Greetings,

I am in the process of purchasing the F-150 Supercrew 2003.

Do I need to add rustproofing / undercoating to the truck ? Is this still someting to do for protecting the underbody or do I pass because of better metal design....?

I live on the East Coast close to the Ocean and do hit the beach sand periodically.

Does it matter ?

Kindest regards,

GJP

 

Do they use a lot of road salt in your area? That's the key question. If you check Ford's 5-year/ unlimited mileage rust-through warranty, you'l find that they will not cover corrosion due to road salt. Now, I haven't seen one of our trucks rust-through in just 5 years, but Ford could decline to repair rust damage if they feel it was caused by road salt. If they do use salt in your area, and you plan on keeping the truck for more than 5 years, then quality rustproofing is something to look at. The only one I'd recommend is Ziebart; they will guarantee the vehicle not to rust though for as long as you own it. If you're leasing it or you trade vehicles every few years, then I wouldn't spend the money. And whatever you do, don't spend ANY money on the so-called "electronic" rust-proofing. Regardless of what anyone tells you, the process simply doesn't work. It's electronic "snake oil."

 

Hi GJP

Undercoating and rustproofing are 2 different things usually. Most of the undercoating I've seen is now labeled just as a sound deadener.

 

I would get the undercoating and whatever "rustproofing" you want. However, alot of times the "rustproofing" is just a fancy name for "wax" as thats about all it amounts to. Shop around though and find a good deal.

There are lots of places that do it, and the dealer isn't always the best. Ignore what they say about "you can only get the guarantee now" etc. I wish I hadn't gotten mine at the dealer ship as I have to take it back there to get it checked, and I really hate the dealership now. They are also kinda far away. I would have much rather paid for it outright and done it locally.

The undercoating however can really help to keep the bottom of the truck in good shape. Mine is only a 2000, and even though I haven't had it its whole life, its already rusting in some areas. I had it undercoated when I bought it used. I recently removed the front grille to touch up some spots on it and noticed that the seams on the front of the truck were getting rusty, the bottom radiator support was rusty, and where the fan shroud rubs the core support was getting pretty heavy rust. I think I'm going to get some POR 15 and treat the rusty areas and try and coat the rest since it gets alot of road spray.

I don't particularly care to work on vehicles that are undercoated, but it beats something that is rusted to death!

Chris

 

I use a can of black spray paint. Every few months I get a 99 cent can of paint and do the frame, springs, axles, and anything else I think needs it. It's cheap, makes the truck look good and it doesn't hurt. I don't like the undercoating since they are usually a bit sloppy applying it and they charge way too much for $25 worth of product and time.

 

Thanks to all for the quick replies - exactly what I was looking for.

 

I'd appreciate any further comments on the "electronic rustproofing". I haven't done it, but based on my limited knowledge of the chemistry of oxidation, it would seem that it would work, at least at the theoretical level.

 

Ok - SO if I get rust proofing what is the need for undercoating ?

I can see the idea of a quieter noize level and possible to protect the rust proofing from stone dingers ....

but ...is it worth it and practical ?

I'm leaning towards just the rust proofing and saving a few bucks.

thanks in advance

 

I don't know anything about electronic rustproofing. But I gotz this here batry and can 'lectronically rustproof ur truck for ya!

Anyhow. I don't know. The undercoating provides a physical barrier between your trucks underside, frame and other metal parts and salt sand rocks and debris. Undercoating doesn't really rustproof your underside than it does seal it in a way. I used to spray paint the underside of a differnt truck and it woudl still get rusty because the paint wasn't strong enough to resists the road stuff. I would definitely get it undercoated or buy a dozen cans of the stuff and do it your self, that way you know whats NOT getting sprayed that you DON"T WANT to get sprayed!

Chris