How To Prep and Apply Fluid Film to Undercoat Your Vehicle

I show you how to prep and protect your vehicle by undercoating it with Fluid Film. I've been using this method to prep and apply the product every year for the past 4 years. I go over all the tools and materials required to complete this job.
Products used in this video:
www.bustedbeaters.com/how-to-...
Social Media:
Web: www.bustedbeaters.com/
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TikTok: / bustedbeaters
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - Cleaning and Prepping
04:02 - Setting Up the Spray Gun
07:05 - Spraying the Undercarriage
10:17 - Spraying the Pinch Seams
11:56 - Tips, Outro, Montage

[@SouthMainAuto]

Love me a good Fluid Film video 😁

[@wheezin_mtnbkr3576]

Hey I have been fluid filming my 2016 JK since day one. I do it each fall before winter and road salt, every year. I follow the exact process that you show in this video. I am on year six of owning this Jeep and it has ZERO rust. I mean ZERO. It is a messy job but so worth it.

[@BustedBeaters]

That's awesome! The stuff really does work! It's a mess and takes a little bit to apply but I agree! So worth it in the end!

[@je1279]

Your efforts have paid off. Your Jeep looks great for its age.

[@anthonygasparini1734]

Great video!

[@rocksteady8077]

Lots of useful application tips!

[@fluidfilmusa]

Thank you!

[@georgevue8175]

Great job on the video quality seeing how the wands are able to penetrate deep into the frame & body panels is awesome. Fluidfilm should be sponsoring you for such high quality content.

[@BustedBeaters]

Thanks I've been really happy with it so far! They wands make it really easy to spray. I think getting the frame and body panels is key. You can't really see the internal rust until it's too late and you're missing half the body panel lol. I hope someone from Fluid Film sees your comment!

[@auntbarbara5576]

Best channel on the topic. You explain & cover everything & e ery question I had. I hope FF appreciates the effort you put into these videos.

[@BustedBeaters]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@big_mike_nyc]

Thank you for this video. It’s very informative! I am about to spray my Silverado 3500 Dually! One thing using the wand inside the doors or inside suspension components without actually seeing how the fluid film or where the fluid film is being applied, but drive me nuts!

[@BustedBeaters]

Oh yeah! I know exactly what you mean. I just figure that after spraying them for a few years that I've covered everything

[@ramielsayed7401]

Excellent video. Lots of great tips. Jeeps are extra tough, but I would cover the exauhst pipes on any other car.Thank you for the effort you put into this.

[@BustedBeaters]

Thanks! Wouldn't be a bad idea

[@JayyDubya]

Cheers thanks, finally made this my choice for under my truck. Great video

[@BustedBeaters]

I don't think you'll be disappointed! It's good stuff

[@hoveasy]

Great video

[@BustedBeaters]

Thank you!

[@billflyyeung3954]

So good. Man 💪🏻👍

[@BustedBeaters]

Thanks!

[@scarfdestroyer]

Dude, just checked this out and holy..... you are thorough. Not playing around with your investment. I am lucky to not have a spec of rust on my '93 325i but it lived in LA for 24 years. I went to upstate NY over the summer and it blew my mind how bad it is up north even when compared to MD. I will have to try this out on our 2015 X1 as it is going to be a ski vehicle. Also, I need to start making some vids, got a bunch of M3 parts coming. Cool that you are trying it out.

[@BustedBeaters]

Yeah it's probaby a little overkill but, I know how much work it was to replace the rockers on my truck. There's no way I could pay someone to do it for me. I'm just trying to keep the jeep from getting to that point for as long as possible. Yeah, NY is pretty crazy. I don't know how some of the vehicles I saw up there are still driving. I'd have to buy a beater for sure. You should start making some more videos! I figured I would give this whole youtube thing a shot. It's been really fun! Well see how it goes. Learning a lot along the way.

