To Ziebart or Not on New Van

[Steve_382]

Couldn't find a previous topic on rust protection. Any thoughts about whether it is a good idea? Also, would Sportsmobile want the rust protection done before or after the conversion?

Thanks,
Steve

[oclv]

I am originally from Vermont, the home of the rusted out vehicles, with its heavy salt application and wild temperature swings. Vehicles used to rust out in 3 years in the 70's and early 80's. Todays vehicles have lots of galvanized panels, aluminum panels, even fiberglass panels. Rust inhibitors are everywhere. My personal thought is that Ziebart type rust coatings are practically a thing of the past. I think I am correct that the major rust coating companies were actually found to be a cause of rust if people did not follow the directions of the companies. When holes wore through the coating, water would get behind the coating and then not be able to escape. Many people never read that to keep the warranty in place they were supposed to get the coatings re touched every year. I haven't rust proofed a car in 15 years. Just my $.02. oclv

[jage]

Wash often, especially the undercarriage, especially after going out in winter. That said I wouldn't own my van in Indiana - the belt buckle of the rust belt.

[Steve_382]

I agree, they usually have more salt on the road than snow. I did ziebart my old one and it has rusted quite a bit, but it is 18 years old and has almost 300k miles on it 1/2 in Indiana and 1/2 if Florida near the beach. Lucky you can't see through it I suppose.

[mmocken]

Another option is to oil/lanolin rustproof your smb. popular in canada, europe and available from ziebart in USA

http://www.ziebart.com/Index.aspx?mid=2&PageId=51
http://www.krown.com/

I also got a can of fluid film and coated my hitch, propane tank and anything that is starting to rust. Looks much better and is slowing the rust on my 13YO SMB

http://www.eurekafluidfilm.com/applicat ... otive.html