Protecting your undercarriage..a preservation rant by Shane.
Rust is your worst enemy- start spraying the problem areas with metal protectant. They salt the roads here in NC and I have good luck so far with Amsoil MP- dries to a waterproof coating.
*ReBadged/Similarly formulated to the old goto, Boeshield T-9. Used by Boeing (of course..duh) and all of us geeks with custom and semi-custom chromoly steel bikes. Best stuff i have used so far.
$12 bottle..
I usually will use some warmed up oil, usually when I have just done my oil change, and using a rag, hit as much of the undercarriage as possible. The idea being is you're using the oil as a cleaner, while also a sealer. You wipe off the excess, and if you find a problem area, clean and paint prep it immediately. The oil stinks, so wear nitrile gloves, but will, if done properly clean up any collected dirt/grime. Then, spray the Boeshield over it, as it has a waxoyl mixture that will cure to a paste type seal. I'll try to get a pic if you want w/i the next 2000 miles as it's now been 3 oil changes since I last did this.
Be sure to go ahead and regrease your suspension and steering as it's possible some grease has dried up over time. If you have the little (8mm?) nuts on the joints, don't listen to the reply "Oh they're greaseless..."
Pick up a zerk fitting, usually $ .25-$ .50 at any auto store, then use it and replace the nut when done. Use only graphite lube for the bushings, as most wax lubes, Wd-40, etc will slowly rot them out.
