Frame Repair (Safe-T-Cap) for a 2006

Howdy all...

I just made my intro post in the new member area. I have a few questions lined up about my 2006 Tacoma.

Background: We got the truck from my mother-in-law, who is the original owner. It has only 58K miles! I recently noticed that a bracket for the exhaust assembly was hanging down near the driver's side door, and when I looked underneath, I saw that the area where it had been welded was rusted through.
My mechanic took these photos:


My mother-in-law was not aware of any recall, and if there was one for this generation, I assume it's way too late to take advantage (Please correct my assumption if needed.)

I visited a body shop that does Safe-T-Cap installs and the owner's opinion is:
1. It is repairable and worth doing.
2. Verbal rough estimate was $3 to maybe $6K (I haven't gotten a specific number yet).
3. He requires half $$ up front (I am a new customer).

I would ideally like to keep the truck, so the repair option sounds good. But just curious how much these repairs have cost other Tacoma owners, so anyone who wants to let me know, I'm grateful. Also, I can understand asking a new customer for a deposit on a big job, but how would you respond? Just let it slide? Obviously, I would get a receipt.

Thanks a lot, folks!

 

From what I see in these photos, I'd be looking for a replacement frame.

 

For a large bill, I would expect to pay half up front especially if the shop is reputable. You're well outside the replacement for the frame. Current cut off would be 2012s.

 

The problem with these frames is that they rust from the inside out in some places, so if it looks good on the outside it can very well be rusted on the inside.

 

I just picked up a 2008 a few months ago that's in great condition except for a bit of rust on the frame (gave my '18 OR to my son ). Going to Safe T Cap route to fix it because I really don't need a whole new frame (I did try finding a frame in my area but couldn't find one that wasn't damage). The pictures you posted are a worse than the rust that I have on my frame, so you may need to do more work on it. The deposit I gave was to cover the cost of the Safe T Cap pieces needed to do the repair. I thought this was fair considering that the pieces are specific to my truck. The labor is where it could get expensive depending on how much they're charging you an hour for the repair. The shop doing the work for me is also going to coat the frame as part of the repair to help with the rust down the road.

BTW - The shop pulled the frame diagram off the Safe T Cap site and showed me what they were ordering and the price for the pieces needed for the repair. They also explained how they would do the repair.

 

A full frame replacement wouldn't be far off from 6k. You would have to find a replacement but paying 10k for a truck with 60k miles is worth it to me.

Then again, idk how far financially you are into it already.

 

That's a parts truck if the frame isn't replaced.

Based on pics, I can't image enough good material to weld the safe t cap bits to.

Whoever serviced the truck while your MIL owned it did her a great disservice by not pointing out problems early on and recommending protective measures

Best of luck! I'd be trying to save it too.

 

New frame is about 3k then shipping then labor. Probably looking at closer to 10k realistically. The biggest question you should ask yourself is how much can I afford. Me I found a safety cap guy who could repair mine and not use replacement parts.
What ever route you go make sure you do undercoating after the repair/replacement is done. And keep up with it.
Good luck.

 

Agree, I looked at buying a frame and it was around $4k for the frame and another $3,500 to do the swap if everything swapped over the way it was. Couldn’t justify spending about $10k when I really didn’t need it.

 

Thank you everyone, for your perspectives. I'm following this closely. So far, I have not sunk a lot of money into it, and it seems like it's worth saving. I just want to be sure to embark on the right kind of repair. The mechanic, who is listed on the AutoRust website, thinks he can repair it with the Safe-T-Cap parts, but I'm thinking maybe I ought to get another opinion.

I welcome more responses - and again, THANK YOU!

 

What state are you in?

 

I'm in New Jersey.

 

Check out North East Rust Proofing. They're on YouTube. I think they're in Connecticut though. They do good work

 

Also heard good things about NE Rust Proofing if you want to drive to CT. @GardenStateSignals if you're looking for in-state second opinion, you can give Outlawed Specialties a call. They're in Newton (North West NJ), and focus on Off Road builds, restorations, rust proofing/remediation and frame repair. I've met Joe (the owner) personally, solid dude and straight shooter; won't bullshit you and will tell you if she's too far gone (replacement vs. repair). He also owns a few older 4Runners and Lexus GX series that he personally owns and works on too, so he's into and familiar with Toyotas, aside from the Square Bodies, CJs, etc.

But that frame does look mighty crispy from pics alone, and might warrant a replacement as mentioned.

 

I will call them, thanks!

 

Always always get a second opinion/estimate.

 

Replace the frame

It’s worth it on something that’s only got 60k miles

 

I spoke to Joe and sent him photos. He's farther away, but I'm planning to bring the Tacoma to him for an inspection. He makes a real good first impression; I felt very listened-to as a customer and got a lot of information in a lot fewer words than I have so far from the other mechanic.

Thanks for the suggestion, Taco Tues!

 

Glad to read! He's not just a mechanic, but also a fabricator and a fellow enthusiast too, so that helps. I have no skin in the game, just a solid dude that I met. Though he does apply my oil undercoating now, saves me the hassle lol.

 

I had Joe look at my Tacoma today. We're going with him! I think both guys who looked at it are capable, but Joe's professional manner is exemplary. I am so confident he's going to do the job right that I will drive the extra 40 minutes to him. The estimate comes to about $5700, which is more that the other estimate I got, but this one is in writing, which I prefer, of course.

Thanks again for the recommendation!!