Undercoating/Painting

[Sregorb]

Would there be any problems or "watch-outs" for someone interested in painting the underside of our trucks? I'm looking to cover those UGLY rusty driveshafts and a few spots of rust before they get out of control. Also, any recommended products? Rustoleum high-temp gloss black enamel is what I have a few cans of gathering dust.



Brian

 

[SS]

I used Rustoleum

While you're there remove as many labels as you can - they tend to turn kind of ugly after a few years of road grime. I figured I could find any part number later by looking it up anyways.



Don't go overboard on the driveshafts - a couple of thin, even coats should be O. K. for balance. I tried to stay away from rubber seals, boots, electrical connectors, and the like. Blast away at steering gear, manual trans, axle housing, knuckles, etc. (keep clear of brake rotors).



I like to black-out under the grille, but you have to mask some things. May want to scuff items like radiator support so paint will stick better - I need to redo mine. Condenser and A/C lines may require the extra heat resistance. Shouldn't hurt for other items either.



Well worth the 2 hours I spent on it. Enjoy!



Steve

 

[Sregorb]

Steve- "keep clear of brake rotors"



Can you clarify on this one please? While wheeling around under the truck on the creeper the axel to brake area was one of the terrible rust areas I was hoping to coat. Are you talking about the actual disks or the brake areas from the underside out or ?



Side note-I think this is ridiculous on a 4-month old truck!!! To have as much rust as I saw on it I would think I'd have to be feeding it a steady diet of Salt water! Am I being a whiner and is this common of all trucks or is something amiss?



Brian

 

[Sregorb]

Also

Also... Is the balance of the driveshaft really that precise that paint will throw it off drastically? What's the symptoms if it's too far out of tolerance?



Brian

 

[rspinks]

Underside rust

Hope it makes you feel better that mine's rusting fast below as well, only had it 4 months. Mainly on bottom side of front coil spring perches and bottom of lower suspension links. Before I bought mine I looked at a used '99 with 70000km and it was bright rust orange underneath, everywhere. Note that Alberta uses a ton of road salt in the winter. I guess this is something you constantly work at with rust paint or just let it go.



Rich

 

[SS]

Brian,



Sorry about that - I meant just the braking surface. I don't know if Rustoleum high heat paint will have the gusto to withstand brake temps, but probably O. K. to try. I did not do that.



On the driveshaft, some believe that the balance can be noticeably affected by painting. I think if you do a halfway decent, light, even coat that it will not change appreciably (less than the factory spec to be sure). If it's way out of balance, then you may feel a vibration at higher speeds (ask a guy whose teeth have been rattled by ice forming on the shaft).



I sure would prefer to have the stuff painted - but what are you going to do? I have seen some pretty ugly things under Cheby and Brand F, too. I've had to "beautify" every vehicle I've ever owned to my liking.



Steve