power wash the bottom.

Some guys around here silicone spray the underside on a nice dry summer day, before the salt season.

There is also cosmoline if you can find it. It's similar to the waxy stuff that is usually found on the underside of German cars.

Good luck!

My rule of thumb is, if its pretty rust free now, just keep the underside clean and brush, spot paint any frame rust and keep the truck waxed. I was never a fan of drilling holes in my truck and spraying heavy coatings in.

 

Ziebart is a waste of money IMO. We had it done on an Expedition and now you get rust behind the rubber/tar crap. It didn't stop any of the trailing arms on the rear end from rusting out, nor has it stopped the core support from looking like crap.

 

So far Ive had a good experience with Ziebart, we'll see what it looks like after this salt season? They power wash it on a lift. Dry it. Then hit it with an encapsulator. That drys then they hit it with the undercoating. They also did inside the doors, hood, fenders and tail gate. Its a lifetime guarantee too. So far so good. But thats only one winter but Ive been under it and so far Im satisified. I wish it was done when it was new. Im in the salt belt too.

 

No rustproofing lasts forever - you need to inspect your vehicle from time to time. I would avoid tar-based anything (anything that dries hard), and stick with oil or grease based products. You can dilute 90wt gear oil with a solvent (turpentine, mineral spirits, gasoline) and squirt it inside fenders and doors. The solvent helps it creep in, and then evaporates, leaving the heavier grease/oil behind.