Just got my Rivian! Should I rustproof it?

[Markob77]

Hello community, I have just received my Rivian yesterday!!!
The car feels solid and well built compared to my previous Model X.

My main question is whether I should get it rust proof since the winters in Vermont are quite harsh and salty.

Tesla unadvised me from doing it on my Model X, but still did and it did not affect anything regarding my warranty.

Thanks peeps!

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[shimps1]

There isn't much to rust proof. Plastic or composite underbody panels, steel suspension. I'd call it a gigantic waste.

 

[Markob77]

There isn't much to rust proof. Plastic or composite underbody panels, steel suspension. I'd call it a gigantic waste.

Got it. I'll simply rinse it in the garage when arriving home. I know PPF was "mandatory" for Tesla's, heard anything similar with Rivians?

 

[shimps1]

I wouldn't say it's mandatory, but it's good piece of mind. A giant, painted, blunt front end is begging for rock chips. I did the door sills as well.

 

[Markob77]

I wouldn't say it's mandatory, but it's good piece of mind. A giant, painted, blunt front end is begging for rock chips. I did the door sills as well.

Thanks a lot for your answers, it was quick!!!

 

[Redline]

I went against PPF. I did a full paint correction and ceramic on all of the vehicle and wheels.

I don't plan on owning my Rivian past the end of the warranty.

 

[NY_Rob]

Congrats @Markob77... best of luck with your R1T!

I PPF'd the front end only, that front "grille" area is ripe for rock strikes, as are the flat headlight lenses. I also got the hood wrapped. Some guys will offer you partial wraps on the front fenders and hood.. just go all the way on both, you will thank yourself later.

 

[ksujeff99]

I PPF'd the front end only, that front "grille" area is ripe for rock strikes, as are the flat headlight lenses. I also got the hood wrapped. Some guys will offer you partial wraps on the front fenders and hood.. just go all the way on both, you will thank yourself later.

I did the partial wrap on my front end. The lines don’t bother me enough to make the additional cost worth it. Sometimes I actually like the line because it reminds me the front is covered.

 

[NY_Rob]

I did the partial wrap on my front end. The lines don’t bother me enough to make the additional cost worth it. Sometimes I actually like the line because it reminds me the front is covered.

In my case I think the difference was $300 for the front + full hood and fenders vs. front + partial hood + partial fenders. There is no right/wrong in this case, it's up to you of course.

I also had an idiot neighbor shoot off a ton of fireworks last July 4th which rained down tons of crap on our vehicles, that certainly helped me decide on the full hood wrap.

 

[ksujeff99]

In my case I think the difference was $300 for the front + full hood and fenders vs. front + partial hood + partial fenders. There is no right/wrong in this case, it's up to you of course.

I also had an idiot neighbor shoot off a ton of fireworks last July 4th which rained down tons of crap on our vehicles, that certainly helped me decide on the full hood wrap.

It was about a $1,000 difference at the place I went to. It seemed absurd to be that much more expensive. For $300 I’d have done the full thing too.

 

[COdogman]

You should save your rustproofing money and put it towards bulletproofing. I hear that is the hot new feature.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Got it. I'll simply rinse it in the garage when arriving home. I know PPF was "mandatory" for Tesla's, heard anything similar with Rivians?

Nothing is mandatory. All elective. It’s your money, your property, your responsibility to ponder and decide what would be dumb/wise to spend it on.

 

[RKRivian]

I rust proof all cars. I keep them 10 to 15 years and they still look new as they have no rust. For a $150 a year using the KROWN system I think of it as cheap insurance

 

[madgrey]

If I lived in the rust-belt, I'd at least consider removing the plastic under body panels and doing an undercoat (likely DIY). There are reports of that area not really being protected from the elements, and I think it would be difficult to rinse adequately. We don't have too much data right now so keep researching.

Regarding PPF, I have not seen reports of soft or thin paint for Rivian. My 16K mile R1T has no stone chips. I've PPF'd (pro install) most vehicles I have owned, but for my R1T, I went with TWRAPS DIY for the front "grille" and lights only, which is where all the bugs end up every summer.

 

[Robin]

You should save your rustproofing money and put it towards bulletproofing. I hear that is the hot new feature.

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