Rust Proofing: Just moved to MN

[RPC]

I just moved to Minneapolis, MN and my truck has never seen salt before. It is amazing the condition of some of the vehicles around here, from road salt/chemicals presumably.

Can anyone recommend a type of service, or better yet just a name/location for me to get my 4Runner "rust protected" before it starts snowing?

I called a local Toyota dealership and they recommend a place called Ziebart. I called them up and the guy explained two different services- one is some kind of gooey undercarriage coating and the other service is a complete "rust proofing" where an oily beeswax compound is sprayed inside of all doors, rocker panels, the inside of the hatch- I guess anywhere susceptible to rusting. I hate the idea of some knucklehead prying my door panels off to spray Godknowswhat into the cavities but I hate the idea of rust bubbles more.

Thanks all.

 

[Maritimer]

You should be able to find either Krown or Rust Check in MN. I'm doing Rust Check here in Nova Scotia next Monday. It (like Krown) doesn't dry, it continues to penetrate, which means it doesn't trap moisture or stop working.

 

[TC4Rnr]

I moved to Indy from socal couple years ago, what I found out the best way to provent rust is to wash the salt off.

I have my 3rd gen washed every week at the local hot wash, $5 a pass isn't much.

 

[RPC]

I moved to Indy from socal couple years ago, what I found out the best way to provent rust is to wash the salt off.

I have my 3rd gen washed every week at the local hot wash, $5 a pass isn't much.

You might be on to something. I called another dealership and the woman basically said that they don't really do undercoating anymore, that regular washings while the roads are salted is enough to prevent corrosion.

 

[TC4Rnr]

I'm no expert since I'm new to the rust belt. what I can say is I've seen quite few rotted out trucks which have been treated.

if your ride has rust spots, that may be too late already, nothing is gonna stop it. but if it's clean, you can buy some Dupli-Color rubberized spray paint just to try it on, see how it goes.

 

[Maritimer]

In Nova Scotia the Toyota dealership still insists upon the undercoating that dries rubbery. Generally this just seals in any rust that is already there and it flakes off with the rust.

I just got a Rust Check yesterday. I've never seen a greased bicycle chain rust, and I don't expect much progression of the rust already on my vehicle after this undercoating. It at least will progress much slower than leaving it untreated.

 

[Autoknow]

Rust Check Or Krown is the best. I prefer Rust Check as it is 99% organic.

 

[glocke12]

best bet is to just keep it washed off.

I live in eastern PA, and we get a ton of salt and sand laid down each winter. I took my 03 4runner through a touchless car wash once a week, and than once a month used a self service car wash to spray the undercarriage.

I also just bought a pressure washer, and apparently there is an undercarriage wand available for it. Ill probably pick that up at some point.

BY the way, anyone remember Rusty Jones?

 

[4Robber]

It's my understanding that cars don't rust like they used to thanks to zinc coated sheet metals.


Washing the underbody should be enough- no?

I thought most automakers advise against add on rustproofing. Most cars have ten year corrosion perforation warranties.

...Though our 4Runners (5th gen) are covered for just 5 years (unlimited mileage)

 

[Maritimer]

That's a load of crap you were told. You'll start seeing rust after the first winter. Minnesota insists on keeping the roads white all winter...in the form of a nice heavy salt coating.

The roads are white where I am, too. (Well, it's raining today.)

Just pawned off my CR-V which was eight years, old, never treated, and hideous. The Runner is nine, was treated yearly, and is is good shape rust-wise.

 

[Cubslover]

There really isn't a whole lot one can do to a used vehicle to keep it from rusting, but there are things to help. Undercoating with a product that dries, will only trap whatever is underneath, over time it'll weaken and come through the product, or continue to rust through whereever it is. You'd be better off leaving it so it can dry itself out.

Ziebart does good work when it comes to rust proofing the doors/sills/hatch, etc.They go in through existing openings and treat the metal inside.

Personally, and I'm in NE/NC Indiana, I run to Mike's Express Car Wash whenever possible.

The key is to get all the salt rinsed out before summer time. Park the front of your truck over a sprinkler and let it run for 1/2hr, then move it to the back and do the same.

The vehicles are treated at the factory to help resist rusting, and with the quality of metals/alloys used today, rust through is nearly a thing of the past and if you keep up, body rust itself is as rare.

I think the absolute best thing you can do, is go through your underbody, peice by peice and remove any surface rust/contaminants, then clean with an alcohol and either powdercoat or treat it with an undercoating. For the frame, work in sections, and treat each cleaned section before you hit the road again.

This is my plan for the next couple years. Removing what I can to clean up and treat, then re-installing with new Stainless bolts/nuts/fasteners.

It will be a pain, and time comsuming, but probably worth it as much salt as we see.

 

[fenrisx]

That's a load of crap you were told. You'll start seeing rust after the first winter. Minnesota insists on keeping the roads white all winter...in the form of a nice heavy salt coating.

Agreed.. always white! In the two years I've been here I can say I've noticed the rust get worse and worse. Granted I never wash mine during the winter.

Just figured I'd bump the thread to see if you had anything done yet?