Tacoma frame checking etiquette.

OK, I have to ask this since I have been seeing a lot of selling/buying Tacoma's. When I purchased my 96 (very used) I did not know of the frame recall at that time but it was purchased in Portland, OR and not in a seaside town or coastal area so frame rust was not even in consideration. I never checked the frame, so I paid cash and repaired/drove the truck home.

Anyways I am not sure how I would feel about someone ball peening my truck from underneath whether it be gentle taps or THORS hammer.

If someone did this to your truck what would be your thoughts?

 

I've only caught one guy from northern Wisconsin last year trying to sneak a feel under there, he said he just wanted to make sure it was real
(he was not a potential buyer, just an admirer)

THORS hammer is reserved for salvage lot excursions
which i have used on numerous occasions to pound holes, massive holes and have pics of the super massive holes

 

The thing is, you are looking to buy it. If someone doesn’t like you checking it out, then it’s not the one for you.

 

I'd ask first. They refuse, I walk!

 

This is how would go about it as well.

Maybe if the potential buyer insists you be the one with the hammer and not them. But, make it realistic.

If you know your truck that you’re selling has no rust it’ll be fine if you give it a decent wack.
If you know it’s rusted and the hammer goes through then that’s a whole other can of worms.

As a buyer if the seller won’t allow me to inspect everything I’d say no thanks and keep looking.

 

I myself think it would come down to the seller !!

Not everyone is aware of the frame issues as we seem to hear all to often.

Each case is going to be different .

Those in the know are going to expect it and most likely be under the Truck with you I know I would

Grandma selling her husbands truck after he passed would most likely freak.

Would she even understand being explained the frame issues when all she knows is it is a Green Pickup made by Toyota.

 

This is strangely familiar.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-a-hammer-to-your-frame.644834/#post-22345872

 

there was no need to use a hammer while inspecting this for sale $9998 old tacoma, just the finger test
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/64595400
truck only has 139k onit
it drove ok on a test, now i know what a new clutch maybe feeling like at least

 

Like I said in the other thread, hammer test is to find the severity of the rust. Best way to find rust, drop the spare tire.

 

there was no spare on the truck for sale i checked out today

 

A good rule to live by, if they're not interested in making issues or potential issues known they're a massive dickhole and it's likely better not to buy from them at all.

 

People put to much emotion into vehicle sales. It's a business transaction at the end of the day. For me personally and my level of commitment, I wouldn't need a hammer. If there is ANYTHING over surface rust (IE any bubbling or scaling of the metal) I am out of there and on to the next one.

But I understand others are willing to walk closer to that line. It's also the buyers responsibility in a as-is sale to make sure what they are paying for. If you can't be 100% comfortable with your choice (ie they won't let you tap the frame) walk away.

Just my .2

 

Well first, I'm never selling my truck, so I don't have that dilemma.

So what are you worried about? If you're like this guy


and don't like people touching your stuff (which I totally understand), why are you selling your truck? People kinda have to touch it.

It's that, or you're afraid it isn't as rust free as you think it is.

In the end you need to just need to



If what gets someone to hand you a wad of dollar bills is letting them tap on your frame, so be it.

 

Uhm, post was a general question looking for a range of answers....and my truck is not for sale. If I read your statement incorrectly sorry for the misinterpretation.

 

will banging on the frame with a hammer do damage to the precious frame coating
crack it or whatever idk

 

Mine was also a general statement.

You asked what someone might think if they did this to "your truck". If you're selling a vehicle, it's not going to be "your truck" for long, so what should it matter?

Obviously if someone brings a sledge and starts to take a full swing, Imma stop them since that would damage it and lower the value. But a tap here and there isn't going to amount to any damage whatsoever. Unless of course it's a rusty shitbox.

 

Ahhh, I pick up what your putting down.

 

I'd just tell them every tap after the first 3 adds 50 bux to the price if it bounces so choose wisely.

In other words I know they're not going to bend it but if they can't find rust with their eyes don't take out the anger of your old lady leaving and taking your new vehicle on my truck.

 

Look's a little rough under there, would you take 5k?...

 

I guess it all comes down to your skill level and how many Horses you bought over the years .

This part of the world even after 5 years it going to need help. People from the south Freak out on what is normal for this part of the country

Not everyone is a die hard under the truck washing things every winter event and spraying some sort of rust inhibitor once or twice a year .

Most go to the quicky mart or local garage and do no more maintenance then they need to get buy

One of my work contacts Why did you buy a Tacoma " I liked the color and the price" since traded on a Chevy