Frame Repair

[Vinny C]

Like most of us who don't live in the sweet sweet desert, I'm dealing with some frame rot after 14 years of winter. It's not as bad as many I've seen but it started to get much worse recently to the point where I had actual holes in the bottom around the cross members. The left side frame rail was in good shape so only the right really needed addressed, and most of it was still good solid metal. I wanted to get it taken care of before winter hit this year and ended up getting it done pretty reasonably at my local dealer, in addition to replacing some body bushings. They had it for about two days. Incidentally, they were positive that there were supposed to bushings on top on the middle mounts, which I've read on here that it came from the factory without. Either way, they are there now and it rides great. Just thought some might want to see the results and know that all hope is not lost. I'm really happy with the turnout. I need to do a little more work with rust converter/undercoating and a fluid film application before the snow hits and I'll be all set.

Before

After

 

[Mellemel]

Looks great. I had the same done back in the spring after 18 years of east coast salt covered roads was finally beginning to turn my frame to swiss cheese ! The outside of the frame looks solid, it's what's going on inside that worries me !

 

[Gadgetguy]

Wow, I'd like to know what a pretty decent deal that was... myself. I didn't even know a dealership would be willing to do work like that. I figured they'd rather send you off with a nice 5th gen 4runner with a little break due to the issues you had with their older product.

 

[Vinny C]

The outside of the frame looks solid, it's what's going on inside that worries me !

It worries me too, I had a nice pile of rust flakes that came out when I poked around to clean out the holes. I'm going to make sure I spray the inside very well. Eastwood has a product specifically for inside the frame that has a long hose applicator that I'm going to check out.

Wow, I'd like to know what a pretty decent deal that was... myself. I didn't even know a dealership would be willing to do work like that. I figured they'd rather send you off with a nice 5th gen 4runner with a little break due to the issues you had with their older product.

I was surprised as well. I think they did a great job. I'm sure Service wants to keep as much money in their department as possible, but if one of the salespeople had seen it when I was there, I have a feeling they would have been chatting me up! With the bushing replacement and welding it was about $1400. Not cheap, but the rest of the vehicle is in great shape. Call me crazy but it is worth it to me to save it for many more years of driving and not just let it rot away or trade it for a few grand just for that.

 

[nissanh]

That is truly good work.
When I go to a shop to do something I tip him beforehand so he do his job the best he can.

Now, spray some gear oil+ kerosene oil into the frame. Yes, it stinks for the first couple of days but your frame will stay clean for a longer time.

Does any body know where to find an oil spray gun?

Thanks

 

[Kmurt]

Does any body know where to find an oil spray gun?

Thanks

Got mine from Lowes

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Dang thats nice repair... Thank god I live in the south.