[@edwilson9243]

Good on you for really making the efforts to keep your investment as protected as possible. I have a 2020 Gladiator and I do the same process twice a year. Eastern Canada and we get lots of snow and salt.

[@BustedBeaters]

I can only imagine how fast vehicles rust out up there! Hope the Gladiator holds up well!

[@lokoyuio]

Definitely not an investment

[@georgevue8175]

A+ for the neat & organized storage of your tools. Your Jeep looks brand new & will last many years. The air compressor/spray rig is worth every penny the investment. I found with this the job goes much faster & you actually do a better job. I use the thinner fluid film inside all body panels & the thicker product Woolswax on the undercarriage. I fill a cooler with boiling hot water and put the fluidfilm/Woolswax containers in there to get hot & too thin the fluid so they will spray easier.

[@BustedBeaters]

I try to keep everything organized but the garage does get a little ridiculous at times! I have been extremely happy with how the Jeep has been holding up. I've never heated up the fluid film beforehand. Never had any issues spraying it but I imagine it would make it atomize even better. May have to try it this year. Thanks foe the tips!

[@ZerOArtGFX]

Thanks for the walkthrough. I just did this on my GX460 using Fluid Film Black with the Fluid Film spray gun on my little air compressor and it worked great. No goopy mess. I made sure to wear throw away clothes, PPE, glovres etc, and lay down cardboard to prevent messing up the driveway. The Fluid Film sprayer worked great, puts a nice coating on there without getting too messy. The extension piece made it easy to get in the frame rails. The black Fluid Film looks clean and makes it easy to see where I missed. The one thing I recommend getting besides the spray gun is a large diameter funnel, because this fluid film can be a mess getting into the sprayer reservoir. I also needed to purchase a 1/4" coupler that screws onto the spray gun since the spray gun only has a screw end, no quick connect.

[@BustedBeaters]

Not a problem! Sounds like you did it the right way. I considered using the black fluid film. I bet it makes seeing where you applied the product a breeze. That Gxx460 should last forever!

[@Insmnyk]

Alright, I’m convinced.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Nice video. Appreciate your effort. My 2016 has gotten fluid-filmed since new and it looks new underneath it's a great product. Located up here in Massachusetts where they have no problem putting down copious amounts of salt and sand. Great product. Stay safe. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

[@BustedBeaters]

Thank you! Glad to hear Jeep is holding up well! It definitely helps to get on the rust prevention while the vehicle is new. Merry Christmas!

[@georgevue8175]

Massachusetts - I used to think liberals were Pro-Environment but in Massachusetts the smallest snowfall = mega tons of salt dumped everywhere. And you try to build an enviro-friendly Windmill & in less than a New York minute the local liberals are in court screaming NIMBY (not in my back yard)

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

@@georgevue8175 lol nailed it. We really need to think nuclear energy and a modern electrical infrastructure if we are really serious about stable sustainable energy to an electric future. Windmills are cool when they are maintained and not killing birds. Cheers ! Enjoy the rest of your day.

[@legrandechene3734]

Well done video. When I sold my 2010 Wrangler I got good money for it partly due to the good condition from fluid filming the underside for years.

[@BustedBeaters]

That's great! Wranglers tend to hold their value pretty well if there taken care of!

[@jimcorrigall560]

And by the way great video. I prep and wash the undercarriage. To me it just makes sense to get all the crap off and re coat. Can't hurt!

[@BustedBeaters]

Thank you! Yeah in my head all that dirt would hold moisture. But, like you said, can't hurt! I'm going to keep cleaning the undercarriage like I have been.

[@eddiechi1]

Great video for DIYers with no lift access, absolute must for us Jeep owners in Chicago/Midwest area but it is extremely messy with compressor.... grab a couple of 6 pack plastic drop cloths from Home Depot for $12 to minimize mess if doing this in garage... after watching video realized I overlooked some spots on my Jeep... rear gate, under hood etc.... also a cheap $150 - 6 Gal. 150 PSI Portable Air Compressor works fine with the Pro Gun and woolwax or fluid film

[@BustedBeaters]

I could imagine that the plastic sheets would be a must in a garage! Or I suppose you could open your tool box before spraying to keep your tools from rusting lol

[@Jay_Hova420]

Just got a 2013 Tacoma my frame is mint and I want to keep it that way.. going to order the 3 cans and do it this weekend. Take my time and coat the whole frame.

