This spring I am wanting to clean up the under carriage of my 04 F150. The truck is 99% rust free and I would like to keep it that way, if there is any rust on the body of the truck it might be on places like spot welds, pinch welds. The truck has only been driven maybe 4 or 5 times during the winter on the salt covered Wisconsin roads its entire life. The only "rust" is on the rear axle and the receiver hitch, but I would also like to freshen up the look of the rest of the still painted under carriage also. Then I would also like to do something to apply another layer of protection to the underside of the body panels.

So that brings me to a couple of questions:

1. How should I prep everything?
2. What would be the best product apply on the frame, axles, hitch, ect to protect them from rusting and that would also bring it back to the like new gloss that everything had?
3. What would be the product to use on the cab, box, inner fenders, and inside the bumpers?


Thanks alot!!

 

that hasn't been exposed to salt/chemicals etc. and want to avoid it getting crusty like my mountaineer did.

 

I've undercoated with drip and dripless oil since new, every 2-3 yrs and mine looks really good still. Mind you, dirt sticks and it's pretty greasy if you have to do any work but it's better than having everything rusty. That's my recommendation.

 

I had redone my frame and rear diff/axle this past fall. I had got sand paper a 500 or 1000 grit I think thats what it was. Just scuff up the surface, but pay close attention to the welds they may need some extra attention. For a fresh look I had bought flat black in a rattle can. It took me close to an hour because I masked all the bolts and factory spec stickers and anything that was a different color than black. It looks like brand new, gonna do it again in the mid summer.

 

If you do find any corrosion, POR-15 is an excellent, but expensive product.

 

Washed the winter off last week and noticed quite a few 'running rust' spots under the bed and rear fender wells. I'm going to try the POR-15.

 

Let me suggest Eastwood's Rust Encapsulator product. It comes in an aerosol or by the quart so you can brush it on. I used this to semi-restore the frame on my 89. I used the Encapsulator, followed by Extreme Chassis Black paint in black satin, also by Eastwood's. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

www.eastwood.com

Encapsulator #16060Z
Chassis Black Satin #11175Z

 

I'll be doing POR-15 myself this summer. I want my truck to be as rust proof as possible

 

Eastwood's for me as well. Follow their recommendations and all will be well.