Factory Frame Undercoating

[raKnizek]

Does anyone know if Toyota applied any sort of undercoating to the actual frame rails on the 3rd gen? I went to go do a little degreasing yesterday and noticed that I was able to scrape off a thin layer of material on top of the painted surface using a plastic wedge. I cant decide if its dirt or 20 year old rubber coating.

The reason I am doubting it is I applied Fluid Film 4 years ago. Haven't applied it since but also have not driven in the winter since that one year. I know I went pretty heavy with the stuff so maybe it is just a result of that.

2000 SR5 for reference. Thanks!

 

[T4R2014]

That's the dirt built up on the FF. That is the protection. Don't scrape it off.

 

[brillo_76]

My one 01 was undecorated when new. 3rd party not factory.

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[Malcolm99]

Some Toyota dealerships offer this on new vehicles, I now advise against it, it's like a rock guard/tar, what a mess and really no help accept for abration, better to oil it regularly. And who knows who sprayed it that day or if they hit any areas that it would be effective..

 

[RandyBobandy]

Mine was undercoated at the dealer, it just traps salt and moisture and causes rust so I scraped it off and oil the frame

 

[raKnizek]

Thanks for the insight. I've seen horrible things happen to vehicles that were undercoated from new. Once there is a hole it effectively turns into a rubber glove that keeps all the dirt, salt and moisture cozy to the frame.

Looks like my fluid film application stuck around longer than I expected! Which also explains why its not very consistent at this point. Appreciate the reassurance.

 

[nissanh]

Eric O at South Main Auto shows the irony of metal frame with undercoating. NEVER undercoat.. NEVER, just spray oil..

Look at 5 minute mark here

Rubberized Undercoating Will Destroy Your Car! - YouTube

 

[brillo_76]

Mostly if they are coated when new. They used to drill the rockers and doors in the 80s. Mine was just the frame. Did it help maybe some. However, the frame still rooted out in places. I removed it off my frame when I fixed it.

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[raKnizek]

Eric O at South Main Auto shows the irony of metal frame with undercoating. NEVER undercoat.. NEVER, just spray oil..

Look at 5 minute mark here

Rubberized Undercoating Will Destroy Your Car! - YouTube

Thanks for the link. I remember seeing this video a while back. Oddly satisfying watching him peel the coating off in some areas though.