Frame Wax/Undercoating

redwngr · June 26, 2015

FWIW, the rear axle assembly doesn't have wax applied. The wax is only on the frame.

HondaHawkGT · June 26, 2015

Called dealer today and asked for part # 12346501. They do not carry in stock and only 2 places in Canada had it(1 in Newfoundland, other on west coast), but dealer not willing to buy/ship a whole case when they don't have any other requests for it. They have a larger well known body shop attached who recommended AC Delco 10952414, here's the link:

http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue.com/view_picture_description.php?prod_id=37&start=0&page=1&search_frn=undercoat&search=undercoat&custom_search=1

This will have to due for the moment so I can move on with hitch install.

Spoke next with Service dept. to ask for frame rust inspection as truck is 2014 with 25,000km. They suggested speaking to Body Shop dept. who said they just received an email today regarding this issue and from the basic summary they(Mechanical shop) are instructed to pressure wash underside and reapply coating where missing. Not the answer I was looking for, but better than "that's normal". Appointment in 2 weeks and truck required for 1-2days. I will make larger bold instruction sheet not to go willy nilly spraying touch up underneath over everything else and my original natural/white painted underside.

Here are recent underside pics:

After a bit of cleanup for hitch install:

As you can see, you would swear this thing has been commercially used. But if you look at the other body panels it's all mint. This thing moves once every 2 weeks, barely seen winter and 99% paved long haul highway.

I will update later with build date code and AC Delco spray (its messy as he!!, especially upside down), should have worn gloves and full suit and mask as it does not come off.

Honestly, I'd apply a rust converter to stop what rust you have, remove the flaky bits of wax, paint it black again, and coat it with Fluid Film.

AC Delco waxes and rubberized coatings are garbage. Just google it a bit and you'll realize just how worthless this approach is. You'll exacerbate your problem and flush money down the drain. There's no random pattern of GM trucks that have crap undercoating. There's just trucks that have had the junk undercoating fail and there's GM trucks that will soon have the undercoating fail.

navinke · June 26, 2015

Finally might have an action plan on getting mine fixed.

The dealer said GM is reccomending a new product becuase the one in the TSB doesn't work.

They boday shop is busy so likely end of July or so

Shredzy · July 7, 2015

When will GM use some other coating on their full-size truck frames?

The new Colorado/Canyon frames appear to be painted rather than the wax-type coating.

I've been thinking of upgrading from my current truck but this issue is a sore spot that GM should have addressed years ago.

I would much rather see a painted frame from the factory, and then have it professionally undercoated/rustproofed as I live in an area where road salt and liquid de-icers are used.

tnchevy · July 7, 2015

As I mentioned before, my 2012 F150 work truck has a painted frame but after 3 years it is also got lots of rust in different spots on the frame. The paint maybe better than the wax but not much better.

2doorpost · July 13, 2015

Sad to see my rusty-framed 2011 GMC Sierra customer complaint was never really dealt with properly for this next generation of trucks.

My 2014 sits on a clean set of frame rails- still .

I must have gotten lucky this time around

I mean, it is pretty obvious all of the dipped frames aren't prepped right.

At all three frame plants.

Yet, here we still are.

SirBunnyEater · July 13, 2015

Yup. My frame is showing way more rust and peeling than I feel it should after only one Michigan winter, always being washed and in a heated garage at night......here's a couple photos. 2014 Silverado Double Cab.

Shredzy · July 13, 2015

As I've been looking at getting a new truck, I've been noticing that some new trucks on the lots have no signs of issues (yet) with the frame coating and then there are others that do.

My nephew had his truck professionally rustproofed & undercoated and I just looked it over yesterday and everything looks fine after going through one Wisconsin winter.

I will do the same with any new vehicle I purchase as we have seen that the manufacturer is continuing with the same process.

2017SierraSLT · July 13, 2015

12346501 is an exact match to the factory frame coating.

HondaHawkGT · July 13, 2015

12346501 is an exact match to the factory frame coating.

Yep. Avoid 12346501. Completely ineffective. Especially when the frame has already started to rust beneath the original wax.

SkiDooNick700 · July 14, 2015

Mine was built in April 2015 and I took delivery in May 2015. It's now just a few months later and that wax coating is falling off and I have rust spots in places. Obviously there hasn't been any salt in MI during the last few months... I think I am going to talk to Ziebart to figure out exactly how their process works and what their warranties are (if any?). This is messed up.

Shredzy · July 14, 2015

I think I am going to talk to Ziebart to figure out exactly how their process works and what their warranties are (if any?). This is messed up.

My nephew had his truck done at a local Ziebart shop.

I went with him when he picked it up and I asked about the warranties and such-lifetime coverage as long as you bring it back yearly for an inspection & touch up. If I recall correctly, that yearly look cost $30.

SkiDooNick700 · July 14, 2015

Everytime I go to do a search on Google about Ziebart, I hear a lot of negative things and that an annual oil based coating is the better way to go. Good thing I have several months til the salt returns...

Edited July 14, 2015 by SkiDooNick700

jamin87ss · July 14, 2015

Everytime I go to do a search on Google about Ziebart, I hear a lot of negative things and that an annual oil based coating is the better way to go. Good thing I have several months til the salt returns...

I've used oil for years, I wouldn't believe how nice my 05 was, it looked new and I'm in NY, also I've removed the bottom weatherstripping on the doors, they trap salt, dirt and moisture, and it just rubbs threw the paint and starts rusting

Jordan18 · July 14, 2015

Mine was built in April 2015 and I took delivery in May 2015. It's now just a few months later and that wax coating is falling off and I have rust spots in places. Obviously there hasn't been any salt in MI during the last few months... I think I am going to talk to Ziebart to figure out exactly how their process works and what their warranties are (if any?). This is messed up.

Can you take pictures of where it's coming off? Mine was built the exact same time as yours, haven't noticed the obvious spots yet. I'll take look right underneath later on today.

I talked to a rep from Krown who also does oil spray in Canada, they stated that spraying over the wax will actually speed up the deterioration which leaves me stumped on which way to go before the snow and salt flies.