Question about Undercoating…
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From: NH
Question about Undercoating…
I am not sure where to post this question and if this is the wrong place I apologize and if the moderators wish to move it then that’s fine.
Ok, as some of you know I just bought a new Lightning on Monday and in the past since I have lived here in New Hampshire I have always had my vehicles undercoated at the dealers to protect it from the salt in the winters.
Yes I know I need a beater and I do have plans on looking for one, but for now, or at least the rest of this winter I will have to drive the Lightning.
Well, my dealer no longer does undercoating, told me it’s not needed on today’s new vehicles. I thought that was odd a dealer giving up extra profit (LOL) so since I had to make an appointment to get a small chip repaired and painted at an independent body shop they use I called and made that appointment and asked them about undercoating and if they did it or if not then could they recommend someone.
I was told the same thing, that it did not need undercoating and that they, as well as Ford has found undercoating causes more problems then it was intended to help. He said on older cars it was needed, but that new ones come protected, frame is painted and treated as well as anything else that could rust underneath.
So, any of you experts out there I would appreciate any information you may have. I know there are some here that work at Ford plants so could you let me know about just what is done to protect the undercarriage?
It is a 03 Lightning, but that shouldn’t make a difference right? A truck is a truck as far as the materials they use and what ever they do to the frames etc for protection.
I know this may be an **** type of question but I have always tried to do what is best to protect my vehicles, not so much for any resale value just my own piece of mind.
Ok, as some of you know I just bought a new Lightning on Monday and in the past since I have lived here in New Hampshire I have always had my vehicles undercoated at the dealers to protect it from the salt in the winters.
Yes I know I need a beater and I do have plans on looking for one, but for now, or at least the rest of this winter I will have to drive the Lightning.
Well, my dealer no longer does undercoating, told me it’s not needed on today’s new vehicles. I thought that was odd a dealer giving up extra profit (LOL) so since I had to make an appointment to get a small chip repaired and painted at an independent body shop they use I called and made that appointment and asked them about undercoating and if they did it or if not then could they recommend someone.
I was told the same thing, that it did not need undercoating and that they, as well as Ford has found undercoating causes more problems then it was intended to help. He said on older cars it was needed, but that new ones come protected, frame is painted and treated as well as anything else that could rust underneath.
So, any of you experts out there I would appreciate any information you may have. I know there are some here that work at Ford plants so could you let me know about just what is done to protect the undercarriage?
It is a 03 Lightning, but that shouldn’t make a difference right? A truck is a truck as far as the materials they use and what ever they do to the frames etc for protection.
I know this may be an **** type of question but I have always tried to do what is best to protect my vehicles, not so much for any resale value just my own piece of mind.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mount Airy,MD
I am no expert, but I have to agree with the dealer. It isn't neccessary anymore. The truck I kept the longest was a 90 f150 with 162k on it when I traded it in. Some surface rust on the frame. Other than that nothing.
I haven't had any vehicles undercoated since the 70's.
I haven't had any vehicles undercoated since the 70's.
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From: Elverson, PA
01 XLT Sport,
You mean you don't go under there and apply Zaino??
Undercoating discussions are kinda like some of the oil discussions. Most have strong opinions, but there isn't a clear "right" or "wrong" answer. Here is a recent thread on this forum:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=140104
Personally, I don't think undercoating is necessary. My '97 XLT was never kept in a garage, and didn't have any signs of rust after 7 1/2 years (granted, that's not a long time as far as trucks go, but is an indication that they don't rust easily). Many of the dealership F & I people I used to deal with would admit that they sold it as a profit opportunity...not as something they thought really protected the vehicle. With the attention you give to taking care of your truck, I don't think you need to worry.
One last thing - you need to start using your sig to show off the new "L".
You mean you don't go under there and apply Zaino??
Undercoating discussions are kinda like some of the oil discussions. Most have strong opinions, but there isn't a clear "right" or "wrong" answer. Here is a recent thread on this forum:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=140104
Personally, I don't think undercoating is necessary. My '97 XLT was never kept in a garage, and didn't have any signs of rust after 7 1/2 years (granted, that's not a long time as far as trucks go, but is an indication that they don't rust easily). Many of the dealership F & I people I used to deal with would admit that they sold it as a profit opportunity...not as something they thought really protected the vehicle. With the attention you give to taking care of your truck, I don't think you need to worry.
One last thing - you need to start using your sig to show off the new "L".
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From: Blue Ridge Mountains, GA
I'm with them '01, I mean '03 L. 
I would just touch up the frame anyplace that had the coating on the frame scraped off during assembly. My '01 when new had a few small places where you could see the bare frame. I just used some flat black spray paint, but keep in mind they don't use salt on the roads here. A can of spray undercoating would be good for up there. I wouldn't spray anything on the underside of the pickup box or underside of the cab, unless you see some spots where it was scratched.
I would just touch up the frame anyplace that had the coating on the frame scraped off during assembly. My '01 when new had a few small places where you could see the bare frame. I just used some flat black spray paint, but keep in mind they don't use salt on the roads here. A can of spray undercoating would be good for up there. I wouldn't spray anything on the underside of the pickup box or underside of the cab, unless you see some spots where it was scratched.
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From: NH
Since I have posted this question here and in the “2004 Ford” forum I have called 3 different body shops and they all told me the same thing which is there is no real need to do it now, and that it “could” cause problems with keeping some moisture in, in certain areas.