[@BustedBeaters]

That truck will last forever!

[@josephcirelli9642]

Great informative video. I would add to wear eye & breathing protection. The vehicle being on jack stands does seem to make the job of getting to the access points easier and you can clean the inside of your wheels then too! Thanks

[@BustedBeaters]

Thanks! I do need to get better at wearing PPE!

[@Spta97Vids]

Fantastic job! Great informative vid as well. I am going to undercoat but use Surface Shield instead (saw better reviews on here). The trick seems to be the ongoing maintenance which you have down to a science. I will add this when I am swapping over to my snow tires. Thanks for posting!

[@BustedBeaters]

I have been hearing a lot about surface shield! I'm running an experiment now to see if the two products are really that different. Unfortunately none of it lasts forever so maintenance is key! Good luck undercoating your car!

[@Spta97Vids]

@@BustedBeaters Thanks! I just did it this week. On a lift it would have been a piece of cake - may need to get thicker wood for my jack stands like you have. One tip I can share, I use the Wool Wax sprayer (seems similar to yours). I got a 1 gallon jug of water and cut the bottom out to use it as a funnel to fill the quart bottles. Worked it well and a lot less mess. I also have to get the spray cans to do inside the doors. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@STBRetired1]

I was investigating the use of an airless sprayer vs an undercoating gun vs a compressor and paint gun. I think I'll go your way and use the Fluid Film spray kit gun. The airless sprayer I've seen used (Harbor Freight) just kind of globbed the pudding onto the underside whereas your sprayer fine misted it and spread it better.

[@BustedBeaters]

The undercoating gun and a compressor are the way to go in my opinion. My gun does spray really nicely. I like using it so much more than the using the cans. The cans pretty much spray a stream of fluid film which isn't good for coating large areas. I'm sure it is a more expensive option but, I haven't had a single issue with the spray gun in the few years I've been using it.

[@mrtopcat2]

'that is about the only thing that keeps me in California.

[@jimcorrigall560]

Have used fluid film last 3 years but switched over to pb blaster surface shield. Way better. It sticks way better, and does not have that weird odor

[@BustedBeaters]

Yeah I'm going to have to test out Surface Shield. Wayyy too many people are talking about it!

[@STBRetired1]

Here's the link to the guy doing a comparison of Surface Shield - Fluid Film - Woolwax and he makes a good case for Surface Shield. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHaUkHifj66JftU&ab_channel=RepairGeek

[@51249ca]

Wish we could get that gallon size of that degreaser in Canada. Works surprisingly well on bicycle cassettes and chains.

[@BustedBeaters]

Yeah it's pretty good stuff! I first used it to clean streaks off of an enclosed trailer. Worked better than everything else I used.

[@lightningsmokerXx]

Rustcheck 1liter cans at canadian tire also work with this gun, so if anybody wants to put krown t40 in it, i'd imagine it for rust cure formula 3000 would work just fine too.

[@Qui-9]

Awesome videos mate! I've also noticed that the product separates if left sitting. I wonder what are the effects of that over time on a surface that doesn't agitate the film, if the base oil runs off and carries the wax with it and/or leaves it behind, perhaps both in a random micro-sized pattern on the surface?

[@BustedBeaters]

That's a great question. I've noticed that the dirt usually collects on the fluid film fairly quickly. Wonder if this helps keep it from seperating

[@ViperMods_216]

Hell yeah

[@dennisbolay5705]

Great video!! Question? Have you kept your original interior or have you replaced it with another product? Thank you.

