Hey guys, I just purchased my first Ford. A 2002 F-150 XLT. I was lucky enough to find one that had always been garage kept and has no rust. Unfortunately, I do not have a garage at my house and I need to prevent rust in the rocker panels and cab corners, the typical rust spots. Is it as simple as buying a can of 3m undercoat and spraying the inside of the panels? Can anyone give any advice on how to prevent rust?

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

James

 

I would have "Rust Check" 2-step process professionally applied at least once. Read the process here. Two-Step Application Process ? Rust Check Canada & United States
If you want you can also buy their products through retail. I had my 05 Mustang done in 06 and now just spray myself the door, hood and trunk seams simply as I don't winter drive. My 02 F150 I bought around 2010. I have it done fully by a Rust Check shop every 2 years. The underside was pretty rusty when I bought it but seams to have stopped or slowed down quite a bit. New last fall they started using the 2-step procedure. The Coat and Protect actually clings very well underneath and is a lot less drippy.

It will be a mess when you first have it applied but that's a trade off for it creeping into every crack. After a week you just wash the outside well of over-sprays and you shouldn't have any rust problems. I have mine done in late summer when the streets are clean and before the leaves fall. That helps keep the coatings clean while they set up.

If they have a shop in your area go watch them apply it and ask customers what they think and the initial mess. Park your vehicle on the street for the first couple of days.

Good Luck

 

I buy a gallon of WD40 and put it in a bug sprayer for my nicer vehicles.