Buying on the East coast frame concerns

Looking to buy my first Tacoma, recently moved to the east coast and learned what frame rot is. I have been doing research on what to check for such as the hammer test and fluid films. I found a tacoma where the seller replaced the frame but did so with an older generation pickup and I am wondering if I should completely stay away? Right now I am curious about this frame switch. The other Tacoma I am looking at seems to have some rust protection so a bit hard to tell its condition. I have videos of both tacomas I am going to look at this weekend. Any advice is appreciated.

 

How is this wizardry possible?

 

I tried to research whether or not it was but its really beyond my understanding. He sent this video of the replaced frame and it looks to be in good condition https://youtube.com/shorts/EaoFKZXNz5s?feature=share

 

I can’t really tell but it looks like he may have cut up the other truck’s frame and cannibalized it to fix the newer truck’s frame.

 

I don't really understand what you've got going on, but instead of dealing with some hackjob of unknown origin, why not visit friends back where trucks don't rust, buy one there and drive it to your new home?

 

Have you looked in the SE. Georgia, Nc, Sc, Alabama should have some decent trucks. If all else fails you could fly out west and drive one home. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah are states that would have really clean rust free frames. You just have to keep looking until you find a good deal. Don't be in a hurry and take your time. It took me 6-8 months to find my truck back in 2010. Good luck in your search.

 

Frame rot is just one concern. In Northeast states, the rest of the truck may well have rust as well, meaning rusted fenders, rusted bolts that are hard to work on, etc.

 

Hard to say on that one in the video. Frame looks solid, but don't know what it took to get there. Bummer if they hack up a good P/U to restore a 1st gen. That said, be patient and don't buy a rusty mess. I'm in the northeast and there are solid vehicles up here. I have a winter truck and a non-winter truck -- zero rust. But, you'll pay for it. As above , even if the frame is good, be sure the links and bolts and everything else isn't a mess. What you find will depend on budget.