Folks,
I have done a couple of searches through the archives on rust proofing, but unfortunatley haven't found the answers I'm looking for. I have an '04 Prado and will be heading up DI shorlty with the vehicle (mid march).
I am having a heck of a time trying to filter through the sales hype/general B.S. on rustproofing options.
The way I see it I have three options:
1) Dont rustproof at all - todays manufacturing allows for galvanised bodies etc. But do coat it with Salt Assault or Lanolin before the trip and give it a very thorough clean and Salt Assault when I arrive
home. Toyota customer help line say they do not recommend rust proofing of any kind
2) Apply traditional chemicals - from what I have found talking to many many
places, the best way is with a reputable rust proofer that will wax the inside of the rails and susp tubes etc, then Tectol the full under body and apply a clear resin to the engine and engine bay finally spraying that amber wax stuff inside the doors and roof etc.
3) Use a CAPACITIVE electronic system - most comment in the archives I searched on dont differentiate on the different electronic systems - some people have said they dont work, but have failed to say which system they use. I accept the sacrificial anode system is tripe and has been banned in the USA etc, but how does ERPS perform?? Do these have the capability to interfer with ECU's?
I dont plan to use it often on the beach at all, but dont like the idea of unsightly surface rust on diff housings etc.
The chemical treatment is my least prefered method due to the fact that when I want to work under the car - it gets in the way and makes a mess, plus it needs to be maintained to be effective. However if this is the only real way to do it then so be it
The electronic system sounds the best of all if it is true and is not snake oil - can anyone give any real
feedback on the ERPS system? Are there issues with it not working on the insulated components of the car (ie
suspension), and therefore the Chassis in the Prado seeing as it is a 'floating body on the chassis'
Thanks