Frame and Under carriage rust

[Horhay7]

Hey guys, fairly new here. Been stalking the forums since I'm currently in the market for a truck so been trying to get all the info I can. I stumbled upon the reports of rusting problems on silverados, specifically with frame rust and brake lines. I was wondering if this has been resolved with the later model trucks? I'm looking at the 2014 model right now, but wondering if this has been an issue resolved with the 2012's/2013's?

[Gurrzt]

It depends what state you live in, I live in Southern California, where we average 6 to 8" of rain a year, and the roads are never "salted", for there is no snow (opposed to living back east).

 

I have never experienced a rust problem on any of my GM vehicles that I have owned for the last 45 years.

[Horhay7]

Thanks Gurrzt, yea I'm up here in Mass, so these winters have been flooding the streets with salt. From what I've been able to find, it seems GM uses a wax type substance on the frame that seems to come off after a couple of years? I could be wrong and just typical internet hype by the few... but this is going to be my long term truck so I'm hoping not to run into something backbreaking like this if I can help it... but boy oh boy do those 2014's look nice

[Shaners]

My last truck was an '05 that I sold this spring. Last year I had to have the transmission lines replaced and at that point they said I wasn't too far away from needing to do the brake lines. Hopefully this new one will be better!

[Carder09]

Get the under carriage re waxed every year if you are really worried about it. Better you take care of it, better off you will be when you decide to sell it.

[elite0259]

I have an 07 NBS, I got it from a dealer in MA on the CT border, the truck was from the CT side of the border, and I live in south western CT. I don't have any rust issues and I was just under the truck this last week.

[Gurrzt]

Thanks Gurrzt, yea I'm up here in Mass, so these winters have been flooding the streets with salt. From what I've been able to find, it seems GM uses a wax type substance on the frame that seems to come off after a couple of years? I could be wrong and just typical internet hype by the few... but this is going to be my long term truck so I'm hoping not to run into something backbreaking like this if I can help it... but boy oh boy do those 2014's look nice

Try this stuff, just do not get it on your hands, or anything you really care about:

 

http://www.por15.com/

[Horhay7]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, really appreciate it

[amc31b]

I would say the gm trucks are about on par with other american trucks when it comes to rust. The cast parts are usually surface rusted on the dealers lot but the rest of the parts hold up pretty well. The main issue is to rinse frequently in the winter if you live in the rust belt. If you really want your truck to last, you can do basically 2 things. Either 1, thoroughly pressure wash the undercarriage weekly in the winter. 2, rust proof your truck with your choice of oil based rust proofer like; Amsoil Heavy duty metal protector, Corrosion X heavy duty or Fluid film. I did fluid film on my truck and car and I am very happy with it. Now all I have to do is rinse the underbelly every few weeks with a garden hose and the frame stays totally clean and rust free

 

I do not recommend the paint style undercoats, as a rule. Even if you paint your frame when it is brand new, it still can create pockets and hold water and salt. Also, paint locks all of your fasteners together, makes the sockets and wrenches a very tight fit and only covers what you paint. Fluid film and the oil based sprays lubricate everything, creep and penetrate into inaccessable parts of the vehicle, soften existing rust and most of them can be sprayed inside the access ports on your vehicle. The oil based rust preventers are a once a year treatment that you can spray or brush on yourself for anywhere from $30-100 depending on how thorough you want to be.

 

Just be advised that any part of the black waxy factory coating that is damaged before you apply ANY type of undercoat, will usually soften and fall off after you apply the undercoat. The GM wax crap is not real durable or chemical resistant.

 

Good Luck!

[j13smiley]

 

I did fluid film on my truck and car and I am very happy with it. Now all I have to do is rinse the underbelly every few weeks with a garden hose and the frame stays totally clean and rust free

 

 

interesting... how does this product work? spray on or paint on? did you just spray it over everything underneath?right over the gm wax, lines, etc...?

[amc31b]

It comes as thick liquid that you put in a special undercoating gun or a latex spray gun. Clean the underbelly of your truck with a pressure washer, let it dry and then go to town! Spray all over everything, a liberal thick coat all over and inside the nooks, crannies and access holes. The only parts you avoid, are the brakes because it is a powerful lubricant....

If you dont have or want a compressor, you can buy amsoil heavy duty metal protector. It only comes in aerosol cans and you would just spray the hell out of everything like you would with the fluid film. It isnt a wet style lubricant which means it collects less dirt but it also doesnt lubricate as well or as long. Fluid film also conditions rubber and plastic where the amsoil does not. As an alternative, you can but the even more heavy duty rust stopper from fluid film which is called Fluid Film AR. It is a thick goop that you brush on with a paint brush.

 

Check it out. Fluid film: http://www.fluid-film.com/applications/automotive/

 

Amsoil: http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/heavy-duty-metal-protector/

[VMaxtastic]

The frame on mine started peeling and rusting almost immediately. the dealership has already ordered the paint to re-do it, but I haven't had time to take it in. Apparently he was familiar with the issue, and it's covered.. can't comment on the quality of the respray though.

 

The issue with fluid film would be that the dust would likely stick to it.... If your truck leaves the pavement.

[amc31b]

Yes dust will stick to it but light rinsing with a garden hose every once in a while gets the dust out without taking the fluid film off. If dust really bothers you, use the amsoil. It collects almost no dirt so long as you let it dry before you start driving the vehicle.

[Shaners]

In Western PA the big thing is 'oil undercoating'. Alot of places will spray your truck underneath, inside your doors and rockers, and inside your tailgate with chainsaw bar oil. It works great!

[99silveradoz71]

I've done my truck with fluid film the last few years and mom's Buick since new every fall. Her ride still looks spotless and mine doesn't appear to be getting any worse than it was. I definitely recommend it.