84-88 truck RUST prevention

paxil4x4 · 01-02-2008, 06:43 PM

I've tried to add this to the Wiki but I get an error message can someone post it.

RUST Common problems when it comes to rust and how to prevent it.

If you've been around Toyotas long enough you will notice how many have rot problems when it comes to the 4WD bed. say you now have found that replacement bed or the truck with no rot in the bed. The first order of business is to remove the "cocaine" smuggler panels. They're held in with 8mm hex machine screws.

After you remove them you might gasp in horror from the amount of leaves, dirt, gravel and all kinds of trash built up behind them. The other horror you will soon notice was how Toyota cheesed out and did not paint behind the panels. They only seam sealed the bed floor edge and outer fenders and left it in bare primer.

So after a few years of service the seam sealer fails in spots, misc debries build up behind the panels and rot soon sets in. when I pulled mine off I found the seam sealer had started separating at the tops of the wheel wells. The first order of business is to pressure wash all the garbage out of the bed and built up behind the seams. I used Purple power and a stiff nylon brush to remove and majority of the crap before washing it out.

After you done it's important to let the truck bed dry out for a few days before attacking the next part. I used an compressed air to blow all the water out to speed things along. When the bed is dry it is time to use your favorite rust prevention coating. I used POR-15 slathering it all over the inside of the panels. If you have any open areas where the seam sealer failed make sure to pick up some seam sealer.

Soon after I was done. I took my truck to Line-X and had the bed sprayed while this is not required I wanted an extra layer of protection. I had it done behind the panels. I have a theory as to why the wheel wells seem to rust the worst. When the cocaine panel is removed there is a shallow dimpled area that allows water to pool up on the top of the wheel wells when it rains leaving a pool of water resting against the seam when parked

The next order of business is to remove the rear tires placing the truck on jack stands. Pressure wash the underside really good near the seams on the edges of the bed. I noticed some of the undercoat came off really easy when I did mine. Again waiting until it was dry and slathered POR-15 in any areas where the undercoat came off and when that was dry I sprayed Transtar rubberized undercoating over it. I ended up re undercoating the whole underside of the bed.

Tailgate: The tailgate is the most abused part of any truck in my opinion. Remove the rear access panel and you will find again that Toyota cheesed out by not painting the innards, they did not even put any "cavity wax" in the panels seams. The first order of business is to pressure wash the inside of the tailgate you might be surprised and the amount of filth that come out. Mine had leaves, tons of dirt, twigs etc. All the crude will flow out the drain holes at the bottom of the gate as you do this. (I propped the gate at an angle) When it was dry inside the gate again I used Wax Oyl a European rust prevention product that sprays a wax like film. I'm not sure what the US market has for body cavity wax. Check you local auto paint supply shop.

Frame: The even more dreadful frame rot that has killed many Toyotas in their prime. First order of business is to jack the front of the truck up as high as you can and prepare to get really dirty. The open parts of the rear frame near of the back bumper I stuck a pressure washer nozzle in them and watched mud, sand come pouring out all the ingredients waiting to help rust your frame. I did this for quite some time before clean water ran out. When I was done I let the truck setup and speeded the drying process up a little bit by using a long air nozzle running it thru any drain holes in the frame. I drove the truck a few weeks before again using Wax Oyl cavity wax which has a long nozzle to get into hard to reach inner parts of the frame. I paid the most attention to the back of the frame since it seems to be the most prone to rusting out. It's a good idea to spray out the pipe like cross member also and coat the insides of it. I also at this time choose to paint the outside of the frame rails with POR-15. Very messy job, but the results are worth the pain.

Honorable mention areas: Behind the front fender liners and the battery tray. Remember only you can prevent rust.

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slacker · 01-26-2008, 08:50 PM

I toiled for Years and years .. trying to "prevent " rust .. and found after the time and money spent

it just aint worth it .

so .... 14 years ago , I started an experiment in my garage .. and found the cure/built ....

http://www.toyotafiberglass.com

.

01-26-2008, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
slacker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,114	I toiled for Years and years .. trying to "prevent " rust .. and found after the time and money spent it just aint worth it . so .... 14 years ago , I started an experiment in my garage .. and found the cure/built .... http://www.toyotafiberglass.com . __________________ 86 4x4 , fiberglass bed , 1/2 doors , hood ... more to come . 84 2WD "hotrod" Intercooled 7MGTE 83 Trekker SR5 CURRENT BUILD My home page MY PAGE 2WD fourm I frequent NEW Trekker forum

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