[@BustedBeaters]

The interior is completely original. The only thing I've done is added some switches to the driver's slide A pillar

[@castlecruuz]

Dude, your knee caps must have 1/4 in steel. Great video. I'm doing this on my Sequoia today

[@BustedBeaters]

Hahaha thanks! One day I'll have a lift but for now about 90% of what I do seems to be on the ground!

[@TheShakir98]

I love how dedicated you are to your jeep and your videos. I dont get why you had to wash off the old grease, wouldn't it be better if you sprayed on top of that ? The old layers would be extra protection

[@BustedBeaters]

Yeah, I agree I don't think it is necessary to wash off the old fluid film either. I've just been Spraying the stuff for several years now and I can only imagine how filthy it would look if I kept layering it over the dirt. I also off road the jeep so mud gets caked in all sorts of places. That dirt holds moisture to the body and frame so, in my head it just makes sense to clean it off every year and start fresh. Who knows if that actually has any truth to it? If I had a vehicle I only drove on the roads I probaby wouldn't go through the effort to clean it like I did here.

[@simcard027]

you could put some tape or a paint mark at the end of the long spray nozzle so you can see when you're at the end of it to stop spraying before it comes all the way out of the hole

[@BustedBeaters]

That's pretty smart! Would make it really easy to know where the tip is

[@simcard027]

@@BustedBeaters i've used the same idea with sliding handles for my concreting tools to stop them falling out

[@timbui5556]

Thank you for making this informative video. If I run my car through a car wash, would the car wash take off the Fluid Film and expose the underpart of the car? Thanks again

[@BustedBeaters]

If the car wash has an undercarriage wash it will take some of the Fluid Film off

[@chrisE815]

Just did two of my cars over the weekend... damn my body hurts. One other idea that came to mind after seeing your video- if you're taking off all four wheels, cover the brakes completely with painter's tape and maybe some packing paper. After you're done going wild with the spray gun, unwrap the brakes and use a can for precise work near the brakes. I'm going to try that next year! Edit- trash bags with draw strings should work better!

[@BustedBeaters]

Lol I know what you mean! An outdoor lift would be amazing for this. Not a bad idea to tape off the brakes. I can't image it would take more than a few minutes to do either. I'll have to give that a try next year

[@TheBeatenPaths]

I put a small garbage bag over them. 👍

[@chrisE815]

@@BustedBeaters with freight cost and who knows what other factors basically the only affordable "lift" is the quickjack. I find they are a pain to get into position but for a job like fluid film, quickjack is awesome. You would also want the truck adapters.

[@BustedBeaters]

I just looked up the price of them. They're surprisingly not as expensive as I would have guessed. For the amount of times I'm under the vehicles it may be a worthy investment.

[@chrisE815]

@@BustedBeaters keep in mind they don't move around anywhere near as easily as shown in the videos. They are heavy!

[@jon8625]

Thanks for the video! Do you spray the bottom of the engine too or try to avoid it?

[@BustedBeaters]

I try to avoid the bottom of the oil pan and engine. It gets some overstay for sure though!

[@BustedBeaters]

Overspray*

[@dangunn6961]

After washing it underneath I'd drive it for a few days to get it dry.

[@TheBeatenPaths]

You can let it dry a bit, for sure. But Fluid Film displaces the water.

[@Davidh741]

extension want for the can how come your is not leaking where its connected to thecae did you have that issue

[@BustedBeaters]

I have had it leak there on a couple of cans. Most of the cans I use don't have this issue though.

[@curtismccombs2212]

So after it's coated do you just wait till after winter is over to wash the underside of your jeep?

[@BustedBeaters]

Yes. I'll wait until it warms up and there is no more salt on the roads before I wash the underside of the Jeep.

[@taylorheintz30]

is it difficult to find leaks with this spray applied?

[@BustedBeaters]

I haven't had any leaks but l, I imagine they would be pretty hard to find. If I had a leak, I'd pressure wash and clean the area under the leak and try and find it that way.

