Hole in frame, do I need to scrap my Tacoma?

I bought a 2008 Toyota Tacoma four years ago for $16,000. It was rhino lined completely, including the frame and the bed. Unfortunately, now there is a hole in the frame. I was told by several garages that they won’t even work on it because it can’t be lifted up to do maintenance. And it’s no longer safe to drive because the frame could split in half at any time. We contacted several dealerships, and they will not accept it for the frame recall because it was inspected and treated previously by the previous owner during the recall. It won’t pass safety inspections in my state and I wouldn’t feel good about selling it if it’s a death trap. What are my options and is it as bad as they say? Thank you for any advice!

 

More close up pictures.

 

I wouldn't drive it either, that's a lot of deterioration.

What do you mean that "it was inspected and treated previously by the previous owner during the recall"?

I'm also curious if the rhino lining trapped water exacerbating the frame rust issue.

 

No need to even look past the first pic that thing is done for.

 

Welcome to TW, sorry to hear it. There are MANY similar threads. Basically the recall/campaign window for your truck has closed, it's 12 years from first use. It might be possible to weld it, if there is enough good metal left under that rust.
I think lining a used frame will case rust problems. Lining a new truck might be OK, but I still prefer non-permanent treatment like FluidFilm/WoolWax.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-frame-rust-recall.508555/

 

I hate these threads.
And there's alot of them.

 

I don’t know if the cost would be worth it or not, but in todays car market it may be. There are solid 2nd gen frames out there for sale that you could consider transplanting onto your truck. I know that it won’t be cheap, but it’s just something to consider.

 

You can't sell it without disclosing the frame issue. Here in Ohio, I went through that trying to sell my 85-year-old mom's Chevrolet Venture minivan. Nice clean body and under 90000 miles. I was thinking $7000 until we crawled underneath and saw the unibody was rusted apart. Sold it for $2000 and I had to tell the buyer about the rust issues. If you have a conscious, you will do the same. Id hang on to the truck and try to do a frame swap if you can. Toyota is not going to fix this problem as long as people keep buying these piece of crap trucks. I don't drive mine in the snow, salt or rain and the frame still rusts. It's in the garage all winter. I flipped a coin Tacoma or Ridgeline.

 

You could try to trade it in at a Toyota stealership. Then it's their problem.

 

Hey neighbor - literally, as I'm the other silver 4-dr tacoma in the neighborhood (i recognize the car ports). That frame looks brutal; breaks my heart. A complete frame swap is likely less expensive than buying another 2nd gen set up the way you want it, I'd guess, if you can find someone to do it.

 

You’re welcome!

https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/tacoma-2005-2015-2nd-gen-double-cab/

 

Hey back neighbor! We need to have another Tacoma talk, not at a stoplight this time! It is a shame. Bought the truck four years ago at a place in Salt Lake City (we were at Dugway PG then), known for specializing in Toyotas. They claimed to only buy rust free trucks. Their claim to fame was their sealed and raptor lined frames. I hate to think the worst of people, but I’m guessing there had to be evidence of rust at that point. Kills me because the truck is super clean and has no other issues. It’s been a tank and taken us to remote spots all over the country. I have looked into replacement frames, about 5k for the frame itself. It’s the labor that gets you at about 10k, according to some area shops. I’m hoping it will be ok for the short term as a back and forth on post vehicle, until interest rates drop on the newer stuff. Thanks for reaching out. Hope to run into you soon.

 

I called Toyota corporate. They ran the vin and said that in 2011 the truck was brought in by the then owner for the frame recall inspection. It was deemed good and had a new anti rust coating sprayed on, therefore fulfilling their obligation to address the recall.

 

I have come across these. Seemed like a great option. Showed them to a shop and the guy questioned whether or not there was enough good metal on the sides to weld too. I called a few more places and discovered that a lot of body shops are very wary of frame repair work for liability reasons. But thank you for the link!

 

Also, just noticed your username. We are native Michiganders ourselves! Small world!

 

I had a hard time finding someone to do my cab relocation kit, a lot of them said no due to liability and etc. Found a guy in our local classifieds, showed me his work, was really impressed with it. Explained to him what I needed and said no problem!

 

Stop by anytime; first culdesac when you enter the area, first place on the left. That’s a lot. I wonder if, compared to buying another truck, $15k for a rock solid second gen with known history may be a good deal.

Have you talked to the guys at freestyle off road in churchville? They were doing a body transplant on a jeep while i was there.


Edit - well, i am actually from seattle…then lower Alabama, detroit metro, then another pcs, then another, and now here until the next

 

Not sure if anyone has said this yet but


HOLY FU*k

 

Maybe the shop in Churchville, MD can help. Guessing you’re near since sounds like you and Darin have talked .

 

@2ndhandTacoman what shop helped you?

once again, I need to READ, entire threads, especially when they are only one page. It’s probably the one @DetroitDarin linked.