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Trading 2nd gen and getting a 1st gen.... Help

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Tonka, Mar 27, 2015.

  1. Mar 27, 2015 at 12:26 AM
    #1
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    '04 265/70R16 Dueler A/T, Softopper, Bilstein 5100's, Toytec AAL, DIY Satoshi, Midland CB, ARB front. Self fabb'd rear bumper. Smittybilt X20 winch '16 custom car grill, Cooper ST Maxx
    Okay, so I currently have a 2014 DCSB prerunner that is about to go off to greener pastures. I am in work of getting a $3000--2004 Xtracab TRD SR5 4x4 with 94,000 miles. I believe that it is a better fit for my lifestyle (overlanding, overall adventuring). As I started this transition I found that there are far less accessories available for the 1st gen. Also, I found that I know nothing about 1st gen tacomas. And, buying a used vehicle VS a brand new one is significantly more daunting. I have gone through the buying thread and saw the frame rust post... I have found rust on the new 1st gen... its a 6 inch length on the bottom of the box frame that is rusted through. could I weld a new strip there? for the price the shape of the vehicle is pretty awesome. I have looked it up and down left and right. The issues are far and few between. The guy I'm buying it from is retiring soon and moving out of the country, hence the 3000 dollar price tag.
    But the question is, am I getting myself into a bad deal?? Anything that I should know beforehand?? Any special considerations I need to know?? Also, who makes a rear steel plate bumper w/ swing out??!! Im kinda all over the place on this post but I need answers!

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    10473364_10154538286090142_5628044032968393491_n.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2015
  2. Mar 27, 2015 at 4:48 AM
    #2
    stumpman

    stumpman Well-Known Member

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    Frame rust, you interested in replacing it? It is your life at risk, not a good deal for me.
     
  3. Mar 27, 2015 at 5:19 AM
    #3
    SilverGhost

    SilverGhost Well-Known Member

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    Ppl get scared of rust but let's be honest it's steel and steel can be cut and replaced. But that's the question you ask your self is the price worth the work it needs. Educate yourself on the work needed and if your going to do it or have someone do it for you. Can the truck sit around until it is repaired. Now if you think the rusted section is more of a headache then move on to another and dish out the extra cash on a taco without problems. But my 1st gen has been good to me and I constantly fighting rust off to keep it maintained but well worth it in my book. Good luck bud.
     
  4. Mar 27, 2015 at 2:46 PM
    #4
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    trust me you haven't seen the half of it yet. these frames rust out from the inside out and if you found a 6" section bad then there is a lot more bad you haven't found yet.

    its a good parts truck for the purpose to take everything off the frame and put it on another "good" non-rusty frame and then you have a good truck again but unless you are 100% certain you can get a free frame replacement from Toyota for this truck then consider it a frameless parts truck and value it that way.

    can you find a beat up old $1500-$2000 first gen just as a donor frame and then swap everything or cut the whole back half of the frame off to fix yours? are you up for such and intense project? these are the questions you need to answer.

    these are great trucks but if you aren't starting with a rust free frame then you aren't starting off with anything worth buying IMHO
     
  5. Mar 27, 2015 at 8:06 PM
    #5
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    Well... Piss
     
  6. Mar 27, 2015 at 8:38 PM
    #6
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    It sounds like all of them have rust, this one happens to have it exposed.. I'm capable of doing a frame swap... BUT, I wouldn't do it. I was hopin to grind and weld on it.
     
  7. Mar 27, 2015 at 8:42 PM
    #7
    MGMTacolover55

    MGMTacolover55 Well-Known Member

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    If you want a first gen then buy one!
     
  8. Mar 28, 2015 at 12:38 AM
    #8
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    It seems like such a good deal!!! Haha well I guess I better hike up my big boy pants and make a decision...
     
  9. Mar 28, 2015 at 12:41 AM
    #9
    dakotasyota

    dakotasyota Just a Fringe of the Ging in your Minge

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    Did you research to see if Toyota will swap the frame? It seems like a steal for that price, but like the other guy said, that rust is probably only the beginning. Might want to really examine it...
     
  10. Mar 28, 2015 at 3:54 AM
    #10
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    From what I have read toyota quit doing the rust replacement at the 2000 model year so it would not fall under it.

    Edit: after a quick search I found that 2004 falls under the frame replacement!!!
    2nd edit: there was a deadline back in 2011 for this issue :-(
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2015
  11. Mar 28, 2015 at 3:58 AM
    #11
    Large

    Large Red

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    Where did you find a deal like this ?
     
  12. Mar 28, 2015 at 4:05 AM
    #12
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    A guy I work with is retiring from the Air Force and going back to Germany. He is leaving everything here instead of paying to ship it. He said he felt 3000 was a good price for a 2004 and I wasn't about to argue!!
     
  13. Mar 28, 2015 at 4:08 AM
    #13
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    Wanna buy it? $10,000 and it's all yours!
     
  14. Mar 28, 2015 at 4:08 AM
    #14
    Large

    Large Red

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    Buy it anyway if you don't want to use it and sell it for $10k more.
     
  15. Mar 28, 2015 at 4:17 AM
    #15
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    I see we have similar thoughts
     
  16. Mar 28, 2015 at 4:27 AM
    #16
    Boerseun

    Boerseun Well-Known Member

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    Have the frame checked out. If there is one bad section then, as others have said, there might be more. However, it could also be an isolated spot due to whatever reason. There are 1st gens out there with no rust. Mine is a 2002 and my frame looks brand new. If I wipe it off it looks like a brand new frame.
    I agree that even if you don't necessarily want to keep it, it might be a good deal to flip.
     
  17. Mar 28, 2015 at 5:59 AM
    #17
    Assforkr

    Assforkr Well-Known Member

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    Dude, I just made the move from a 14 to an 03 and I spent months looking for a truck with a new frame and v6 stick. The frame rust issue was 50% of the decision because as everyone here says if there's a little you can see you need to assume there's a lot more hiding in there. A 2002-2004 with 90-110k on the clock and a solid or new frame sold for 10-12. Repaired frames around me were going for 5 to 7 and from what I see they're still up for sale. At 3,000 you're ahead of curve but to me it's still not worth it in the least. Look for a new frame and then treat it with oil.

    But! ABSOLUTELY make the move and get a first gen. Love the new old truck.
     
  18. Mar 28, 2015 at 9:30 PM
    #18
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    Alright I think the solution is gonna be that I buy the rusty taco, fix what I can. Flip it. Use the proceeds to build/buy a different truck
     
  19. Mar 28, 2015 at 10:45 PM
    #19
    Tonka

    Tonka [OP] Pro-Darwinism

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    Thanks for all the help!!
     
  20. Mar 28, 2015 at 10:52 PM
    #20
    TacoDell

    TacoDell Truck ~n~ Tow

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    would be seriously unethical to deceive another
    and put them at risk of life/limb
    solely with intent to gain or profit.

    but I wouldn't be afraid of repairing it for my personal use.

    tho' I don't think mild steel is the correct steel to use.
    purdy sure these frames are tempered - spring steel.

    Mild steel could be a failure if scabbed to the frame
    as it could sag and not return to it's original form.

    But I'd think it's still doable if one has the proper tools, materials and skill.
     

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