Ziebart Rust Proofing
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
From: Indiana
Ziebart Rust Proofing
I would like to get all your thoughts on rust proofing the LS430 inside and out. I know they drill holes in the doors and stuff to get oil inside. Could this cause any electrical/mechanical problems? Should I take the door panels off instead to let them have more access? I live in Indiana and this winter was brutal, salt and snow everywhere and didn't see any threads on others doing this service. Does Lexus galvanize the body or have factory rust proofing at all? Thanks everyone!
^^^^ Correct. Our steel is not even galvanized (the anti rust coating is applied to the outside of the metal). Our steel is galvannealed (the anti rust coating is actually baked into the metal.) Like my boss always says "The only Lexus you will see with rust has had insufficient bodywork done to it, or has been the victim of SEVERE neglect it's entire life." It will probably do more harm than good. BTW What are they going to charge you to do that rustproofing?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
From: Indiana
I haven't gone in for an actual quote but a couple years ago it was about $400 for a four door sedan. If you guys are saying that these Lexus' don't rust then I won't worry about it.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: il
Oh there is RUST!
I have no idea why posts are suggesting rust is not a problem. I have a 2006 LS430 that is spotless except for rust above the trim on both front doors. I take great care of this car, hand waxed at least 3 times per year,always washed and only 60,000 miles. There is road salt in Chicago of course but that has not been a valid excuse since the 1980's. There are lots of much older cars without rust including my 2000 Ford Focus. I am the only owner of this my third LS. Love the car but this is an obvious defect because I see the exact same spot rusting on at least half the LS cars I spot in parking lots.
Any way don't blame yourself for, as it was suggested," taking poor care of your car". In this case it's not you it's the car!
BTW I did not know Ziebart was still around!
Any way don't blame yourself for, as it was suggested," taking poor care of your car". In this case it's not you it's the car!
BTW I did not know Ziebart was still around!
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Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 7
From: MO
Hey, my LS isnt rusting.. However, my mothers ES is rusting above the wheel wells on the fenders in the rear.. There was no body damage to cause it, just road salt is all i can think of.. Need a way to fix it.. Appears that body repair is in order
Last edited by KawiLex; Feb 10, 2015 at 01:04 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 3
From: IN
I live in Indiana where salt is abundant in the winter months. In the fall and spring, I climb under my LS with a can of Fluid Film and spray areas that might be starting to rust. I also remove the little plastic trim around the rear wheel well and clean it and spray with Fluid Film. I also have a 32" spraying wand that will get inside door panels and fenders. I use it to spray into rockers, fenders, etc.
I have found that the LS is pretty well protected from major rusting. I am just trying to prevent the little ugly spot areas of rust. I have found that the Fluid Film product goes on well and protects, although it will wash off in time. But it is non petroleum based and is easy to work with. I am not endorsing it, just mentioning that I use it and really like it and you can easily DIY -> http://www.kellsportproducts.com/fluidfilmkits.html
I have found that the LS is pretty well protected from major rusting. I am just trying to prevent the little ugly spot areas of rust. I have found that the Fluid Film product goes on well and protects, although it will wash off in time. But it is non petroleum based and is easy to work with. I am not endorsing it, just mentioning that I use it and really like it and you can easily DIY -> http://www.kellsportproducts.com/fluidfilmkits.html
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 70
From: Illinois
I have no idea why posts are suggesting rust is not a problem. I have a 2006 LS430 that is spotless except for rust above the trim on both front doors. I take great care of this car, hand waxed at least 3 times per year,always washed and only 60,000 miles. There is road salt in Chicago of course but that has not been a valid excuse since the 1980's. There are lots of much older cars without rust including my 2000 Ford Focus. I am the only owner of this my third LS. Love the car but this is an obvious defect because I see the exact same spot rusting on at least half the LS cars I spot in parking lots.
Any way don't blame yourself for, as it was suggested," taking poor care of your car". In this case it's not you it's the car!
BTW I did not know Ziebart was still around!
Any way don't blame yourself for, as it was suggested," taking poor care of your car". In this case it's not you it's the car!
BTW I did not know Ziebart was still around!
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
My 2002 GMC Sonoma has a gaping rust hole on the passenger's side cab corner, and the tail gate is rusting away as well... Quite the difference from the Lexus....
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
From: NC
I'm gonna play it safe and get the Ziebart. The wife drives over a mountain road that is salt and chatted allot in the winter. That chat beats the **** out of the car. We have 2 2K Camrys and hers has a good bit of rust towards the rear from the plugs coming off the bottom of the rocker panels. The hardware under her car is in bad shape. Lost a brake line about 2 weeks ago. They don't make them anymore either. I will say had I caught the plugs missing, it would have made a huge difference. The hardware under it, just caught hell. It has 365K on it and 15 yo, but had the rust not gotten to it, I bet the car would last 500k with no problems. Plan on keep this RX350 for that or longer.