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DIY Underbody/Undercarriage rust protection recommendation?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 2009Prius, Jun 5, 2010.

  1. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    I was horrified by the amount of rust on the underside of the car after only one year 10K miles. I started to look into rust proof the underside. Here are some leads collected from various places:

    best way to rust proof your undercarriage - YotaTech Forums

    Rustoleum Hammer finish Xylene based paint

    (Eureka) Fluid Film
    Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor

    Amsoil Heavy Duty Metal protector

    Krylon Rust Enamel spray paint

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ting/80929-rust-under-bonnet.html#post1132056
    Blaster (BLP16CSP)
    Corrosion Stop, Rust Inhibitor and Lubricant - 11 oz. Can
    Save on Blaster 16CSP at ToolTopia.com

    Please add your own experience/recommendation. I am particularly interested in inexpensive DIY options. Thanks! :)
     
    #1 2009Prius, Jun 5, 2010
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Move to California. Our economy sucks, but the cars don't rust. :madgrin:



    In all seriousness, my car still looks new underneath after 3+ years and we used to have a 93 Toyota pickup that did not have any visible rust when we sold it in 2007.
     
    #2 dogfriend, Jun 5, 2010
  3. robert mencl

    robert mencl Member

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    I use Fluidfilm oil...Ebay. live, sticky oil...one can for $10. did my whole car. I redo it annually, when the car is very dry.
     
    #3 robert mencl, Jul 5, 2014
    Michael Wood likes this.
  4. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Surface rust is NOT the real problem.

    Cracks cavities and bolts, as well as brake line connectors is where salt laden water deposits salts that cause hidden rust.

    I prefer spraying these areas with a light penetrating rustproofing like this;

    Amber Rustproofing 17 oz Aerosol Tre 4423 | eBay

    A couple of cans is easy and cheap.
     
    #4 Mike500, Jul 5, 2014
    Michael Wood likes this.
  5. robert mencl

    robert mencl Member

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    I'm thinking of using a marine zinc sacrificial anode to help rust protection. I've oiled all I can with Fluidfilm, but wonder what I have missed.
     
    #5 robert mencl, Jul 14, 2014
  6. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Anode systems don't work on cars. Just do a Google search.
     
    #6 Mike500, Jul 14, 2014
  7. robert mencl

    robert mencl Member

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    Mike, I see the article against powered cathodic protection devices for cars in Wikipedia and would not go that route. But I have noticed the anodes on my sailboat continue to ablate when it is hauled out over the winter and that encourages me to try one on my car. We use both types of system at work on pipelines and tanks.
     
    #7 robert mencl, Jul 15, 2014
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