How bad do they rust
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Junior User
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 8
How bad do they rust
Hello everyone. Just wanted to get some feedback on any rust issues with these trucks. I have owned a lot of trucks but mostly half tons so I am not as familiar with these frames. I imagine heavy duty frames use a heavier duty coating for rust resistance. So my plan is to have the frame coated with fluid film 2 times a year. I typically don’t keep my trucks long enough to be concerned but I plan to keep this one since I ordered it the way I wanted. Thanks
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 249
Likes: 62
Use the fluid film as planned and also use SEM products cavity wax for all the holes and hidden areas of the frame. Stuff works awesome. Also consider a coat of paint or undercoating for the entire chassis before you start the fluid film. Ford's E-coat process is famous for it's lack of durability.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 606
Hello everyone. Just wanted to get some feedback on any rust issues with these trucks. I have owned a lot of trucks but mostly half tons so I am not as familiar with these frames. I imagine heavy duty frames use a heavier duty coating for rust resistance. So my plan is to have the frame coated with fluid film 2 times a year. I typically don’t keep my trucks long enough to be concerned but I plan to keep this one since I ordered it the way I wanted. Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 766
From: SoCal/Wyoming
I don't have a real winter 
or snow for that matter. Recently sold my 2002 and the frame was still black. Only rust was on the leaf springs. Parked to close to the beach for some its life. When I do get snow in Wyoming, I spray off the underside with hot water when I get back to SoCal.
or snow for that matter. Recently sold my 2002 and the frame was still black. Only rust was on the leaf springs. Parked to close to the beach for some its life. When I do get snow in Wyoming, I spray off the underside with hot water when I get back to SoCal.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 358
Likes: 6
X2 for Fluid Film. I live in upstate NY ( salt city in the winter ), no rust on my frame. I spray it 3 times a year.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 909
Likes: 18
BIL has a 17 F350 and I have a 19 F350. Fluid film once a year here up in Northern Ohio. Frame looks like new in both.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 997
Likes: 262
From: Central New York
Known undercoating is another product similar to the above product. Not available in some area's. Been using this for years and it has performed well. A chassis spray only is available at a great price.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 92
Likes: 17
I just ordered fluid film and their spray gun. Are you guys applying it with the truck on the ground? Obviously a lift is ideal, but I don't readily have access to one. Just curious how big of a pain in the *** this is going to be?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 178
Likes: 125
From: Minocqua, WI
Been doing it on the ground to my 06 F350 since 2014. Fluid Film/Wool Wax is awesome and leaves the frame brand new (Underneath all of the fluid film grime and dirt. ha). My BIL got my one of those Tyvek Banana suits and that works pretty well on staying cleaning during the process. I would recommend doing it outside, as there is over spray that settles. Also plan to wash the truck after.
I'll be honest, I don't enjoy spraying while laying on the ground. I do try to jack the truck up a little to give me a little more clearance. It is a pain in the a.., but overall, it is doable.
I just changed the ball joints/UJoints/Tie Rod ends on the 06, that has 7 years of fluid film on it. Man, what a dirty job but nothing was rusted stuck together!!
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 432
Likes: 132
It's fine for Aluminum. I ended up having my F350 sprayed with Corrosion Free since it doesn't cause the rubber seals to swell like Fluid Film/Krown. I've heard that some spray their seals with silicone spray prior to Fluid Film/Krown to help with the seal issue, but over time the material still weeps from the door drain holes and onto the weather stripping. Corrosion Free seems to be more widely available in Canada, but I have a local shop in western PA that is convenient to me.