Electronic Rust Protection

[Iowa4Runner]

Clarke,

...These types of systems are great on boats, bridges and many other things. I accept that applying them onto a car is like driving a nail by hitting it with a pry-bar. It'll work, sort of. It will get the nail in if you work it just right but the pry-bar as a hammer leaves a lot to be desired.

Open up a can of that engineering techno on us:cheers:

I don't have a whole can, but maybe a crumb of engineering techno will be of some use. As others have said, traditional cathodic protection uses a DC electrical current that flows between a cathode (the object you want to preserve) and a sacrificial anode. Even with the patented super magical capabilities of the CounterAct system, I seriously doubt there's enough electrostatic "current" flowing between the chassis and the anode to have any beneficial effect. But... It may be the case that an electrostatic charge applied to the chassis could create a potential difference between it and the film of corrosive liquid that's substantial enough to reduce rate of corrosion.

Corrosion doesn't occur unless current is flowing and current doesn't flow unless there's a potential difference. Maybe the CounterAct system works by opposing the potential difference that's created when salt water comes in contact with iron. That's one theory anyway...

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't have a whole can, but maybe a crumb of engineering techno will be of some use. As others have said, traditional cathodic protection uses a DC electrical current that flows between a cathode (the object you want to preserve) and a sacrificial anode. Even with the patented super magical capabilities of the CounterAct system, I seriously doubt there's enough electrostatic "current" flowing between the chassis and the anode to have any beneficial effect. But... It may be the case that an electrostatic charge applied to the chassis could create a potential difference between it and the film of corrosive liquid that's substantial enough to reduce rate of corrosion.

Corrosion doesn't occur unless current is flowing and current doesn't flow unless there's a potential difference. Maybe the CounterAct system works by opposing the potential difference that's created when salt water comes in contact with iron. That's one theory anyway...

Got it thanks... That was a rehash of my understanding as well. Basically I have it that cars don't stay wet enough, uniformly enough for a system like this to have maximum effectiveness.

IMHO this type of system may have some ability to slow rust. Will it be substantial? Unlikely but in certain, wet environment, cases maybe. There's just too many variables.
:cheers:

 

[nightshade000]

I don't have any personal experience with anything like this, just thought I'd chime in and say I that I saw them use a system like this on Horsepower TV on one of their builds.

 

[Kmvreter]

Thought I would chime in.

Nothing to report. Just what I consider normal undercarriage rust. It's not a rust bucket yet. Then again, Toy's haven't been for years so mine isn't special. I never did mount some test panels.

I also hedged my bets (since I live in a high salt use area) when I first bought the T4R by getting the dealer rust-proofing. This will skew any results. This system came out later on sale so I got it on a whim. Not expecting to much out of it.

 

[Uneek]

It's only a real problem here if you live near the ocean or drive by the coastline frequently...all of that salty mist/air is like cancer for a frame. It can get bad here but I still think those guys up where they salt the roads have it worse.

At least the 4Runner's undercarriage was painted well so there is minimal rust underneath, mostly on the rear axle. However, the Tacomas are known for the half ass paint job on their undercarriage so that worries me. (At the time of purchase, I didn't know it, but it already had rust!)

Tell me about it... My '05 Taco's frame and undercarriage looks like total garbage.

 

[whodini]

Just chiming in

In regards to the counteract system.. We got screwed before by buying a second hand matrix that had been in an accident.... didn't realize it at the time as conditions weren't ideal to have a good look (winter in heavy snow) we were in a rush and the price was right (won't do that again).

Summer rolled around rust was starting to show through in some areas. This was 2 years ago, wanted to find a way to slow the rust as i was VERY busy at the time and didn't have any time to bring it to the paint shop. Ended up picking up counteract cause it was on sale just to see if it would stop or slow down the rust...

I'm happy to report that the rust has slowed to a crawl. Hardly any change if any in the specks of rust showing through the paint. Still needs to be repaired but am not in too big of a rush anymore.

I'm considering adding this system to my 4runner as well. My 00 is starting to show a little rust on the front chrome bumper... or i guess i could just replace the bumper eventually. I've managed to remove the rust with neverdull and then waxed it and this holds up very well until winter when salt has its way with it once more.