A couple questions about new or used, given Tacoma frame rust issues...

Pretty difficult to understand the "issue" when your truck is almost 20 years old. All vehicles have rust issues depending on where you live.

We probably won't know if there is an "issue" with the 3rd gen for another 5-10 years.

 

Fluid Film is different from a Cosmoline type product. Fluid Film is a sheep lanolin based product for corrosion protection, but is not a "permanent" product that can wash off (but will still leave a slight film) in high spray areas and will need touched up yearly, or earlier. However, it can be applied to frames that already have some surface rust showing. Cosmoline is a wax type petroleum product that is more of a permanent solution, but will need touch ups here and there. However, you need a pretty clean frame to do this. This is what I coated my truck in since I was able to but it new. There are some more backwoods methods, but I'm not going to discuss them due to EPA restrictions

I live an hour and a half West of York, PA so we get plenty of salt here in the more mountainous regions. This is my truck after 2 winters so far using a cosmoline product. Just a little touch up.



I do frequently wash the underside after winter weather events though.

 

I've seen that pic more times than I can count

 

Just showing what a coated and clean frame can look like after a couple years. That might sound like nothing to some, but I see some pretty ugly couple year old frames on trucks around my area.

 

It's good to keep it clean and rust free. Helps later on down the road.

 

My gosh, I love that photo!

So my plan is to buy either a brand new Taco, or to buy a 2021 or 2022 Taco, and get ahead of this rust thing from the very get-go so I can keep it going as long as possible.

It sounds like you apply this cosmoline product yourself?

What product do you use?

Do you pressure wash underneath once or twice a year and then re-apply this product?

 

Read this thread in entirety:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-veto-342-cosmoline-undercoating.651180/

1700psi power wash sprayer 6” away cannot remove Cosmoline.

It dries to a wax so you’re not getting it all over you if you need to work underneath.

If you need to remove it for any reason mineral spirits takes it right off.

 

It's probably too early to tell, but there has already been one recall on some third gen Tacomas due to rust. It's not an auspicious start, to say the least.

 

None of those areas are really "rust" areas, most common thing to go first is the brake drums, leafs, exhaust and any exposed metal from damage.

 

I found some other old posts on Tacomaworld that made the Krown treatment sound pretty good, however the two posts above about Cosmoline (including that gorgeous photo!) have me really interested in going the Cosmoline route.

But a dumb question here - are there any businesses that apply the cosmoline Rust Veto - 342 product? I like the idea of getting the truck up on a lift and getting this done at least annually in a really thorough manner...

 

I used

$50 CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz (6 Pack)

This (click) product.

Prep was to fully degrease and pressure wash underside and let dry. Applied in thin coats.

I go to the coin op (well, credit card now adays, lol) and pressure wash under the frame after every winter weather event where they throw down salt. When it warms up and there's no threat of winter weather I'll spray down everything and use a mild scub brush and clean it that way. During PA's mud/farm season (aka cow shit all over the road) I will pressure wash the crap (literally) off as often as I can. Beginning of Fall I'll touch up any areas I feel that are thin or have been blasted by the rock salt.

Yea, I get serious about it

 

Didn't say they wouldn't...eventually or given the opportunity. Time will tell...
We're only a couple years away from 2-3 years away from the 10 year mark; when 2nd gens had there first frame recall. I expect to hear some grumbling by now. Not unlike early 2nd gens, that were pushing engine mounts through rusted out perches and prompted a re-design.

Misery loves company, I guess.

 

That is true as well. However, with proper cleaning I see very little surface rust on brake drums and the exhaust still looks decent. I do plan on replacing the leafs eventually so rust on those isn't a concern for many years. The exposed metal bolts/nuts were sprayed and look like new.

 

Link?

 

This should help a little bit...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-recall-frame-rust-2011-2017.775249/

 

Is it practical to eat the cost of a frame swap out of pocket, at a capable/competent body shop or frame swap-experienced Toyota dealer, just to keep a 15yr old truck on the road? Absolutely not practical.

But compare the cost of a new frame replacement ($10-15k) to the cost of a new Tacoma ($40k). Which is more practical now? That's way oversimplified, but you get the gist. Plenty of caveats and pros/cons to weigh as well, on that decision. Cash vs finance, age/mileage related wear, warranties, etc. It's not a cut-n-dry scenario when you're that attached to anything. But only you can decide if it's worth it to trade into a 3rd gen, or have your 2nd gen reframed and freshened up.

Have you even bothered to ask for estimates, at any shops near you (that you'd trust with such an endeavor)? Never know until you try.


Personally, if I were in your shoes I'd buy a new truck...not a used one. Used pricing is still outrageous, and new car inventories are starting to recover and buying at MSRP is a reality again. Plus once you dedicate yourself to open the can of worms that is major rust removal/renovation, the cost always seems to go up when unexpected bits are found in need of replacement.

 

It's the same frame lol

 

I'm leaning towards just that - buying a brand new truck... and applying rust proofing as soon as I get possession of the vehicle, and then re-treating it at least annually going forward.

I wish that I hadn't bought that 2nd gen that had just been coated with Toyota's rubbery undercoating from the the dealer (likely covering up a bunch of rust and making things worse). Live and learn...

This has all been good guidance, and have the coating narrowed down to Krown, RP-342 (Cosmoline), or Woolwax...

 

Any of them will be fine, so long as you do your due diligence in cleaning off the road grime/brine throughout the winter, and re-applying each year. "Ounce of prevention, pound of cure" and all that jazz.

Be sure to show off your new '23 Tacoma, when you get it! I still really miss my '05, but am glad I'm in a '22 now too.

 

Then show me the rusted out frames...