Frame rust

My 2002 3rd gen 4runner is showing signs of rust now on the frame NO HOLES YET caught it early what is the best way to deal with this pressure wash the frame and then undercoat it???

 

@senior master - pressure wash with hot water, descale with an air needle gun, final cleanup with wire wheel, treat with rust converter inside and outside the frame, paint outside of frame with POR 15, apply fluid film to inside of frame.
There are other products that may work equally well, I’m not a partisan when it comes to rust proofing, or feel a need to debate what’s best. Every car guy has his own magic elixir that he believes in, lol. But I’ve used this process on several vehicles and it works well.

 

Chassis Saver is a good substitute for por15. It is a less labor-intensive job.

 

no matter what product you choose...it's important that you attend to the rust, ASAP. as Neil Young once sang. ' rust never sleeps '..

 

How do you apply fluid film inside the frame? Is there a special wand or something you can buy in order to get in all the holes and along the frame rails?

And what can be done inside the frame to remove existing rust?

 

Get a bunch of regular spray cans, pull off the nozzle, and put this in its place. Stick the hose inside the holes and go to town. It says Woolwax, but it works with Fluid Film cans. You could also use Woolwax. Having done Fluid Film last year, I may switch to Woolwax in the future. I still have a bunch of Fluid Film spray cans left over from last year, so it'll be a year or two before I make the switch, though.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Film-S...e531a7d6286&pd_rd_wg=Rq9sh&pd_rd_i=B00CLUGXFI

This video is a good place to start, but I'd recommend using some kind of respirator especially if you're going to be doing it in a garage. I'd also recommend using a respirator outside if you're going to be jacking the 4Runner up and getting under it to spray it. I usually skip the respirator when just touching up the frame or whatever, but I make sure not to breathe in while I'm doing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0lJDuCWFlA

 

This actually looks really good if you're into Woolwax. I might try this in the future.

https://www.amazon.com/woolwax-Spra...hild=1&keywords=woolwax&qid=1631374361&sr=8-9

 

Has anyone used the Fluid Film wand nozzle that attaches to the spray cans? If so does it work? If not is there a better wand out there? I don’t have an air compressor and will be using spray cans. Thanks

 

Hey rmiked, I’ve used the plastic extension nozzle and it’s still going strong with regular cleanup after use with brake cleaner fired through it. It’s pretty effective, although sometimes the nozzle comes loose from the slippery nature of the fluid film and can squirt from the top of the can and in your hand. I don’t sweat stuff like that, and hold it on and keep going.
I tape the plastic hose with electrical tape to a flexible wire, like from a coat hanger, to give the extension some improved rigidity being stuffed into a boxed frame and other hard to reach places. It works well, overall, in terms of getting the fluid film where it needs to go. If it fit tighter and stayed in place on the can 100% of the time I’d give it a 10/10, but because it’s messy to use, I’d give it a 7/10.
The only other criticism is it’s cost, which seems very expensive for what is. The tip works well though and dispenses the fluid film in a consistent 360 degree pattern. Mine has been reused many times, and is probably 4 years old now, so I don’t worry about it’s cost based on my usage.

 

Sounds good. I like the idea of the coat hanger to stiffen up the extension hose. Thanks

 

Use 3M Cavity wax to seal what cannot be seen.

PS I am in the process of cleaning up a 99 frame, and hitting the rusty areas with POR 15. Trouble is, even after full restoration, no amount of under-oiling will prevent Buffalo NY salt from messing with her. ( so I am putting Blizzaks on my '13 Highlander and never selling it!)

 

I’m a fan of Blaster’s Surface Shield. It is lanolin-based like fluid film but it seems to have some better properties. I have it on my vehicle.

There is a number of reviews and comparisons on YouTube and that’s why I picked it out over Fluid Film. Check it out.

 

I have a third generation Toyota 2000. 4runner limited the rust is atrocious. Is there anyone out there who specializes in repairing the frames hate to let this vehicle go because it runs so good I have on this vehicle for 23 years or should I just forget about it. Everything in this vehicle still works it’s still looks like the day I drove it off the showroom floor. Please help if you can

 

There are still stories of 4Runners up north getting frames replaced by dealers.

There people are getting rejected by dealers too.

Worst case is they say no, I suppose.

Other than that, it's probably time to move on.

 

There's a company called Safe-T-Cap that makes replacement frame patches for many vehicles, I think including the 4Runner. I would look into that, and see if you could find a local installer willing to do it. Other than that you looking at a frame replacement, which will probably cost more than what the vehicles worth, so it might be time to let it go.