How long will a fluid film frame from new last

Just curious how long a frame may last if treated from new with a product like fluid film and driven in the Midwest.

I know this is a subjective question but just curious how many years some of you have with treated frames still holding up?

 

I'm hoping a long time. I'm picking up a new 4Runner this weekend and plan to use pb surface shield...but along the same idea as fluid film.

 

i think places where its prone to being washed by road water you will have to retouch it from time to time, but in more enclosed areas it will stay there almost forever

i just did woolwax on mine ( bit thickier than FF ) but inside the frame and rockers i mostly used FF as its thinner so it will creep more

if you like your Runner, you have to do it !

 

Fluid film will protect the frame completely and if you apply properly rust will never be an issue.

 

I’ve had a Tacoma for 5 years, and the 4runner for about the same time. All in NY and both treated with FF when new. I try to apply it every year. Both trucks have almost like new frames.

 

Thanks for posting. When you wash either in the winter do you just rinse the frame each week ? If so using soap etal?

 

Correct. I rinse the frame probably once a week or so if I use them on heavy salt treated roads. Not to much tho because the FF can be washed away. I’ll usually reapply FF in the fall or spring. There might be better options out there but the FF and keeping the underside semi clean has been keeping rust from developing. Hope that helps.

 

I’ll post some pictures when I can.

 

Thanks for the info! I’ve debated a 2nd 4R for every day use in winter and part of the reason is due to the frames. Maybe it would not be so bad especially if fluid film twice per year and rinse weekly in winter

 

i would wash the undercarriage less often in winter if its treated with FF , its a barrier again salt , moisture etc anyway

just my 2c

 

Fluid film, wool wax, surface shield a couple times (spring and fall) a year for the first couple years, then once a year. Wash the underside very well and allow to dry before applying. I do not wash in the winter, my thinking is that adding water to the salt is not a good thing, and there is no need to chance washing off the FF/WW/SS.

 

Are you guys pulling all the skids off before applying? And how about the spare tire. I think I'm going to spray mine this weekend.

 

I had mine sprayed by an auto detailing shop. I removed the spare ahead of time at home then I applied ff to the spare wheel itself at home with wax applicator pad and did some on the hitch as well. He took care of the skid plate (not sure if removed). I just go over it with wax applicator pad

 

Fluid film recommends once a year. Had both my 4Runners done. And now my Tundra Pro. But I switching and having wool wax done on it sometime this year.

 

I used blaster surface shield and in this hot weather it's dripping and leaving a mess on the garage floor.

Anyone have that issue with wool wax or fluid film?

 

I drop my spare tire down before every application. This year I will be removing my RCI aluminum engine skid before I go to the shop that sprays the FF.

 

Any shop recommendations in the mid Atlantic? Same day application or drop off and pick up?

 

I went to Pine Island Auto in NY for Woolwax. It was drop off and pick up. They covered it really well. It's too thick to drip, but there were a couple spots on the edge of the rear door that needed an extra wipe with a shop rag. The location is best suited for someone living in that little corner of NJ/PA/NY.

 

What did they charge, and how was the quality of the work. Did they do door panels or hood or tailgate?