Hey guys I plan on buying a 2000 civic it dosent have any rust on it now and I plan on useing the car for a DD for now but it will slowly turn it into a project car. In time I plan on re-doing the whole car and turboing it. And even tho theres no rust now the car is 12 years old and living in New England it's only a matter of time. I was wondering is there anything out there I can do like any kind of spray or anything I can put on the frame and under side of the car along with the body to prevent rust. I really plan on taking my time and spending a lot of money on this car over the next few years, and I would hate to spend all that money and than have it rust out on me.

Thanks Brian

 

Old fashioned canadian way of doing it, messy but works. you can use thick truck oil and pour some into the seams and under body areas. Chain saw bar oil and motorcycle chain wax works great too. You can do some really good prevention depending on what you are ok with and how carried away you want to get. I spend my time here in NY testing different ways (very nerdy) so I know what does actually work if you want to go into great detail.

The oem seam sealer in the rear quarter arches is like a sponge and will eventually rust out the metal no matter where you are, salt or not. This is difficult to correct.

 

POR15 works well for subframe parts, as does rubberized undercoat. I prefer undercoating personally as it is softer/won't chip (albeit I haven't really seen POR chip from natural causes.)

 

Rubberized undercoat will only cause problems, remember this is a 2000 civic not a new one off the showroom floor.

Rust starts on the inside and works its way out. Spraying undercoating on something that is already mildly oxidized will trap rust and moisture. I cant count how many times I have seen panels or undercarriage areas that have been sprayed and there is rust bulged through somewhere or at a seam that it cant penetrate or protect. It also deteriorates and breaks down with age and weather.

POR 15 is ok but it has to be prepped and applied perfectly or else it will not be effective.

 

I personally would rather use undercoat than some crummy enamel paint out of a spray bomb. I've always had luck with it personally, but as you said it isn't a good idea when sprayed over surface rusted metal.

 

runnerdown- you said you have done a lot of testing and know what really works what are some of these other than oil lol. Ide really like to do this the best I can any info or pics you have would be great

 

http://3mcollision.com/3m-rust-fighter-i-08891.html

that'll be your best friend, with the wand you and adjustable 360 nozzle, you can get in every little crack of your car. =D