Holes in my frame predicament

2nd the point about direct to rust paint, NO UV barrier at all. It is meant to be topcoated.



If you aren't in a position to swap the frame, the long term solution is definitely to buy a better rig. Frame swaps are easy, I bet flat rate is only 18-20 hours. But the rust issue makes it a potential nightmare. I've done lots of them, but I'm in CA.


Por-15's color will fade if it's constantly exposed to uv light , doesn't effect its strength , the frame will never see uv's . I covered everything under my truck including the rear diff over a year ago and it still looks brand new .
 
I have a welder and can patch the frame. I'm not sure it's worth it though. Like I said the whole front is junk. It basically needs a new frame from the transmission cross member forward. At that point I might as well do a frame swap, but I can see a nightmare coming there.

The original plan was to por-15 from the very beginning. I was going to air scale it, paint the frame, and bedline the underbody and rockers. Now it looks like it would be patching a big problem later on.
 
That is by no means an "easy fix". The frame is toast.

Here is my advice to you: ANYTHING can be repaired but you have to judge cost vs benefit and residual value. It's only going to be worth what a really nice 1999 4Runner is worth after you get done, and I just don't see the return on investment there by a long shot.

I can 100% guarantee you that vehicle did not spend it's life in Iowa. ;-)

Are you sure it's not from the UK? Thats the only place I have seen rust that bad.
 
Damn that's no good... If it were me I probably would drive it until I found another runner with the 5spd v6. Man that f'ing blows... I'll keep an eye open for one but idk.
 
Damn that's no good... If it were me I probably would drive it until I found another runner with the 5spd v6. Man that f'ing blows... I'll keep an eye open for one but idk.

Tell me about it. All the excitement for this went in the shitter. Luckily I found a carbon copy of this runner down south. I'm going to contact that guy and see how the frame is, then decide how to proceed.
 
Pennsylvania out in farm country for most of it's life.

Ouch. Not much consolation to you right now, but I can tell you vehicles out here in the west, that have lived here in the west - we don't see that sort of damage ever.

If you buy another one - not sure if you have ever used it but a title check can tell you all the history on the vehicle. Nice to know where it spent it's life...
 
Tell me about it. All the excitement for this went in the shitter. Luckily I found a carbon copy of this runner down south. I'm going to contact that guy and see how the frame is, then decide how to proceed.

Hey just give me the word I'm driving back from sw Florida with my brother tomorrow and I'll go get it lol.
 
Hey just give me the word I'm driving back from sw Florida with my brother tomorrow and I'll go get it lol.

It better have retrofits when it gets to my door!

You're probably a few days early, otherwise this could work. I would need to get mine sold first before I would buy another one. And I need to get more info on the new one before I even consider it anyway.
 
It better have retrofits when it gets to my door!

You're probably a few days early, otherwise this could work. I would need to get mine sold first before I would buy another one. And I need to get more info on the new one before I even consider it anyway.

No prob just stop at TRS in Atlanta on the way and pick up the parts :D

I thought that would be the case, but figured it couldn't hurt to offer lol. I hope that one works out for you though! Where is it at exactly?
 
Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina all have one I would be interested in. I will try to get some history on them in the coming days. The one in West Virginia is probably rusty. Hard to say on the other ones.
 
Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina all have one I would be interested in. I will try to get some history on them in the coming days. The one in West Virginia is probably rusty. Hard to say on the other ones.

Ok cool sounds like you got some options at least. Plus you get to go on a road trip which is always awesome! Lol
 
That rust is really unfortunate, specially considering you have a Highlander in a color that many 3rd gen enthusiasts want. You could probably make more parting it out than selling outright. But without a garage that would be tough
 
That rust is really unfortunate, specially considering you have a Highlander in a color that many 3rd gen enthusiasts want. You could probably make more parting it out than selling outright. But without a garage that would be tough

Just curious what makes the highlanders more desirable other than the stock taller springs? I wouldn't think it would matter because of what he was going to be doing to the truck as far as suspension.
 
Just curious what makes the highlanders more desirable other than the stock taller springs? I wouldn't think it would matter because of what he was going to be doing to the truck as far as suspension.

Nothing really. It was an appearance package with fender flares from the SR5, wheels from the Limited, and a unique hood scoop that didn't work.
 
I thought the highlander package came with an e locker?



Only reason i ask is because my 99 limited has a locker didn't know the differences. I know that the limited didn't come with a manual so that throws that out the window... No leather for you!!!! :D



Nothing really. It was an appearance package with fender flares from the SR5, wheels from the Limited, and a unique hood scoop that didn't work.

Makes sense now more of a utilitarian deal with the sr5 parts but has the locker gotcha
 
Only reason i ask is because my 99 limited has a locker didn't know the differences. I know that the limited didn't come with a manual so that throws that out the window... No leather for you!!!! :D

Didn't you view that link that I PMed you? It's not a limited but it has leather. I'm all over it like a wolverine on a waffle.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,113
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top