Rust Proofing - Drill or No Drill

[Hysyde]

Hey all, first post here.

Picked up a 25 XLT about a month ago. Living in the rust belt I'm a big believer in rust-proofing (annual spray).

While I was considering Fluid Film, it's not that popular around here (Eastern Ontario, Canada) and am leaning towards Corrosion Free or Krown.

While I'll hit the frame and sub-components no doubt, my question is: Should I opt to have the body panel/cavities drilled for access holes like on a typical vehicle? Given the aluminum body panels, can I skip the drilling? Thoughts?

Thanks,

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[TarnishedCopper]

I did not have mine done simply because there is no longer a business around that I trust to do it and not just take my money and "wink Wink" we fumed or filmed it in. I did however have several vehicles treated by Ziebart Rustproofing in the past, and none of them ever rusted. However that company is no longer around at least where I am. They drilled and put plastic plugs i nthe holes and required an annual inspection.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I’m kinda in the same boat. Going to speak with Krown next week.

Aluminum panels will still corrode, it will just take much longer than typical steel panels. I don’t believe there’s really any downside to these access holes, but I really want to see where they are looking at locating these holes before agreeing to them

 

[Hysyde]

I’m kinda in the same boat. Going to speak with Krown next week.

Aluminum panels will still corrode, it will just take much longer than typical steel panels. I don’t believe there’s really any downside to these access holes, but I really want to see where they are looking at locating these holes before agreeing to them

Yeah, I hear ya. I'm not excitedly excited for a random shop hand to go at my truck with a step bit.

I had a rust proofing "guy" for years. He was great and insisted on needing the vehicles for 2 days to allow for cleaning, drying, rustproofing, and then cleaning/drying again. He was very thorough, but has sicne retired from his retirement job.

So yeah, I'm going through reviews to find a good local shop that uses a product I like. I will definitely be asking where/how many holes they plan on drilling.

 

[MJG44]

I've used Corrosion Free and currently use Fluid Film.
Never have I done Krown.

I don't drill holes, but I do get into cavities wherever I can.

 

[PB2021]

Local Krown dealer does our CRV. I buy the cans of it from him and I do our truck myself. Its the hybrid and Ive read of some dealers refusing to work on the high voltage systems if they have been coated so it allows me to do the frame, cross members and other steel components without getting the blanket coverage they normally do the underbody. Given the body is aluminum I’ve never sprayed it or had it drilled. It’s a 2021 and like new everywhere thus far. I can say from talking to the Krown dealer that they receive approved drill locations from Krowns corporate office for each vehicle type, year, and model and that is what they follow when drilling so if you are considering having the panels drilled for more complete coverage they should be able to show you on the computer where the drill points would be.

 

[Hysyde]

Local Krown dealer does our CRV. I buy the cans of it from him and I do our truck myself. Its the hybrid and Ive read of some dealers refusing to work on the high voltage systems if they have been coated so it allows me to do the frame, cross members and other steel components without getting the blanket coverage they normally do the underbody. Given the body is aluminum I’ve never sprayed it or had it drilled. It’s a 2021 and like new everywhere thus far. I can say from talking to the Krown dealer that they receive approved drill locations from Krowns corporate office for each vehicle type, year, and model and that is what they follow when drilling so if you are considering having the panels drilled for more complete coverage they should be able to show you on the computer where the drill points would be.

I'm not confident I'll know here to get into all the nooks and crannies, but I might be willing to try it myself.

Good info on the corporate drill points. I was not tracking.

It's been awhile since I've used Krown, but do you need to protect your rubbers from it? I've had a few vehicles where every rubber (door seals, hood seals, etc.) went to shit from years of rust proofing and inadequate protection. I can't recall what product I was using on those though.

 

[PB2021]

We still have a 2010 CRV that’s been done yearly. Our daughter now drives it. There has never been an issue with getting it on rubber or plastic. Their oil seems pretty inert.

 

[johnd900]

I spray NHOU on the side. I plan to do the '22 Lariat I just picked up. I don't drill and plug as I have small fogging nozzles that I use in the drain holes. When I first started I asked if guys wanted me to drill and plug but almost all didn't so I got a gun to work around it. I've never had an issue using this method.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I’m starting to think I may just do this myself. My biggest concern is frame & crossmembers

I really don’t want the Powerboost components sprayed, nor do I believe the body panels need it.

thoughts to ponder……….

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Yeah, I hear ya. I'm not excitedly excited for a random shop hand to go at my truck with a step bit.

I had a rust proofing "guy" for years. He was great and insisted on needing the vehicles for 2 days to allow for cleaning, drying, rustproofing, and then cleaning/drying again. He was very thorough, but has sicne retired from his retirement job.

So yeah, I'm going through reviews to find a good local shop that uses a product I like. I will definitely be asking where/how many holes they plan on drilling.

I have the same concerns…….

 

[oncechance]

I have Krown applied each year. Yes, they did drill some holes on initial application. They do spray silicone on all rubber weather stripping to protect from spray. Underside looks as good as purchased new.

 

[johnd900]

Just make sure you get inside as many steel cavities as you can.

 

[Groovicles]

Hey all, first post here.

Picked up a 25 XLT about a month ago. Living in the rust belt I'm a big believer in rust-proofing (annual spray).

While I was considering Fluid Film, it's not that popular around here (Eastern Ontario, Canada) and am leaning towards Corrosion Free or Krown.

While I'll hit the frame and sub-components no doubt, my question is: Should I opt to have the body panel/cavities drilled for access holes like on a typical vehicle? Given the aluminum body panels, can I skip the drilling? Thoughts?

Thanks,

I'm also located in Eastern Ontario and I have used Krown on my '22 PB shit wagon. I'm due for my next annual applicable and no concerns so far

 

[Mosey]

You can spray just about every internal part of the frame with fluid film (or similar) and a 30 inch a stray extension. You can find these on Amazon and are often included in kits. If you have not applied FF before, you will need 6 to 8 cans. Don‘t use FF if you are hyper OCD or want a pristine looking frame. FF creeps over time and will find its way to the frame exterior.

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