Should I be concerned about this frame rust?

[paval3]

My 2021 XLT just 2 years old end of April 2023. Just turned 9,000 miles. I was detailing the exterior yesterday and noticed this rust on frame inside passenger side wheel well. Is this to be expected? Should I try to wire brush and hit with some black Rustoleum or is it not worth the effort or nothing to worry about?

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[Tom_C]

I had a 93 toyota PU that I used on the beach. I had it 20+ years and the frame was covered with rust far worse than that. Should you be worried? Can't say, but I wouldn't be. If you want, get some of that rust eater paint and give it a sprits. IMO, it's probably fine.

 

[paval3]

I had a 93 toyota PU that I used on the beach. I had it 20+ years and the frame was covered with rust far worse than that. Should you be worried? Can't say, but I wouldn't be. If you want, get some of that rust eater paint and give it a sprits. IMO, it's probably fine.

I was a bit shocked I admit. I still have my 2003 Mercury Mountaineer Premier, 125,000 original miles on it, and my mechanic always comments how good of shape the frame is in. I wonder if my Ranger will hold up that well... abeit, I will be pushing 90 at that point. ?

BTW, if I may ask and don't laugh.... is there a name for the "rust eater paint" so I know if I go shopping for some?

 

[RedDakooter05]

I'd probably wire wheel it and slap some rust reformer on. Rust never sleeps so, if you don't worry about it it'll make you worry about it eventually.

Btw I use fluid film in those areas on my truck.

 

[DakotaGuy]

My 2019 had a little rust all over near the welds in several spots when I got rid of it for my 2022. I didn't worry about it, but then again I was getting rid of it anyhow.

 

[Tom_C]

When I sold my Toyota, I had a lot of guys fighting for it. Evidently those things are well known in the construction field because they are indestructible and cheap. Every person who looked at it either wanted pics of the frame or looked at the frame when they came... there is one particular place that was known to rust out (they said), and none of them blinked. A bit of surface rust like you are seeing seems fairly normal to me.

 

[paval3]

I'd probably wire wheel it and slap some rust reformer on. Rust never sleeps so, if you don't worry about it it'll make you worry about it eventually.

Btw I use fluid film in those areas on my truck.

I think I used what you must be calling fluid film all along underneath the rocker panels both sides. Never thought about spraying on those frame welds. After I touch it up and it dries, I will do that!

I keep my vehicles a long time and obviously this will most likely be my last new truck... well, unless it turns into a lemon or money pit at some point.

 

[paval3]

I Googled "rust eater paint" and Rustoleum Rust Remormer Spray Paint came up. I guess I could try this.

" Instantly convert a rust-covered surface to a protected, paintable surface! Rust-Oleum® rust reformer instantly bonds with rust and transforms it to a non-rusting, flat-black paintable surface and prevents future rust. The spray can be easily applied from any angle and saves you the effort of sanding rust all the way down to the bare metal. "

 

[JoeC]

I'd probably wire wheel it and slap some rust reformer on. Rust never sleeps so, if you don't worry about it it'll make you worry about it eventually.

Btw I use fluid film in those areas on my truck.

Yup, wire brush it as best you can, and get a spray can of fluid film to touch up those areas periodically.
That's what I do on my 2019, and it looks new.
Just my $.02.

 

[Tom_C]

I Googled "rust eater paint" and Rustoleum Rust Remormer Spray Paint came up. I guess I could try this.

" Instantly convert a rust-covered surface to a protected, paintable surface! Rust-Oleum® rust reformer instantly bonds with rust and transforms it to a non-rusting, flat-black paintable surface and prevents future rust. The spray can be easily applied from any angle and saves you the effort of sanding rust all the way down to the bare metal. "

30 years ago I used some of that stuff you rubbed on with a rag, and it worked well. Then the rust eater paint came out, that's what I call it, but that rustoleum is probably the stuff.

I have this funky iron wine bottle holder that spend some time outdoors and rusted. I sprayed it with that black rust paint, and it converted all the rust into a sort of flat powder coat finish. I never painted it beyond that and it looks like the day I sprayed it. Of course it lives inside now, but...

 

[RedDakooter05]

I Googled "rust eater paint" and Rustoleum Rust Remormer Spray Paint came up. I guess I could try this.

" Instantly convert a rust-covered surface to a protected, paintable surface! Rust-Oleum® rust reformer instantly bonds with rust and transforms it to a non-rusting, flat-black paintable surface and prevents future rust. The spray can be easily applied from any angle and saves you the effort of sanding rust all the way down to the bare metal. "

That's the product I use. Then I use a can of flat black paint over that, then of course fluid film.

 

[Dgc333]

When I sold my Toyota, I had a lot of guys fighting for it. Evidently those things are well known in the construction field because they are indestructible and cheap. Every person who looked at it either wanted pics of the frame or looked at the frame when they came... there is one particular place that was known to rust out (they said), and none of them blinked. A bit of surface rust like you are seeing seems fairly normal to me.

Considering Toyota pickups had one of the largest recalls in history for the frames rusting out and failing I wouldn't consider a used one without a very close inspection of the frame. Four folks at work were subject to the recall, two Tacoma's and two Tundra's. Three had the frames replaced and Toyota bought back one of the Tacoma's.

 

[Joyride]

Took my Ranger into the dealer with the same question. They said, "according to Ford, this is discoloration, not rust, and will not create a problem in the future". Wasn't sure what to make of that info but I retained the correspondence for future reference if needed.

The two products that I've found to be the best solution is Steel-It polyurethane paint or Blaster Surface Shield. To me deciding which one to use may be climate based. I'm in Southern CA, so not too worried about moisture creeping under the Steel-It paint through/under chips. If in a wet climate, I'd use the Blaster Surface Shield which is a film application that "self-heals". Either way you'll have to wire brush before applying either.

Here's a picture of my neighbors Toyota after applying Steel-It. Stuff is expensive but really good.

 

[Tom_C]

Considering Toyota pickups had one of the largest recalls in history for the frames rusting out and failing I wouldn't consider a used one without a very close inspection of the frame. Four folks at work were subject to the recall, two Tacoma's and two Tundra's. Three had the frames replaced and Toyota bought back one of the Tacoma's.

I did not know that. Mine was pre-taco, and I never got a recall notice. I never put many miles on mine, but as said, I used it on the beach several trips a year for 20 year and for hunting trips, but otherwise it just sat. I guess everyone else knew what I didn't. I finally decided to sell because rust started to bubble up on the paint in a few places so it was time to let it go while it still had some value.

 

[paval3]

Yup, wire brush it as best you can, and get a spray can of fluid film to touch up those areas periodically.
That's what I do on my 2019, and it looks new.
Just my $.02.

I just looked at the spray can that I used under the rocker panels and it is Fluid Film. Actually I bought two cans.

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