They told me that about the only thing to worry about is the actual frame and that if I look at it, it should be either painted and/or coated. So I went down and took a look and indeed the frame is coating with a black substance. You can sink your fingernail into it and it feels basically like an undercoating, but it’s just the frame.
Everything else I could see is painted, except for nuts and bolts which they said if I really wanted to be **** simple put some Vaseline on them which would help keep any “surface” rust off, but they would not actually rust through.
Other then that they told me with the exception of the drive shaft possible getting surface rust and exhaust everything else is fine. As every one knows there is nothing you can do for the exhaust since it would burn off, and I believe this has stainless steel exhaust, could be wrong.
Damn interesting and wonder if my 01 had the frame coated like this, or like you mentioned maybe something changed between 01 and 03…
So like Frank mentioned I will look underneath real good for any area’s the frame that might be missing some coating, and any scratches on painted pieces. I have been under there somewhat and it looks damn good as far as the frame and painted parts and nothing scratched or missing any coating on the frame.
Thank you all for your input…
They told me that about the only thing to worry about is the actual frame and that if I look at it, it should be either painted and/or coated. So I went down and took a look and indeed the frame is coating with a black substance. You can sink your fingernail into it and it feels basically like an undercoating, but it’s just the frame.
Everything else I could see is painted, except for nuts and bolts which they said if I really wanted to be **** simple put some Vaseline on them which would help keep any “surface” rust off, but they would not actually rust through.
Other then that they told me with the exception of the drive shaft possible getting surface rust and exhaust everything else is fine. As every one knows there is nothing you can do for the exhaust since it would burn off, and I believe this has stainless steel exhaust, could be wrong.
Damn interesting and wonder if my 01 had the frame coated like this, or like you mentioned maybe something changed between 01 and 03…
So like Frank mentioned I will look underneath real good for any area’s the frame that might be missing some coating, and any scratches on painted pieces. I have been under there somewhat and it looks damn good as far as the frame and painted parts and nothing scratched or missing any coating on the frame.
Thank you all for your input…
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From: NH
Originally posted by JohnAndDar
01 XLT Sport,
You mean you don't go under there and apply Zaino??
01 XLT Sport,
You mean you don't go under there and apply Zaino??
Originally posted by JohnAndDar
One last thing - you need to start using your sig to show off the
new "L".
One last thing - you need to start using your sig to show off the
new "L".
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From: Connecticut
This is amusing to me since I ordered an 04 SCrew 4x4 XLT Saturday and I was surprised that the dealer attempted to sell me undecoating! I thought it was generally understood it's not necessary. I did not take it.
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From: Columbus, OH
Gorgeous Truck '01
When I bought my truck 10 days ago, the dealer tried to sell me undercoating, saying that with all the salt and debris that would be hitting the under side, it was really needed. After reading this post, I'm glad I didn't have it done.
When I bought my truck 10 days ago, the dealer tried to sell me undercoating, saying that with all the salt and debris that would be hitting the under side, it was really needed. After reading this post, I'm glad I didn't have it done.
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From: Detroit (48209)
Well...I may be the only voice of dissent here...had it done, but not by the dealer. Got the whole rustproof application from Ziebart. Underbody, and entire body/all panels from the windows down, tailgate, etc...
May not be absolutely "needed", but Ziebart offers a lifetime warranty on the rustproofing...with yearly $40 touch-ups them will fix or replace any body parts that rust...written certicates and all....piece of mind in Detroit (the city that was built on salt LITERALLY!!)
May not be absolutely "needed", but Ziebart offers a lifetime warranty on the rustproofing...with yearly $40 touch-ups them will fix or replace any body parts that rust...written certicates and all....piece of mind in Detroit (the city that was built on salt LITERALLY!!)
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From: Detroit (48209)
Originally posted by Dr No
Check that Ziebart warranty. I think the limit of their warranty is to refund the purchase price.They won't replace four doors.Will just give you the purchase Price.
Mike
Check that Ziebart warranty. I think the limit of their warranty is to refund the purchase price.They won't replace four doors.Will just give you the purchase Price.
Mike
Sorry...Wishful thinking I meant 10 year warranty...and the contract reads...
"the warrantor will repair and rust protect the rusted area at his expense. Cumulative recovery repair cost is limited to the then current NADA wholesale value of the vehicle not to exceed 5,000."
Logically speaking 10 years is not a long time....but I've seen 5 year old vehicles start to show signs of rust here in Michigan (believe it or not). If also seen vehicles that have had this similar treatment (religously) and show no rust after 10 or 15 years. Its just a little peace of mind I guess....it was only 300.00 (yes I understand another 400 with the yearly touch ups included) but when I get the Xcel treatment done thats gonna be 500.00 itself and will probably need to be re-applied after 5 years (recommended) and thats just to stop the rock chips. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pain....
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From: Battle Ground, WA
My experience was like this. I did not want my new 04 STX undercoated as I didn't think it was necessary and also because its a messy coat over everything underneath, screws, bolts and all.
My truck came in after 6 weeks of wait and when I went in to finish the paperwork adn pick it up I saw it was undercoated! It was still wet and when I asked my dealer about it, he said they automatically undercoat all their new vehicles. I was surprised, but even more I was dissappointed that I wasn't asked first. Oh well!
At least they didn't try to charge me for it.
My truck came in after 6 weeks of wait and when I went in to finish the paperwork adn pick it up I saw it was undercoated! It was still wet and when I asked my dealer about it, he said they automatically undercoat all their new vehicles. I was surprised, but even more I was dissappointed that I wasn't asked first. Oh well!
At least they didn't try to charge me for it.