Here's a generally wandering collection of a few thoughts regarding the warranty undercoating process.
1. I have to believe that prep will play a part, just like when painting. I used a 3000 PSI pressure washer nozzle to blast a bunch of rust off the outside of my frame. I do have some pitting. I found holes in the frame (the ones that are supposed to be there!!) to at least shoot some water in there, and there are enough rust flakes inside there to clog the rear drain hole. How can I get that stuff out? A magnet?? Air hose?
2. I have a case number with Toyota. It turns out there's some legalese (I suspect) in the difference between a recall and customer support. If this was a recall, I could go to any dealer and get it done. Since it's "support", I hope it's at dealer discretion whether to undercoat an out-of-state auto. Since it's EPA and state fire marshall approved, is it illegal for a dealer to do an out of state auto? Since I've seen the date Oct 2010 in letters to other owners as the deadline to get the undercoating or lose the warranty, it's catch-22 for me if I have the same deadline but no dealer to take it to. I'll pose those questions to my case manager.
3. It sure seems likely that Tectyl is the product they apply, but I don't know any details as to its performance. According to a chart I found, loads of companies use the Tectyl line, from Boeing to Mercedes Benz. Here's a clip out of the chart.
TECTYL Product Toyota Specification Remarks
TECTYL 552 YU-8569004-T552 Undercoating
TECTYL 553 YU-855690005-T553 Cavity Wax
TECTYL 609 YU-85690014-T609 Hinge Seam Wax
TECTYL 633 YU-8569001-T633 Engine Compartment Wax
I'd have to believe that having it applied would be hugely more beneficial than not having it applied.
4. I saw an incredibly coincidental program with rust as the subject matter the other night. It reminded me (and terrified me) that the more something rusts, the faster it rusts! I know you guys all know that, but it helps me reconcile that maybe my frame didn't look *that* bad last year. So I really want this done this summer in good, dry weather before winter comes.
Thanks for listening,
Greg