[@l33america]

does the clear Fluid Film naturally leave a black finish ? or does your frame still look black because youve maintained it well since buying it?

[@BustedBeaters]

The Fluid Film does not leave a black finish. I use the clear stuff. My frame is just mostly rust free, so the frame is still black. The Fluid Film is like an oil so it makes it look wet which really helps it look good as well.

[@juliejules7780]

Can I just ask them to spray it on while I get an oil change or other work done? Im not doin all that nor have the tools or space to

[@BustedBeaters]

Some shops will undercoat your vehicle.

[@craighutchinson5045]

do you mountain bike? looks like you could bust down a brick wall with one kick, lol. good vid btw

[@BustedBeaters]

No mountain biking! I did do a lot of road biking a few years back though lol

[@STBRetired1]

TIP - I just got feedback from Fluid Film and see the problem some folks are having. In its' resting state, Fluid Film will thicken over time. That's why in some videos it looks like pudding. Unfortunately, most guys are only STIRRING or MIXING the FF with a stick or paddle. That's not vigorous enough to change its' viscosity back to a pourable liquid. I would suggest a paint stirrer that inserts into an electric drill or, better yet, go over to Harbor Freight and buy their paint can shaker for $ 130. If you do your vehicle every year or have multiple vehicles then it would be worth the cost to get the FF back in the most liquid state it can be in so it sprays and covers better. Just my opinion.

[@BustedBeaters]

This is good stuff! I appreciate you letting me know. I definitely fall into the stirring by hand category lol. I'll have to find a more vigorous way to stir it up next year and see if I can notice a difference in the consistency and spray. May even make for a good experiment.

[@STBRetired1]

@@BustedBeaters Let me suggest going over to Home Depot, Lowes or a paint store and asking them to shake the can for you. I think most places wouldn't mind doing such a favor in the interest of good public relations. And you could even do it in one minute increments to see how long it takes before the Fluid Film returns to a liquid state.

[@BustedBeaters]

Not a bad idea at all. Seems like the cheapest option too!

[@ukasz6539]

Do u have any comparision to Canadian Corrosion Free Rust Cure ?

[@BustedBeaters]

Unfortunately I do not. This is the first time I've heard of the stuff.

[@ukasz6539]

@@BustedBeaters Thanks for the answer. It's very similar but based on oil its Canadian product i have made about 200-300 cars in Poland(salty winters) with it but FF is much cheaper and if its not much worse i should change product :⁠-⁠) I am also considering NH Oil, maybe u can tell me smth about it? Btw. Great Video ! If u didnt used Corrosion Free Rust Cure try it ! Its really nice clear and odorless ;⁠)

[@WillyPark]

I could have used this video on my 2006 TJ Rubicon, but I’m thinking you were only 6 years old at the time.

[@BustedBeaters]

Lol I was older than 6 years old! And yeah I bet! The frames on the TJs are terrible! It's nearly impossible to find one without severe frame damage

[@deerinmyyard8430]

Nice video. At 7:15 it looks like your brakes need some work… they don’t appear to be making full contact on the brake rotor.

[@BustedBeaters]

Thank you! The jeep was sitting for a decant amount of time before I shot this video. I'm hoping that the surface rust on the rotor just looks funny from the minimal contact the pad made from pulling the jeep forward. Appreciate you pointing that out. I'll keep an eye on it. May be doing a brake repair video next lol

[@BustedBeaters]

I just wanted to say you were 100% right with this comment. On the side you pointed out, I had a caliper slide pin freeze up hence the pads not making full contact. All the braking power in the rear went to the driver's side causing those pads to wear extremely quickly. Thanks for pointing this out!

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey that so called original frame coating isn’t good. Power wash with Awesome, Simple Green, Purple Power, Fantastic whatever you choose. I would also recommend a salt neutralizer like Salt Gone or CRC product. Try and spray wash inside frame if you can. Blow it down with any leave blower then get some dry time overnight. Then you can spray the Fluid Film , WoolWax or new stuff called Surface Shield.

