Can't get an inspection sticker if the frame has been welded on

That's bullshit. I've rebuilt 3/4 of my 1st gen frame using Safe-T-Caps from auto rust technicians in Providence RI. These caps (installed correctly) are stronger than the original frame. Been using them for years and never had a problem.

https://www.autorust.com/product/all-tacoma-safetcap-kit-locations/

 

Yeah, this is why I bought my truck in CA and brought it back to VT. They are ridiculous about rust. I could tell just by the title of this thread that OP was a Vermonter. It's also why you can find such cheap parts cars there.

 

Agreed.

That's why I recommend that the O.P. contact Autorust to get their input on it.

Autorust may be able to hook him up with a certified installer in Vermont.

 

The welders at Auto rust are all ISO certified.

 

True,
Do you know any in Vermont that are?

 

Unfortunately, no. You could contact Auto Rust and see if they have a place in your area they recomend. I'd still check with the state inspection garage for either a second opinion of the existing repair and about Safe T Caps.

 

I found the Safe-t-Cap site before posting this thread, but when three mechanics told me they wouldn’t be willing to put a sticker on it because VT doesn’t allow welding on frames, I kind of got desperate and came to you all for help.
Thanks for all the info. I really do appreciate it!
I will keep trying. This truck is too nice to give up on.

 

I give you credit, your doing your due diligence.

Does vermont have a "Referee" station you can go to to appeal an inspection sticker failure ( they do here in Mass).

It may be worth looking into this and setting up a meeting with them in person (and bring along printed info from the safety cap website). I'd also bring along any info you have to prove that Toyota stopped making the frame for your truck.

Ask them what they would due in your situation. New frames aren't available, welding isn't allowed, and a junkyard frame won't have the correct VIN # for your truck, which is a story for another day.

I'm curious as to what course of action they would recomend.

 

https://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/documents/VN-113-Periodic_Inspection_Manual.pdf#page51

 

You mentioned that you tried to get some recourse through ebay, but because of the age of the vehicle, and how long ago this was, you were out of luck there.

I'm thinking that there's a good chance you paid for it on ebay with a credit card, or through PayPal, and funded PayPal with your credit card. So if your credit card is involved, you could try disputing it through them. Most disputed have to be made within 60 or 120 days, but considering the fraud aspect, particularly if you were just made aware of the fraud, that could conceivably extend that. It could be worth a shot.

A guy once sold me a Honda Prelude that, it turned out, he turned back the odometer on. I was like 20- hell this was almost 30 years ago. I gave him the opportunity to buy it back from me, which he declined. So I made it my life's mission to get my $2,000 back. I sued him, won, and spent the next 3 or 4 years making every effort to collect. When he filed bankruptcy, because of the fraud involved, I was top on the list of his creditors, and he actually paid me. It was extraordinarily satisfying. I would do everything I could, within the law of course, to make this joker pay.

 

Three or four years? Damn! I never ever want to get on your bad side!!! Ever! Lol!

 

Honestly if I were in your shoes, first thing I would is find a nice big mud hole and send it through that.

Do this a couple times, get that frame nice and coated in mud. Take it somewhere new and get it inspected, repeat next year.

 

We Italians can be stubborn! I wouldn't do it now, but I'm glad I did it then.

 

You seem to be more focused on getting it to pass inspection, instead of considering an unsafe vehicle on the road. I understand that you spent your money, but these vehicles are considered unsafe, thus the major recall. Sell it for parts and consider it a teaching moment. When I have customers asking for advice on purchasing a used vehicle from a private owner, I always suggest they give a partial payment, with the remaining to be paid once an inspection is conducted and passed. Minor issues can be negotiated, but major issues are grounds for cancelling the sale. Hope you and the previous owner can come to an agreement.

 

The O.P. bought this truck over a year ago. The truck already passed inspection in Vermont 1 time since the O.P. purchased it.

I think it's a little late to work out an agreement with the former owner.

I'm certainly not defending the seller, but the fact of the matter is that truck would pass inspections in a lot of states.

 

Op paid 1000$ to pass first time should have fought it then.
inspection is less than 100$.
Sorry op is a fellow Vermonter but this should have been a fight a yr ago and not now.
Before putting money into fixing that spot truck needs to gone thru.
Seems to have a lot of shade tree shit going on.
Not sure if that round stock welded to frame is supposed to be sliders?
A through inspection is needed before going further I believe.

 

My advice was more for future potential buyers. If it passed inspection then I would assume it is safe for the road, and I am happy for the owner.
Without seeing the vehicle I can't say whether it would pass inspection in a lot of other states. When I was performing Md state inspections rust in body panels and frames was always subjective, and a case by case issue. But I only failed vehicles with very obvious and dangerous rust issues. Any inspectors #1 concern is safety.

 

lol it's so crazy it just might work