Is it worth to have undercoating?

[dafuture]

I picked up a good amount of fluid film and an electric spray gun from Harbor Freight. After reading all the positive reviews on it, I think it's a much more effective solution than undercoating.

On a semi-separate note, does anyone have any directions on where I should be spraying? Frame rails (in and out) are a given, but anything else I should hit? Exhaust? Suspension?

 

[dafuture]

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-gph-electric-paint-spray-gun-60446.html

is the the sprayer you use from HF? if so anything specific you need to do when using it etc or how you like it ?

That's the sprayer I bought, but I haven't tried it yet. I was going to give it a shot this coming weekend or after Thanksgiving.

From what I've read, you should do Fluid Film twice a year: once in the fall before winter and once in the late spring before summer. Basically every 6 months or so.

 

[8000m]

On a semi-separate note, does anyone have any directions on where I should be spraying? Frame rails (in and out) are a given, but anything else I should hit? Exhaust? Suspension?

Good video on the FF website.

 

[dafuture]

Good video on the FF website.

Perfect! This is exactly the type of thing I was looking for. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Northern 4Runner]

my main question is this, after say i apply the film over the all the areas needed, do or should i wash down the undercarriage at all over the winter time or no? just leave it be?

If you have complete coverage with fluid film, like I do, I don't touch it with water that would wash it away some and likely force water with salt into crevices you can't see.

Also 2 cans is better than none, but no way would I consider that being anywhere close to complete coverage of the undercarriage of a 4runner. I use a good half gallon on mine plus about 6 cans of rust check ( similar to fluid film)
I would recommend getting the 360 degree wand, as t you should do your inner panels as well as rocker panels and inside your frame. It's a lot of work but even if you do inner panels once that should last as they aren't exposed to the elements like say your frame or floor pans are.

Living on the east coast of Canada or any other humid area with harsh, wet winters requires this, the people who do nothing see body panels rusting /blistering after 4-5 years.

 

[Haas360]

Question now is.. How do I go about finding just a lift? I have all the stuff to get it done, just not a lift. Any tips?

 

[Beaumont67]

Is it worth to have undercoating?
- will I'm going to get another 20 years, out of my Gen3, or until I'm too old to drive / so the answer is YES
- been doing my cars, starting in the mid 1970's ... used motor oil was the only formula, back in the old days

I'm not a fan of Krown or Rust Check, a co-worker and I use to rent a hoist and spray it, gone in one months time...in the wheel wells...I believe it is water soluble and washes off in heavy rain & road splash / so stopped buying it.
- In my opinion a wax-oil like Fluid Film works best, applied on dry metal

Bought the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder when it was 3 years old, and drove it in the family for another 14 years, before selling it to owner #3.
- oil undercoated every year (once I took ownership), and 4x4 body was still mint ... when finally sold, w/335,xxx Km
- never garaged and a DD'er in winters S/W Ontario salt belt

 

[Northern 4Runner]

Areas such as wheel wells where water and slush pelt the metal usually never rust. It's the seems and welds where rust starts. I guess I can agree that certain types of rust proof sprays are better in certain areas. However if you look in the wheel wells of your 4runner you'll see they already have a rubberized undercoating applied from the factory. Thick wax based rust proofing does not creep like krown or rust check in my experience. Anything however is better than nothing.

 

[Northern 4Runner]

Question now is.. How do I go about finding just a lift? I have all the stuff to get it done, just not a lift. Any tips?

A set of ramps will get you up enough to lye under your 4runner, that a a suspension lift/bigger tires helps as well

 

[LandCruiser]

I'd listen to the Nova Scotians.

I have never seen an environment more damaging to cars in my life.

 

[tackleberry1145]

Fluid Film is legit. You can spray it in the frame rails too. You can rattle can it, or buy an air gun kit.

My new to me 14 trail is the first vehicle I've tried fluid film on. When I got it with 30k on the odometer there were some places on the undercarriage that had rust spots.

After reading a bunch of threads, mostly on jeep forums, I decided to try fluid film. I used two full cans to do my undercarriage. I didn't buy the extra hoses, extra, but did spray into the openings on my frame, etc, that I could get to.

I have high hopes for this stuff. Its not super expensive, and it can be had locally at our Lowes.

 

[Magnetic_Drey]

I just bought a gallon of fluid film and a fluid film pro gun. It was a bit pricey, but I’m sure the benefits outweigh that cost. My dilemma now is finding someone that will let me use their lift. I know a ramp/jack is sufficient, but it’ll be nice and super easy with a lift. I can’t wait to get this done asap, as the NJ temp is dropping...


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