Tacoma rust repair

i am just trying to keep mine from going to pot with the limited knowledge i have had for the past 10 yrs until I saw the light on TW
and the local scrapyard, its just sitting there and waiting

 

You and me both haha. At least we have a chance to fix ours. Some other first gen frames aren't so lucky. I mean its no fault of the people who own them, its just the environment the trucks are in.

Is it salvaged?

 

the 97 regular cab with a v6 in the salvage lot is totally trashed, although the hood is in ok condition with minor rock chips, no perforations or dents that I noticed
the underside needs pics posted on TW when I get there this weekend

somebody had already removed the door handles, latches and the fuel tank door
those parts must break easily

 

Aww... tail gate in good condition? Maybe save that if it has factory badges like SX and V6. Someone might pay more for something like that.

 

Hi Everyone,
I have a 97 Tacoma that I bought 8 months ago near Seattle. When I bought it, I didn't know about the rusty frame issues with 1st Gen Tacomas and the previous owner had painted almost everything under the truck black so I was unable to see the rust. Now I'm down in LA (drove it here) and my frame is cracking where the leaf springs attach. My mechanic referred me to a place called Solo Motorsports, they build/fabricate frames for race cars/trucks that do jumps etc... and they said they would be able to cut out that part of the frame and create a strong bracket or something to put where the damaged portion of the frame is for around 500$. I trust them and I think it will work. It has to be done because otherwise the frame will break there and it's dangerous to drive. What do you guys think? This truck is in immaculate condition otherwise and only has 162,000 miles on it (150 when I bought it). I am worried I may have to get rid of it. I also worry that if I sell it down the line and someone sees the repaired frame it will significantly lower the value. I've attached a few pictures of the rust.

 

I think that would be the best option. Unfortunately I think no matter what you do, it will lower the value. If you leave it, then a potential buyer could argue that it has frame rot and refuse to pay asking price. If you fix it, then someone could argue about hidden frame issues. Maybe try stripping the old paint off before taking it in to get fixed, at least then the company can inspect the rest of the frame for amy more problems.
Nice looking truck btw!

 

Thank you! I've only had it for 8 months but I love it. I am really torn up about this issue. I took it in to get new shocks yesterday and the mechanic wouldn't touch it until I get the frame looked at/fixed because it's unsafe to drive. Stripping the paint is a good idea...

 

Thanks, Ive had mine since 2013. (previously my dads) The 2.7 isnt fast, but it will do anything I ask of it. Take pictures if you can. Hopefully thats the only rot..

 

The 2.7 is solid, I feel like the engine is going to run forever. As for rotting...the entire exhaust is rusted out and needs to be replaced too.

 

Yeah haha that happens. I did my exhaust a year ago. You live in California right? The reason Im asking, is because of emissions. When I did my exhaust, I had a hell of a time getting my catalytic converter off. The bolts were rusted on there, so I just cut it off and redid my exhaust. Perks of living in the country haha. You on the other hand, might want to cut the bolts off or buy a new cat.
Idk if those are still being made for old Tacomas tho..

 

no, the tailgate is not in good shape, it would need a bunch of body filler!

 

Dang, Tail light lens are always good to have haha

 

looking at your pics I can see the lower shield/skid for the fuel tank looks in ok very good condition from that angle.
usually these get very crusty and worse!
since you have not had your truck for very long you probably would not know if that is the original or not?
if it is the original then I have no clue what got inside your frame a long time ago to do that to it

 

I repaired my 03 frame using Safe T Cap part# TAC-157R $199.95 . Right and Left sides purchased togeather $379.95. Not your average DIY project and if i could have it done professionaly for $500 I would have.

 

I got it done. It wound up being slightly more than they expected as they had to take off the gas tank and the rust was worse than I thought. Here are a few pictures, they did a great job. I think I am going to keep the truck, it seems solid and most of the rust has been cut away and the rest of the frame looks ok.

 

Top coat is very important, but there is more in POR-15’s defense. There is a very specific surface prep that he didn’t do in that video. Also, POR-15 isn’t even designed to be put on new metal, it’s designed to be put on rust, and it sticks to rusty surfaces quite a lot better than clean metal.

 

Awesome! It looks very sound and professional. Glad you decided to keep it!

 

Was it just something the shop wouldn't do?

 

Nice work here so far. Rust can be such a pita!

 

Shops estimates were $6.000 to $10.000 plus parts. Included cab and bed removal.