Fluid Film and post care

Hi,

I am about to apply some fluid film to rust proof my tundra during this time please let me know if im missing any details or if you have any other tips for me.

I plan to:

1. use a wire brush to take off hard grime + surface rust
2. use a waterbased solution and thoroughly clean the undercarriage of any grime
3. Power wash
4. Apply 3 rattle cans of fluid film, trying to get in the crevices and holes of the frame as well to get inside


The Questions:

For post care,
After offroading and going in and out of water/ beach camp and expose my truck to salt water, is it advised to rinse the undercarriage thats coated with the fluid film or will this wash off the fluid film I just applied?

Also, lets say 6 months down the line I want to reapply some fluid film, should i strip the fluid film and clean it off before reapplying? or can i just do a quick rinse and do a quick rattle can spray to reinforce it for another 6 months?


And any tips on how to thoroughly get under the truck to wash and apply the fluid film if I dont have a lift at home?


Thank you!

 

I bought the gallon and brushed in on big parts of frame and three rattle cans and sprayed the rest. I plan to repeat every fall before winter. Do not spray when it is windy out. Don’t ask me how I know? I just crawled under my truck for application. Good luck. It is a messy job so don’t wear cloths you care about.
Peace. D

 

Sounds right to me. I'd spray the chassis off after application if you've been around salt or its coated in mud. The Fluid Film clings to surfaces pretty well, mines been soaked several times from rain/ carwash & you can still see the oily areas that were coated. Maybe re-coat once or twice throughout the year as needed. Also...may want to rock some latex/ nitrile gloves when spraying, unless you dont mind smelling like sheep grease

EDIT: don't forget to coat above/behind your spare tire.

 

3 rattle cans isn't going to cover the bottom of your truck. Also I would suggest using woolwax in place of fluid film. Same company makes it, but it's a thicker version of fluid film that doesn't smell so it doesn't come off as easily. I applied mine in October and I just checked it a couple weeks ago and there aren't any areas where it has worn off. If you have an air compressor, I would say buy their spray gun with the wand attachments and buy a gallon. I used the whole gallon on mine and I'm really happy with the results, plus it develops this black soot/dirt layer over it over time and keeps it on even better. I can't say enough about how happy I am with the results of it.

Edit: I don't have a lift at home either, so I jacked the truck up front and back and used these jack stands.

$58 BIG RED T46002A Torin Steel Jack Stands: Double Locking, 6 Ton (12000 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00026Z3DQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I took the spare tire off and tires off. I really got every nook and cranny of the underside of the truck lol. Also, buy a big tarp that completely covers the area under your truck, because you're gonna drip some and even on a windless day, spraying it with the spray gun, youll have some overspray and it makes cleanup and your driveway a lot easier. I also purchased the following items to stay safe.

$11 DuPont Industrial & Scientific 1414 Large TY122S Large EACH Disposable Elastic Wrist, Bootie and Hood Tyvek Coverall Suit 1414 White

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RSD1TBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$15 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6200, NIOSH, Four-Point Harness, Comfortable Fit, Dual Airline Supplied Air Compatible, Bayonet Connections, Painting, Sanding, Cleaning, Medium

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Respirato...1587724139&sprefix=3m+dual+car,aps,162&sr=8-2

$12 DEWALT DPG82-11 Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle, Clear Lens, 1 Pair

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A12J3GI?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

Wear some old clothes too because where ever you get this stuff on your clothing, it's never gonna come off lol. I have a dedicated set of clothes to wear when I do anything on my truck now because it's inevitable that I get it on my clothing.

 

There is some good advice above mine, but here is my .02

How much rust do you have? I wouldn't leave bare metal exposed if you're going to hit it with a wire brush. I would paint those spots before applying fluid flim.

I honestly wouldn't drive my truck in salt water at all. If you can avoid it, I would. Now, just camping on the beach should be fine, but I'd try not to drive in the water.

No need need to strip anything off. I would just wash off any mud that exists and spray it again.

