Bumper rust-through prevention?

[upstaterick]

Just bought a 2000 4runner in cherry condition.
This has the old style chrome rear bumper that's prone to rusting out.

The bumper is in beautiful shape right now and I'm wondering what the best way is to keep it that way.

I'm going to thoroughly clean the inside of it and coat it with a heavy oil spray.
Other than that what can be done on the chrome surface to keep it rust free?

I live in the NE so lots of salt on the roads here in winter and it's almost impossible to keep a car clean during snow season.

thanks

 

[Clemsonfan15]

During the winter season it would be best to rinse it off once a week. I'm not sure about what to apply now though.

 

[pat161]

As you said, keeping the inside clean is the key. People tend to wash the vehicles every now and then, even in the Winter, but how many take the time to really spray out what gets stuck behind the bumper. When I bought my 00 it had 15k on it and I was amazed at how much crap poured out from behind that bumper. In the 5 New England winters I drove it I managed to keep that chrome bumper looking brand new, so I am convinced that most rust through from the back where the salt just sits for years at a time.

 

[jspagna1]

I replaced my rear bumper just last on my 97 and what I did was primered and spray painted the new one before I put it on.
Also,like the guys said, spray the back of the bumper when you go to the car wash.

 

[jroyal29]

rustoleum would b good if u sprayed the back of the bumper and just cleanin the chrome regularly would b fine