Rust proofing???

[CygnusSailor]

We plan on having our TV for a long time. Is an aftermarket rust proofing, such as Ziebart, worth the money, or is the rust proofing applied at the factory just as good?

[fhenn]

The automotive boys have come a long way, In Dodges case the whole body is run through a tank that is electricly charge and it coated with galvaizing coat the frame is or was powered coated a lot of the other panels are a form of plastic. The thing that will rust out on these new units are brake lines and that type of thing. If it was me I would no longer wast the money

[artgpo]

Consumer Reports has said for many years that aftermarket rust proofing is just this side of a scam. All it does is add weight and can trap moisture contributing to waste rather than protecting. As Frank said, it is done better during vehicle assembly.

[drcook]

Without trying to start something, but you folks don't live in Ohio or one of the surrounding states that compromise the "rust belt". Unless you garage the vehicle in reference during the winter, the salt that is put on the roads during the winter will absolutely eat a vehicle up. I had my truck Ziebarted when new. Each summer I have to get under it, scrape any loose undercoating off, kill the rust with Ospho (phosphoric acid) touch up with Rustoleum and have it re-undercoated. After 6 years my truck is in good shape and will easily last 20 yrs or more, AS LONG AS I STAY AT IT. It is an 04.5. I have looked at trucks that are 2 to 4 yearsnewer and the frames are all rusty, the floorpans are starting to show areas of corrosion etc. The factory undercoating on the frames will start to allow penetration at the points where there are rivets, access holes etc.



In Ohio, if you don't rustproof, you can almost guarantee you will have a rusted through spot in 7 or 8 years somewhere on the body.



The 1991 K2500 that is in the garage being restored was not undercoated as I didn't have the money at the time due to a divorce and being a single dad raising the kids. Needless to say, I have had to have rockers, cab corners, 1 door, new inner and outer fenders and a new bed for it. Yes it was a little money, but since it was paid for, I will have essentially a new truck when done. It has some sentimental value and is a 8600 GVW 4x4 with a 454 engine in it.



If you don't live in the rust belt, then undercoating is debatable. But for us here, if you intend to have a nice vehicle that doesn't have holes eaten through it then you have to go to a place such as Ziebart and also work at it yourself continually.



If you read the WTB (want to buy) ads, lots of people will out and out say no northern vehicles.



that is just my experience for what it is worth.



dc

[CygnusSailor]

That's my problem, I live in Michigan which might be one state worse than Ohio when it comes to salt. Every year during the early winter there are news stories about how many thousands of tons the various counties have in storage and whether it is enough to get through the winter!!!!

[papa2]

I'm always torn on whether to rust proof or not. Chose not to with my wife's new 02 Gallant GTZ and it looks wonderful. However, I did rustproof the '97 F150 and when I sold it there weren't too many F150s that you could not find rust on, especially the box &/or bed. Not mine. Couldn't find any no matter how hard you look.

When I got the F250 I decided to rust proof Mostly to dampen noise. I like the truck well enough that I may decide to keep it for a very long time. Rust proofing certainly isn't going to hurt the truck if done by a reputable firm. Interesting that the body shop that fixed it for me after last fall's accident endorsed rust proofing and took it to the same place I have used for years.

If you decide to rust proof shoot me a pm and I'll give you the name of the firm I use in Hudsonville. Yep, I know it's on the wrong side of town for you, but I don't think there is any one left in the GR metro area that is as good.