Here's the new undercoating a local shop put on Tuesday. Hope it's worth it because it was a pretty penny. It's too cold over yonder this time of year to do it myself, otherwise I would have looked into DIY.

 

Looks good! How much did that cost?

 

a good $400 dollars. not a cheap deal but luckily my parents just sold a 1989 toyota camry that they had for about 20 years. they agreed to pay for it. I'm really glad they paid because I wouldn't have got it done. I hope it's worth it. Some of it seems it is just not dry yet.....

 

How long are these supposed to last before respraying?

 

The owner said he has guys that work for him that live on gravel that need 2/3 their truck re-undercoated every year. I don't do much offroading at all, including gravel, so I'm hoping this will last a little longer. The main reason for me doing this was for rust prevention because they love to salt the roads over here in Nebraska. The vehicle came from Arizona so the frame was in superb condition. My only concern is that in some places (the fender wells are where i noticed) the tar is still sticky and not fully dry. I don't know if it's because of the 30 degree temps. or what, but it kind of has me concerned. I should have had it done when it was still halfway warm out...procrastination.

 

If the tar is sticky that's good.
What will do you in is undercoatings that dry out, crack, and moisture builds up under the undercoating.
I was never a fan of any coatings though, unless the vehicle is still on the assembly line. Covering rust is never good. Long term they are more bad than good IMO.

 

I'm beginning to regret this undercoating. Even if you get a little mud or dirt on the sticky rubber, it sticks to it. If you get close enough with a powerwasher it'll take it off without much effort. Someone challenge me and make me feel better.

 

I have always used old motor oil after an oil change when it's still hot once a year. Just dip a rag in it and go to town. Wipe off the excess and your good for nothing more than some elbow grease. Never have had frame rust issues, now my bed is another story...

 

I would have been better off not doing anything to it. The frame was perfect, being from Arizona for 10 years of its life, the next three years in Colorado, now the last year in Nebraska. I wouldn't have had to worry even if this vehicle lasts for the next 10 years, and I'm sure hoping I'll have it that long!