Undercoating

[anonymous1977]

I have a new F150 XLT 2024. Is undercoating necessary? I live in NJ where window tinting is not allowed by the book but so many people do it. Is it worthwhile getting it done or is there more chance of getting pulled over?

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[JerseyGlock]

Use fluid film instead of undercoating.

 

[anonymous1977]

Use fluid film instead of undercoating.

Who does this usually and do I tell them to do fluid film instead of undercoating?

 

[My 2ND Ford]

Crown or fluid film are much better than traditional undercoating. Undercoating can dry out and flak off, but it can also trap moisture underneath it and cause more problems. The downside of fluid film and other products like it is that it must be reapplied every year, but it is a much better product. Where you live in Nj do you get snow and do they apply salt to the roads?
As far as window tint I can't comment about Nj, but here in Ny, when you get your vehicle inspected they will use a light meter and fail your vehicle if the tint is too dark. However there are inspection stations that will do a slap and dash inspection because they don't care. Good luck with your decision.

 

[anonymous1977]

Crown or fluid film are much better than traditional undercoating. Undercoating can dry out and flak off, but it can also trap moisture underneath it and cause more problems. The downside of fluid film and other products like it is that it must be reapplied every year, but it is a much better product. Where you live in Nj do you get snow and do they apply salt to the roads?
As far as window tint I can't comment about Nj, but here in Ny, when you get your vehicle inspected they will use a light meter and fail your vehicle if the tint is too dark. However there are inspection stations that will do a slap and dash inspection because they don't care. Good luck with your decision.

Snow has not been heavy the last 5 years but they salt the roads.

 

[MJG44]

Yes, Fluid Film the undercarriage.
You don't necessarily need to do the body panels and doors, although I do just so the hinges etc are hit with the product.
Fluid Film smells pretty bad so you will have to live with the odour for a month after application.
I live in Toronto region and yearly application of undercoating is 100% worth it.

 

[Pelican]

I have a new F150 XLT 2024. Is undercoating necessary? I live in NJ where window tinting is not allowed by the book but so many people do it. Is it worthwhile getting it done or is there more chance of getting pulled over?

I had Woolwax applied to my truck. I like it better than some other products mentioned here because it's a little thicker, seems to hold up well going through the carwash (3 times /week or more) and after being under it this week it doesn't appear that it needs reapplied yet. Woolwax is about the consistency of vasoline when it sets up. Mine was done in Oct 2021.

 

[oncechance]

I had mine rust proofed with Krown and go for yearly treatments. Well worth the investment, in my opinion.

 

[anonymous1977]

I had Woolwax applied to my truck. I like it better than some other products mentioned here because it's a little thicker, seems to hold up well going through the carwash (3 times /week or more) and after being under it this week it doesn't appear that it needs reapplied yet. Woolwax is about the consistency of vasoline when it sets up. Mine was done in Oct 2021.

Who do you go to?

 

[anonymous1977]

I had mine rust proofed with Krown and go for yearly treatments. Well worth the investment, in my opinion.

Where do you go to apply this?

 

[oncechance]

I take to an authorized dealer, where I live.

 

[Kodiak]

Cosmoline is the best undercoater but you may not find anyone that uses it. If you want to DIY the spraycans are great. Be careful though as what it goes on will not get off. It is an oil wax product from the military and if you find any old timer military guy they may tell you stories about it. No touch ups needed unless the truck takes some hits.

Some LineX shops that undercoat use a product called Valuguard 160. The "160" is the key as some shops use a lesser/different Valugaurd product. The VG 160 is the closest thing to Cosmoline that is out there. If you find a shop that uses the VG 160, that is about as good as it gets. $600 range but again you have to call around and you may find one that uses this product.

Fluid Film and Woolwax are probably next best but they will need touch ups every year. Good products though.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

I put fluid film black version on a year ago through a salty winter and lots of driving in rain it still looks great.

 

[LCMM55]

I live in Myrtle Beach sc, i used Amsoil HD metal protector. Will ha e to reapply every 2 yrs. 7 - 8 cans should do a thorough job.

 

[PB2021]

I use Krown on ours. It’s what we have put on our vehicles for years. Works great.

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