Rust Protection?

[Ford Girl]

So what do you guys use?

My dealer recommended I get a sacrificial anode. I had never heard of this, he said he could instal one for me but would probably be cheaper and just as good if I got the Canadian Tire version.

I was just going to get it sprayed but he recommended this, so I bought one on the internet last night for $70 and Red85 installs them for CTC so he will install it for me.

Have any of you ever used one of these? Or what do you use?

[truckpilot]

Are you talking about the electronic system from Rust Stop or similar vendors? I have an electronic system in mine, but since the truck is new I cannot comment on its effectiveness - yet.

[Ford Girl]

Yeah, that is it. It will be an interesting experiment if they actually work.

[Viper238]

I was kinda wiery on the whole electronic thing..
I know if you get a good shop that uses good oil it can work out great superior long term results..

as for the electronic device.. I found this review quickly.. but honestly.. Any reviews done on this product are probably invalid unless the customer has had the product for years to test.. Rust takes that long..
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/070221.htm

[Bush_aholic]

I read somewere that they are usless in 12v car aplacations, you need a consistant high current and a to always be covered in salt for it to really be effective, good for boats and stuff.....I read that in a panflet that was selling one of those devices I think I have it at home I will try to remeber to post it one day.

[truckpilot]

Ahhh, the debate starts. Check back with me in 5 years to see if it does work although I am a bit of a neat freak when it comes to keeping the truck clean.
I am thinking of getting the truck oiled for next winter...overkill???

[1SILVER06F150]

I used Krown on my Mustang,and plan to do the same on my F150 come summer when it's dry.

[CanadianRanger]

The same sort of system has been used for years in the piping industry. An underground steel gas pipe, for example, will corrode due to dissimilar metals (steel pipe and minerals in soil) and the presence of an electrolyte (moisture in soil). Bascially by applying a DC current it reverses the flow of electrons from the pipe to a sacrificial anode (made from a metal less-noble than the steel piping usally magnesium) causing the corrosion to take place at the anode and not the pipe.

I can see, in theory how this work on a vehicle and it is an interesting concept. I too have been looking at installing one on my truck.

Like everyone else says, only time will tell if they actually prolong the life of your truck.

[red85]

I install these where I work and I do the annual inspections. These systems work very well if they're installed when the vehicle is brand new. Any bolts that would basically be frozen in place come apart much more easily. From a mechanic's point of view these things have saved me some headaches. Any job that can be done a little easier means I can get on to the next job quicker and more jobs in a day = more money in my pocket:happy096:

[veskeyw]

I install these where I work and I do the annual inspections. These systems work very well if they're installed when the vehicle is brand new. Any bolts that would basically be frozen in place come apart much more easily. From a mechanic's point of view these things have saved me some headaches. Any job that can be done a little easier means I can get on to the next job quicker and more jobs in a day = more money in my pocket:happy096:

How well would it work on a 3 year old truck.

[DoubleD]

I seem to remember that tanker ships use a block of magnesium to prevent rust. Not sure how large a block would be required for a truck though...

[Bush_aholic]

Even if you have the sacrificial anode, it's probly a really good idea to get an undercoat every year as well....IMO

[Ford Girl]

We bought an electronic rust protection device of Ebay on Sunday called "The Corrosion Predator". It came yesterday and Red85 installed it tonight in no time at all.

The CTC version was around $350 because it included 10 years worth of annual checks to ensure it is still connected properly, this one was $80CDN including shipping.

We'll see in 10 years when my son has the truck if it works at all.

[Z1Krob]

Is this the product and seller?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Electronic-Rust-Control-for-Cars-Trucks-Vans-Boats_W0QQitemZ330223402363QQihZ014QQcategoryZ3372 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Ford Girl]

Yes, that is the exact one. It was cheap enough to give it a shot.

[loanranger]

A friend of mine has one of the electronic things on his 2000 mazda and it works excellent. He is doing a body job on it now as there are many scratches and dents in it but where ever there has been paint missing..behind the fender flares for instance which is also a spot for salt and other stuff to sit and cause rust..there is none..just bare metal. I'd say that one of these is a good investment but rust proofing every year isnt a bad idea either.

[Ford Girl]

I am going to follow Bush-a-holic's advice and also get the undercoat. On my last Fords, the body always went way before the engine so anyway I can delay that I will try.

[Randman]

A good oil-based spraying is the way to go. The electronic rust inhibitors are junk - there is no way your 12v battery is going to provide protection for your entire vehicle. Go with Krown as one poster said or Ziebart has a good oil-base too. I work at dealer that uses the electronic system and we have way too many unhappy customers that paid upwards of $700 for a device that simply just drains your battery.