Hello All,
Want your input/opinions on my 2007 Tacoma. Bought it new, now has 112K miles drives like it was new. However, having the infamous issue with frame rust. Long story short, Toyota did not want to provide frame replacement as they said its over the coverage period and when they did inspections they found nothing wrong. It's has the issues on front passenger side that small chunks in some spots are falling off and a few wholes inside and out of frame (nothing greatly major) I don't want to get ride of it as it's been an excellent vehicle and do not want to spend for something in which might have an issue. How long can I ride this out? until it gets bad or just use it till the wheels fall of - but concerned about the safety aspect.
Thanks
It the frame, or a crossmember? You may get another couple of years out of it if you, or somebody you know who can weld, and he knows what he's doing.
I know a guy who welds for a living, and he fixed my 1999 Ranger, whose frame was starting to rot out, mainly the rear frame. I still need to fix a crossmember that's starting to rust out.
I use Fluid Film, which is a lanolin based spray to help slow down the rate at which my Ranger is rusting. I reapply it once every 3-6 months. There is no new rust that I've seen so far.
I am with @justin-shepherd
I live in upstate new york, and I just take the time to touch up the rust, and treat as best I can. Get after it with your choice of remover, or simply cover in something like fluid film.
I like to get it off as best I can, and use cosmoline in pretty clean places, as it will last a long time. The fluid film soaks in really good, but you need to keep it on there.
If it is a good spot, I use rustoleum paint, then cosmoline over the top, especially before winter.
If you fight the good fight, you could keep it a long time. If you don't, the rust will win.