What state do you live in? I'm trying to get an idea of how much salt you'll be exposed to.

 

I do a similar process as Mech engineer. I like to do spray a gallon at a time, twice a year. It is overkill, but I live on the beach. I like to spray fluid film NAS from a gallon container. I coat the inner channels of frame extremely well. Suspect same as what others call wool wax. I like to take my fender liners off at least once a year to inspect and spray. The fasteners are easier to break off with needle nose, and replace. Link for fasteners below. I also like to use 2-3 aerosol cans with wand extension for doors. I also keep a can around all the time whenever I spot rust. I do sand and paint rust prior to Fluid film.

$11 ShopStraw FS250 FlexStraw Aerosol Can Replacement Straws, Neon Green, 50", 2-Count

https://www.amazon.com/ShopStraw-FS...185&sprefix=Aerosol+extension+,aps,193&sr=8-4

$11 MOTOALL 90189-06013 MR971765 Hood Bumper Fender Liner Front Spoiler Trim Panel Shield Retainer Fastener M5.5#12 Screw Grommet Rivet Clips 9 x 9mm Hole for Toyota Lexus 90189-06065 90189-T0014 100pcs

https://www.amazon.com/MOTOALL-Spoi...7730362&sprefix=Tundra+fender+,aps,176&sr=8-5

 

Yep I got the spray can for my doors and tailgate and always keep a can or two handy lol. Pro tip. You can get to the rear wheel wells by taking the bed rail caps off and gives you access to everything. learned that when I installed my diamondback cover.

 

October was my first coat right after I got the truck. Thinking mid summer would be a great time to do a second coat since it will be so hot it will really run into every crevice. October was a little too cold where I live and had to keep the gallon next to a heater. The gun I got screws into quart containers, so I just had to keep filling up by the quart. Whole process took maybe 3-4 hours, but well worth it IMO.

 

that is definitely a smarter way to do rear wheel wells.

 

I heat up gallons in a large pan with water. A low simmer makes it easy to pour. I use a gallon lid with pour spout that helps too. My spray rig came with 3 quart bottles.

 

sick thanks everyone for the advise!!


I actually don’t have much rust at all. I’m just being extra cautious because I’m going to be keeping this truck till the wheels fall off.

I live in California but I plan to head to Baja, Alaska, Canada so I’m going to be putting her in the ringer after this virus calms down.

just a tiny bit of surface rust is all.
I might just do a light wire brush and not get too aggressive with it.

I don’t think I have to paint over it.
I’ll get some photos when I get home later

 

I agree with mech engineer. But besides the undercoating gun just used old cloths and put truck on ramps. Did front the switched and did back.
The woolwax goes on much thicker so makes since harder to was off. From what I have seen I will redo mine about once every 2 or 3 years.
The gun comes with a extra hose that can get in the small areas and spray 360 degrees. Well worth the cost of the woolwax kit.

 

I bought those extended shop straws a while back. $11 was a little hard to swallow for some thin plastic tubing, but after having them for a while, I have to say I don't know how I ever got by without them. It's great to be able to put lubricant/penetrating oil/whatever exactly where you need it -- not sprayed all over the general area of where you need it. And be able to reach places you wouldn't otherwise be able to. Highly recommend!

 

ME, how do the rail caps come off? pop off with plastic pry? or ? Thanks for advice. Want to do my 2020 before it gets exposed next year to the winter salt.

 

I would definitely avoid driving on beach water, i dont even think that scenario would ever be necessary

Is it also a bad idea to drive through:
1. snowy trails
2. muddy spots in trails in the mountains
3. river crossings

Of course I wouldn't be doing it all the time, but I'll be driving cross country and avoiding these may be hard

 

Yes. Start at back side near tailgate and slowly pry up with your fingers. I can't remember the exact number of clips but the process is really easy. Only takes a minute. If I remember correctly the first clips are a little harder to get out than the rest of them so don't be afraid if you start prying and they don't come up right away.