Rust proofing the body???
 

Hey folks!

I'm looking for some additional rust proofing advice for my new Z. I've been rust proofing my other cars regularly because I drive them in the winter here in Toronto, Canada. Holes were drilled in sections of the body to spray inside the door paneling and other cavity areas of the body. My question is, would it be necessary to drill and spray inside the body cavities of the the 370? The reason I ask is because I understand that the door paneling, the hood, and the hatch is all aluminum which is a material that doesn't corrode... Or does it? I am going to store it during the winter, but I still want to protect it. Any thoughts or advice?

You shouldn't need any sort of rust proofing if you plan to store it in the winter. Just keep her dry and you should be fine. I personally would rather risk the small possibility of rust than drill holes into the body panels.

Rust proofing is not needed on almost every new car period. The type of metal used on the Z (aluminum in many cases) is very well treated to prevent corrosion both inside and out so you do not have to worry about it at all. Just drive her and keep her clean and you will never have a rust issue.

+1

Yup, that's true.

Does that include if you drive it in the winter?

Why would you "rust-proof" the Z? Its body panels are mostly aluminum.

yah, i agree with the others. no additional rust proofing necessary... and if some random rust proofing shop sprays inside the doors chances are they will BLOCK the drain holes making it worse. aluminum does corrode but not like steel.

especially if you're going to store your Z in the winter you'll be fine. my 7yr old G has been driven on dry days in the winter time over dry salted roads...unwashed until spring. not much rust anywhere on the undercarriage. absolutely no rust on the panels.

just keep it dry.

Move to a dry and arrid climate? :ugh2:

It's kinda hard to find a Japanese car made after 1986 with rust on the body. Bolts and cambers, yes, but not body panels. The only time I see it rust is if

A) It was sent to the ocean.
B) There was damage on body panel and it was never taken care of.
C) Replacement panel with lower grade metal/painting
D) Bad paint job that traps water.

Other than that...my 1991 240sx paint looks like crap...but still no rust. Not bad for a 20 year old car. However, I've seen lot of Japanese cars before 1986 with a whole lot of rust.

Thanks for the input folks! Much appreciated! 

My brother in law is mechanic (use to work for Nissan) and he is insisting that I atleast should spray the undercarriage and maybe the engine block. His point is that a lot of condensation can accumulate in a garage during a Canadian winter and you can never really control the moisture in the air. Now it sounds that some of us here have had no issues storing your cars, but how many us 370 owners sprayed or treated the engine block? How many owners had their undercarriage sprayed/treated?

Rust proofing is the biggest waste of money. Let me guess.... the finance guys at the dealership conned you into buying it? Waste. Just wash and maintain the paint. Make sure you do underbody rinses too. Put it this way my civic is almost 12 years old... And paint is still perfect. It's been thru 11 wisconsin and Iowa winters.

Aluminum doesn't rust but it does corrode. It's called aluminum oxide and it actually can protect from further corrosion. Drill holes and spray your goop if you want, but it will probably do more harm than good. Do you plan to keep this car 15+ years?

did you brother-in-law use to work for datsun back in the 80's? :D ;)

no need to treat it. you're in toronto for crying out loud.... your air is DRY in the winter time.. why is your garage damp? ive been to toronto many times and it's no different from say detroit or chicago or minnesota.. your english just sound werd. :icon17:

You obviously don't live where salt is dumped on the roads in winter.