Rust protection/ Undercoating

DPetry94 · August 28, 2016

I've been looking into undercoating some spots on my frame before winter. Mine doesn't seem to be too bad compared to some I've seen on here, just a spot here and there. Mostly where I jack it up from.

What I was wondering is what everyone has been using with good results? Some places online say that rubberized undercoating will trap in moisture and rust the frame more. Some people recommend fluid film, but I've never had experience with that so I'm looking for any insight.

Thanks!

Grumpychevy · August 28, 2016

I'm curious also. Just touching the frame and suspension components will leave black wax/tar like crap on you so my question is what kind of coating would stick to it. Seems like you would have to just reapply whatever is on it. What it is exactly and where to get more of it I do not know.

sdeeter19555 · August 29, 2016

You can get spray cans of the coating from the dealer from what I understand?

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laminarflow · August 29, 2016

I'm thinking about spraying the underside of my truck with Fluid Film. Lots of great videos on YouTube.

SkiDooNick700 · August 29, 2016

I tested fluid film on a small area of my frame last fall. It softened my coating and made it really easy to go down to bare metal. I've read that some other members have had great success with it, so not really sure what to say regarding FF. I sprayed it on my hitch, it stayed rust free.

I ended up Ziebarting. I have heard mixed reviews on the coatings like you said. I decided to roll the dice and just try it myself. After 1 winter in MI, underneath looks great and the coating is still sticking.

I actually need to take it in in the next couple months for them to inspect and touch up to maintain the warranty.

OldBlue61 · August 29, 2016

I also went w/ Ziebart. And yes, it is a roll of the dice, but my past experience with them has always been good, so... time will tell.

Rkaroll953 · August 29, 2016

I used Fluid film on some bare metal areas with great luck last winter. im gonna paint that stuff on this winter but not on the frame wax. it will soften it. Does anyone know where i could get a can of the OEM frame wax or what brand it is.

Layla · August 29, 2016

I just bought my first truck, and first GM. Haven't picked it up yet and trying to decide what to do as far as rust protection. The dealer charges a ton, and I doubt their rust protection is the best, but the package includes paint sealant (similar to Ziebart). If you buy it, you get a good guarantee against all rust, including surface rust. I also think there would be better protection against peeling paint.

But if I go with the dealer rustproof (which is supposedly good forever, which is BS in my opinion), I lose my warranty if I get it Krowned in the future. Which is ridiculous but there you have it. So you have to go back the original dealer each year for an inspection and, if they decide, a touch up (which I believe is free). I just don't love the idea of simply waiting for rust to appear and then deciding to touch up, and I have little faith that they'd re-apply each year before rust appears.

I'm thinking of Ziebart too. Unfortunately I live a long way from the nearest retailer. So my tentative plan is do the long drive (roll it in with a visit with family), Ziebart this year and Krown every year thereafter.

I'd love to hear people's opinions on whether the dealer rust/paint protection is the way to go though. How is the quality of the protection, and would you say the warranty protection makes it worth the extra money?

mjoekingz28 · August 29, 2016

Yes, fluid film softened the factory frame coating. For the factory frame cowting armor all or even virgin motor oil works, although I prefer an armor all type product. For nuts, bolts, and screws spray them with a penetrating oil for protection AND future disassembly. For other parts, just use unused oil from oil changes.

DPetry94 · August 29, 2016

Well I guess fluid film doesn't sound too good then, maybe I'll try cleaning up the arears good and undercoating them.

14' W Diamond High Country · August 30, 2016

I just used a tube of grease that's meant for outdoor use and painted the areas on my frame and under carriage where my brothers and dads trucks have rusted. Cheap solution and easy to do.

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Silverado Steve · August 30, 2016

I wonder what it is in Fluid Film that softens and makes the factory wax coating come off. Fluid Film itself is a waxy type oil. Interesting.

14' W Diamond High Country · August 31, 2016

I wonder what it is in Fluid Film that softens and makes the factory wax coating come off. Fluid Film itself is a waxy type oil. Interesting.

I just go around my truck once a year and peel off the wax that is coming off and grease her up.

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500sks · August 31, 2016

I bought a case of the Daubert coating GM uses and plan to coat the underside of the truck with the spray. I have used Fluid Film in the past with good results but have heard it will soften the frame coating.

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camcamaro1991 · August 31, 2016

I use fluid film on my boat and waverunners, works great until I have work on it... which is extremely rare but it keeps the rust off everything, haven't tried it on with our wax coating on our trucks.

I my last Denali the factory wax was so dry it would fall in pieces in my driveway, rust to primer paint, wait to dry then add the 3M under body coating and its held up grade for the past 2 years but I am TX.

like the others above stated, GM is using https://www.daubertchemical.com/