IS THIS TOO MUCH RUST ? Opinions needed

[Devbot]

Awesome, thanks for your feedback - any opinions from those of you in the “south”?

It has also been sitting (in a garage) for several years not driven, however, it was just taken to Toyota and had all fluids replaced and every maintenance item needed was done (TB, WP, spark plugs, diff, etc...).....this and the “rust” are my only two potential hesitations. Would the fact that it sat for awhile give any of you heartburn?

If nobody touched it then yes, but since Toyota themselves gave it refresher it's probably good to go. In fact it's actually probably safe to assume they went a little overboard and took the opportunity to sell them on things they didn't actually need - the classic "our mechanic noticed and very strongly recommends..."

 

[sportscarfan]

That rust looks like it's just at the point where you'd want to scrape/brush/clean and then convert/seal/paint.

 

[Pyral]

Replying to Stewart
That level of rust is okay, I'm in Cali too. Though it is enough that I would do something about it. If you buy it, rust removal should be near the top of your list because its early enough to be fixed for not that much money.

 

[FD7683]

Rust? I'm in Ohio and that thing is spotless compared to the rusted shitbox I have lol.

 

[diverscale]

seems pretty solid still. Just anti rust treat it every year with an oil-grease based antirust product and you'll be fine for many, many years still.

 

[dstewart3ss]

seems pretty solid still. Just anti rust treat it every year with an oil-grease based antirust product and you'll be fine for many, many years still.

+ others that recommend treatment.....

Having never done this before, what should I expect in terms of time investment and $ for DIY vs paying a professional to treat the rust??

 

[thegipper]

+ others that recommend treatment.....

Having never done this before, what should I expect in terms of time investment and $ for DIY vs paying a professional to treat the rust??

With as little rust as that has, just do it yourself. Get some wire wheels/brushes and hit all of the rusty areas. Repaint the cleaned areas and use some kind of rust preventative every year and it will stay looking great for many years to come.

For under $50 bucks for brushes/paint/RP and a few hours of your time, definitely do it yourself.

 

[ReconcileUs]

IPI "1 Step"
I have been using this stuff for at least the last 15 years. Wire brush the loose rust off and brush or spray this stuff on.... it's the consistency of white milk and instantly etches into the rust and turns black. you can paint over it if you want but don't have to in areas that don't get sun.
When we lived in PA i used to paint half a rusty metal fence post and leave it for years and the painted part rust never came back.
Expensive and i've had the same gallon for all that time..... this stuff spreads very far. I even tried it on rusted quarter panels and it stopped the rust.
Do not remove the rust as it's needed for this product to work correctly
..... Your truck doesn't look all that bad and i highly recommend this stuff over just paint

Rust Converter: 1-Step Rust Killer

I haven't tried this yet with white vinegar but it looks very interesting. skip to about the middle to save all his talking and see the reaction
VINEGAR Cleans Heavily Rusted Metal FAST - YouTube

I wonder if this stuff is better than POR-15?

 

[phattyduck]

Awesome, thanks for your feedback - any opinions from those of you in the “south”?

I wouldn't buy a vehicle in California (or other southern state) with that amount of rust. If you are anywhere near the rust belt, that looks like a fine starting point. Deal with the rust if you are up to it (scrape/convert/paint or just keep up on fluid film or similar underneath).

-Charlie

 

[diverscale]

+ others that recommend treatment.....

Having never done this before, what should I expect in terms of time investment and $ for DIY vs paying a professional to treat the rust??

I can only speak for prices here in canada, quebec for DIY and done by a pro.

I have my own shop and do it myself. Cost a jug of ProForm oil based anti-rust (I put a lot) every year, which is about 40$ canadian.

Professionally done here is about 80-100$ canadian.

Both are much, much worth the investment.

At the amount (low) of rust you have, you absolutely do not need to scrape/clean it or use rust converter (won't last, believe me). Just rust-treat the truck correctly every year and the frame and structural parts will last.

 

[diverscale]

Looking at buying this ‘01 4Runner...super low miles - 46k to be more precise....so I’m paying a premium and would love the advice of you experts on the amount of rust...would this cause you any hesitation to purchase? I know it’s not that much compared to a car that’s lived in the north for years....but still curious what you all think? Thanks so much - hope to be a new owner soon and contribute more to the forum!

This is clean AS HELL.

Rust treat it every year after purchase and you'll be happy for longer than you can wish for.

 

[brillo_76]

Its would be considered extremely clean [basically rust free ]for the rust belt. Its minor but needs cleaned and treated though. I agree that in the southern environment this would be considered rusty. The decision is up to you if you purchase or pass.

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[dstewart3ss]

So appreciate the excellent feedback. I pulled the trigger!

 

[Berimbozo]

That frame looks great. Up here in British Columbia, most frames I’ve seen are much worse even with significantly less mileage. Nice find!

 

[Berimbozo]

What do you guys think about the rust on this one? I’ve already decided that I’m not going to purchase this one but I’m curious to see what you guys might think are problem areas. For reference, this is a 2000 Limited with the e-locker with about 155,000 miles. Asking for $12,700 CAD.

 

[Bad Luck]

What do you guys think about the rust on this one? I’ve already decided that I’m not going to purchase this one but I’m curious to see what you guys might think are problem areas. For reference, this is a 2000 Limited with the e-locker with about 155,000 miles. Asking for $12,700 CAD.

Looks pretty good, but make sure you check the rear lower control arm mounts at the frame both inside and outside. If that checks out I would try rust proofing it for future preservation.