Rusted Frame?

Hey guys I am going to test drive and possible buy this tacoma tomorrow. But I just noticed in the pictures the discolored frame..Is that a red flag for rust?

 

It could just be surface rust, but it should be inspected closer than just from a picture

 

Do if its surface rust is that an easy fix?

 

In this part of the world PA in the winter any unprotected metal has surface rust after one trip in the winter chemicals.

Surface rust prep and paint with good paint

I have used Rustoleum Enamel prep prime and paint it just happened to be what I had on hand

 

It better be cheap, the whole truck looks like a red flag

 

Could be surface rust only, but hitting the frame with a hammer is really going to tell you if the frame is still good or not.

Remember that these frames rot from the inside out, so they can look good from the outside, when in fact they are rotten. Try to poke a finger through the square holes that run along the sides of the frame rails to see how much rust flakes and chunks there is in there. If full, probably not a good sign, but the hammer test is really going to tell you if it's rotten or not

The place to check first would be where the leaf springs attach to the frame, right behind the cab. This spot is usually the first place where these frames start to rot. Also, the inner frame rail by the gas tank, as this spot is commonly rotten on good looking but rotten frames.

If it ends up it's only surface rust, you can treat it with a rust converter then have the truck greased/rustproofed. This will prevent the rust from spreading and worsening

 

Run

 

Be nice to know where the truck lives or grew up!!

From the picture it is in far better condition then mine !!

I am curious what every one sees that I am missing ??

 

It looks like a tweaker owned wad of shit.

The spare is gone.

The side is smashed

The front fender is buckled

The flares are bleached out.

Blacked out late model Tacoma wheels for that "outlaw" look.

 

Looks nicer than mine. I'm not a tweaker, just broke as shit.

 

It all comes down to what you look at.

I have no idea what a tweaker is maybe I am one

My left side body has had two Deer impacts . fender the door and two spots in the bed .

The spare was up in the holder there to stay till it was cut down

My wheels were about that color till driving in deep snow cleaned them up

None of those things tell me to run maybe look closer

 

When I bought my 01 it looked in excellent condition especially for a truck from WI/IL. I neglected to really inspect the frame, I mean I looked at it an even put my hands on it but I didn't check with a hammer or anything. I discovered a few bad spots months later. That wouldn't have stopped me from buying the truck but I would have aimed for a much lower price.

The lesson here is really inspect the frame, know what you are getting into or walk away. Just my $0.02.

 

Thanks guys! I am not in a position where I really need a truck. I am looking for a truck that is a surefire to last and not have problems so I think I am going to get out of this deal. thanks for yalls opinions!