[@BustedBeaters]

I haven't heard of anyone using a salt neutralizer before. That seems pretty interesting. Going to have to look into it more!

[@jeepwild5772]

You are wasting time and money washing and degreasing. The point of fluid film is it builds up over time collecting road dust etc. and forms a barrier. You are washing the old stuff off just to apply more that’s ridiculous. Just spray clean with regular hose if you want but not necessary and reapply the fluid film. Been using it the last 20 years!

[@BustedBeaters]

Yeah I don't think it's completely necessary to clean the frame to the extent I do. I do like to get all the caked up mud off though. Even with Fluid Film I think the it would hold the moisture on and in the frame. It would be different I never drove the jeep off road. 20 years is a long time! It must be working well for you!

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Agreed. I just spay out the wheel wells and inside my bumpers. You're correct, letting the Fluid Film build up is the key.

[@itsdoncartagena6485]

Yes our state put more salt than the actual snow on the ground and youll see mountains of salt on the side if the road

[@VinylTherapy]

I read that Fluid Film is bad for rubber boots/bushings, and plastic. Any truth to that?

[@BustedBeaters]

I'm sure there is some truth to this. I believe the rubber on newer cars is much more resistant to oils than older cars. With that being said, I have not noticed any issues with any of my boots and bushings on my 2015 Jeep.

[@michesbianan]

I sprayed this on my corolla, and now it feels to heavy. FIgured I used whole two gallons in those frames. Lol.

[@BustedBeaters]

🤣 it may not be the fastest vehicle on the road anymore but it won't rust out!

[@kenj.8897]

Corolla has a frame ?

[@524RNH]

No need to pressure wash and degrease it before hand. You're taking off all the previous undercoating from before. More is better. Leave the old stuff on and keep spraying it every year. All the build up on your old coating acts as a extra barrier also. (I actually own my own undercoating business)

[@BustedBeaters]

Yeah I just do it since the mud gets pretty caked on in areas. Do you hose off any existing mud or anything on off road vehicles or just spray over it?

[@Iamfirebird360]

@@BustedBeaters I do blast off mud at the car wash. Then just recoat as is with fluid film. Using fluid film black now and love it.

[@BustedBeaters]

I've thought about using the black. Wasn't too sure if it would make it hard to track down leaks or anything though. I take it it washes off just like the regular stuff?

[@TheBeatenPaths]

I just pressure wash the wheel wells and inside the bumpers on my 07 Ranger. Lots of dirt cones out.

[@aquious953]

Easier to apply if you heat it up first.

[@BustedBeaters]

Going to have to try that next time

[@a88888888a]

No mask or drop sheet?

[@BustedBeaters]

I need to get better about wearing a respirator. No drop sheet. My driveway is falling apart unfortunately so I'm not too worried about it

[@stuartbrock7586]

Why not spray it back into the bucket? I am sure you wouldn't loose that much, but still, conservation, LOL

[@BustedBeaters]

You know... that never once crossed my mind hahaha makes a lot of sense though!

[@johnroberthanna1623]

Fluid Film...nope -- *Blaster Surface Shield* for me.!!! Much better and it lasts and lasts..!

[@digitalpacs]

Where is your mask? No overspray?

[@BustedBeaters]

I probably should be wearing a mask. I'm usually pretty good about it. I don't worry about overspray. Any on the body washes off with regular washes and I try to cover everything under the jeep anyways.

[@erichimes3062]

Put a plastic grocery bag over the brake assembly

[@BustedBeaters]

I may have to do that next time!

[@jacksonvang2946]

Did u need a mask doing that

[@BustedBeaters]

The safety data sheet classifies Fluid Film as non toxic. With that being said, it also states that you should take precautions and not breath it in. So yes. You should wear a mask and work in a well ventilated area when Spraying Fluid Film.

[@jacksonvang2946]

@@BustedBeaters thx