what to do about rust on frame

nyplumber · November 10, 2015

I have a 2011. On the frame there is some unsightly rusting that is in my opinion a real eyesore. It is very noticeable to me in the wheel well also on the springs. On the frame it looks like chunks of the coating that were applied have fallen off and now the rust is very visable. What do you guys recommend? Can I get an undercarriage treatment done that will coat and seal? If so where is the best place to get something like this done and aprox how much should something like this cost.

It is very frustrating as in the winter time I make a decent effort to clean off the salt. I see many other trucks (non gm) that are older than mine that do not have this issue. My truck is black so the rust in the wheel well sticks out like a sore thumb.

Explorer · November 10, 2015

I'm a DIY type guy so no personal experience, but this company has a good rep in the northern climates: https://www.krown.com/

Gurrzt · November 10, 2015

Check out this sight, there are many applications this can be used on :

http://www.por15.com

brucelimerick · November 11, 2015

GM is apparently warrantying that if you complain hard enough. You are right, GM is having a problem that others are not. My 01 frame is on it's last legs. I was told that undercoating would void my warranty.

I use Krown on everything now. I have spent 40 years fixing my beaters and undercoated vehicles are night and day better than untreated. Krown is the only one I know CAA recommended. That would be AAA in the US. One other tip. 3M stone guard on the rockers and rear panel bottoms. Stops the stones from chipping the paint which over time will take them down to bare metal and the corrosion begins. It is a tough clear coat sheet, the stuff is great.

GM has got the "engineering" down to a fine art. As soon as the warranty is off you are screwed. It is a 10 year truck. Actually I heard they changed the warranty, my 01 had a 10 year perf warranty. It barely made it. So if you have a 6 year warranty you own a 7 year truck. It pisses me off, my 68 chev half ton, I took it off the road in 90 and made it into a trailer. That trailer still has a better frame than my 01 had off the lot. Too bad my 01 doesn't have enough metal left to tow it.

Cosmic Charlie · November 11, 2015

my 04 25HD frame looked so bad after 7 years plowing snow that the buyer asked if the truck was under the salt water at one point ! (sold it cheap)

and I used to use the car wash under carriage wash like every 2 weeks year round for all those years (no help)

now I buy new every 3-4 years - won't deal with all that rust (frame, brakes & tranny & fuel lines) and more ... )

sure the newer ones are better but not THAT better - they're not fooling me ($$$)

my 2015 is better overall than my others - and all had an excellent drive tranes - no issues ever

vtecvfr · November 11, 2015

there is also a product called "chassis saver" that appears to be a good product based on my research....there are you tube videos showing it being used. I am also a fan of Krown as a prevenative measure.....

brucelimerick · November 13, 2015

It is a sad state of affairs. You can't justify $35 to $50k for a truck that will only last 7 years. Krown is reasonable if it works but I'm only 5 years into that test on my Hyundia. I still wash it regularly as the liquid crap is all over 4 seasons here. Changing my snows is a great time, you can really give it a go twice a year on the underside.

Makes you wonder though, I have an 88 aluminum boat with zinc anodes. A steel motor frame attached to it. Zero corrosion. Maybe Ford does have a better idea. But if the frame doesn't last you have nothing. On my 01 GM, drive line, motor, tranny, SS exhaust, plastic gas tank, all mint and original. Frame and brakes lines suck. Shackles suck. Just waiting for my shocks to let loose and dent my box.

nyplumber · November 14, 2015

So today I decided to stop into the dealership that I purchased truck from new in 2011. I went to the body shop to inquire about the rust issue. The girl at desk went out with me to look at truck. As soon as she looked at it she said "yep that is manufactures defect, wax peeling off of frame. GM sent out a bulletin regarding this", she then asked me how many miles I had, I responded with 26,900. She said "your covered, it is 3 year, 36k" I told her it was '11. She said "oh, I guess you are not covered". She said since it was over 3 years bulletin did not apply to me, I waited to long.

How could I wait to long when I never knew about the bulletin? She told me I could go speak to service manager, it was out of her hands. Of course the service manager was out today. I sent him a detailed email today and will follow up on Monday with a call.

If this is "manufacturers defect" how can my claim be denied. I don't care if it is beyond 3 years, it is their defect and they need to address it. I was never notified about any bulletin. She said the fix is to scrap off the wax coating and reapply. That is exactly what I want done. I bought the truck new, take care of it and GM needs to stand behind their product. I worked hard to pay for that truck.

Daryl LBZ · November 14, 2015

GM needs to switch to a different coating period. What they are using now is a complete joke.

brucelimerick · November 14, 2015

exactly, the same crap on my 01 and same problem. You would think they would catch on after 15 years.

Stay after them. I had the same issue with my rear brakes, everything shot after 20k. "normal wear and tear" They are like insurance companies, first or second replies are always, no not covered. Just google the problem and get some ammo and go back again.

I got the $900 brake job covered. They just have to make a call and get authorization I believe.

nyplumber · November 18, 2015

Well here is an update. i went in yesterday to speak with service manager. he directed me back to the body shop and had them write up an estimate for the job. I received a call from the body shop today and was told that GM will cover the job minus a $200 deductible that I would have to pay. I tried to protest having to pay anything but I could tell it would not go anywhere, so I made an appointment to have the work done. I am happy that the frame will be getting a new coat of protectant. They told me they would be applying a product called Kryptonite.