Tacoma I’m interested in

New to Tacomas and was wondering how this 2004 frame looked as far as rust and overall structure goes. Seller said he power washed it and spray painted it. Thanks in advance.

 

It looks painted. But it appears solid in the pics. If you tap questionable spots with the metal end of a screwdriver, you’ll know if its soft or not. It will have a dull sound instead of metal on metal “tink”

 

Welcome to TW.

 

I've seen worse but it's not great, hammer test it for sure, especially around the rear shock hangers and leaf spring mounts.

I've always considered the gas tank skid as a good indicator of how bad the rust is.

 

Some of you aspiring Tacoma owners can't be that desperate. The frame is toast....If you really want a used Tacoma look in adjacent States where you aren't apt to get frame damage
from road salt. Hell, that thing looks like it spent some time in salt water. Maybe it did!

 

Roger that. Thanks for the reply!

 

Welcome to TW.

As others have suggested, HAMMER on it. Thing is definitely paint over rust. Plain to see.

Personally I'd pass on it but it's a regional thing so I'll just wish you the best of luck in your search.

Cheers.

 

Worth a up close and personal inspection and road test .

Lower Ball Joints ? Timing Belt if a 3.4 ? Trucks this old need tender loving care If you need to pay shop labor it gets expensive.

 

Looks mostly like an attempt at Woolwax/Fluid film mixed with spray painting - OR - that could be flaking rust, as mentioned hammer test. If it's surface rust it can be scraped and woolwaxed.

The gas tank guard is pretty telling, I'd replace that if possible but you can see the edges are starting to go.

Hard to tell by the angle but would be most concerned here, it's probably got the dull rust rot clunk around the circled area.

 

"You break it...You buy it!"

 

As others have said it needs to be hammer tested. It would also be good to know the asking price and general condition of the truck. If the asking price is a couple of grand the frame looks a great (better), if this is 12-20K it makes the frame look worse. Do you plan on keeping this long term, or only for a year or two. Do you have the time and skill to grind off the rust and treat the frame (if need be) properly?

Peter in SA

 

Find a better one that doesn't look they are trying to hide something.