TheSamba.com :: View topic - Fluid Film

Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:54 am

I've read many comments on here about using Fluid Film as an undercoating but was concerned with a few key areas. It was unclear on Fluid Film's website and searching here on The Samba what, if any, areas should be avoided when applying. My concerns:
• Hot engine parts, like the exhaust system
• Brakes and related components like brake pads and rotors
• Lug nuts on wheels and other crucial safety related areas
So I emailed Fluid Film, here is their response:
• Yes, you would want avoid any hot engine parts like the exhaust. But if any product does get on there it is not flammable. It will just burn off.
• Yes, since Fluid Film is a lubricant you should not put it on your brakes. Please avoid those areas.
• Yes, avoid your lug nuts.
• Please also note care should be taken around non oil-resistant rubber goods. Fluid Film may cause swelling. Fluid Film may also soften some vehicle undercoatings. This includes undercoating type paints. Please check with dealer/manufacturer for compatibility.
Thought this might be helpful for others. Feel free to chime in with any other areas I didn't think about.

Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:09 am

Nice of them to reply. I have used Fluid Film for years and am impressed with its staying power. Surfaces remain oily for a very long time - so yeah, good idea to keep it off anything that common sense tells you should not be lubed.

I have observed to reaction on rubber bits but haven't really looked for it either.

Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:43 am

I sprayed the lower sliding door rail with fluidfilm and it dissolved the lower rubber bump stop a little. So I dont reccommend to soak rubber parts within it.

Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:07 pm

ZsZ wrote: I sprayed the lower sliding door rail with fluidfilm and it dissolved the lower rubber bump stop a little. So I dont reccommend to soak rubber parts within it.

If you are spraying it for lubrication, might I suggest a product like this:

http://www.lpslabs.com/product-details/560

I find it works well on all parts/rollers on the slider and doesn't attract dirt and grit.

Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:48 pm

Fluid film is used on aircraft operating aboard ship for long periods of time for corrosion resistance. That can attest to how well it can protect a vanagon's undercoating from salt over time. However its not a "set it and forget it". It needs to be rinsed off and reapplied periodically or it will hold contaminants. Especially in a Midwest winter.

Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:26 am

Ahwahnee wrote:
I have observed to reaction on rubber bits but haven't really looked for it either.

i believe it is the magic bubbling juice in the aerosol that can make rubber swell. i tested this out when getting the rear hatch window back in... :/

if you have the paint-on bucket (non-aerosol), i don't think rubber swelling is a problem. i'd love to pick up a bucket of it. and with it's sheepy goodness, it gets the thumbs up from my wife.

Wed Mar 11, 2015 10:40 am

atomatom wrote: Ahwahnee wrote:
I have observed to reaction on rubber bits but haven't really looked for it either.

i believe it is the magic bubbling juice in the aerosol that can make rubber swell. i tested this out when getting the rear hatch window back in... :/

if you have the paint-on bucket (non-aerosol), i don't think rubber swelling is a problem. i'd love to pick up a bucket of it. and with it's sheepy goodness, it gets the thumbs up from my wife.

"Sheepy goodness!" :D

Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:04 am

JPrato wrote: ZsZ wrote: I sprayed the lower sliding door rail with fluidfilm and it dissolved the lower rubber bump stop a little. So I dont reccommend to soak rubber parts within it.

If you are spraying it for lubrication, might I suggest a product like this:

http://www.lpslabs.com/product-details/560

I find it works well on all parts/rollers on the slider and doesn't attract dirt and grit.

I used it for rust prevention between the spot welded panels. Now I lubricating the rail with WD40 PTFE spray. We have only the wet version here, but would try the dry ptfe if I can manage to buy somewhere in the EU.