Undercarriage rust, how bad is this one?

Lookin at getting a Tundra and as I live in Sweden I don't think that I'm covered by the recall and therefore like to know what you guys think about the state of this 2008 Limited that I'm considering bidding on.

I think it looks like quite a bit of surface rust, and given the fact that it isn't eligible for the recall would this make you walk away even if the price was "right"?

 

Make a big deal about the frame and get it for a good price. Then give it some POR-15 paint. And cover it with undercoat. Brand new again!

 

Thnx for the super quick replies! It's up on auction so I might be able to snagg it real cheap.
Just a bit hesitant given the possible rust issues... But sounds like its not that big a deal on this one then.

 

Cool ya hit it up!

 

That's not so bad at all. You can take care of that pretty easily with some POR15

 

Looks like surface rust. I think it could be easily repaired. The POR 15 suggestion by @2ndgenny is a GREAT suggestion IMO. If you're not familiar with it, check it out.

 

Totally doable as mentioned by everyone ^^^^^^Sveden?? Probably lots of "cool" places to take that Tundra....

 

Thnx for all the feedback on this!

OT:
Yepp, Sweden! Full size trucks are quite expensive and rare over here so I'm looking to see if I can bag me a bargain with this one. It needs some TLC but I'd be happy to provide it

 

Good luck on bagging that Tundra . That surface rust can be dealt with but before the auction starts make comments about how bad the "severe rust" is. Haha. I'm assuming you see a lot of HiLux's and similar sized trucks.

 

Thnx! Yeah, would be a nice project if I'm able to get it.

OT:
Also trying to get a quote on getting new keys made as there are none included with the truck. This turned out to be a challenge as the dealers here are not familiar with the Tundra as it was never sold in this market and will not even quote me a price for it and just take it in on diagnosis at $170/h with no guarantee of success. And they are talking about getting a new ECU and perhaps new locks. That sounds crazy to me, should just be a matter of cutting and coding a new key/fob, right?

But yeah, a lot of midsize trucks around here in Sweden like the HiLux, King Cab, L200 and Amaroks.

 

Agreed....should be like you said....cutting and coding a new key. A new ECU? That's crazy. New locks is a bit of a stretch too. Maybe a Toyota tech here can confirm or find out what to do regarding that.

 

Similar challenges here in Japan as well. Local Toyota dealers and service centers think my truck is cool but refuse to touch it therefore I do all repairs on my own with parts sourced from the U.S.

 

That's because it's the Godzilla of trucks!

 

My wife is Japanese and she approves this message.

 

Another alternative to POR is do a grease rub down on the frame using a rag. Cheaper and easier as the POR is expensive! Not to mention the sanding, wiping, spray prep, and then finally getting to the brush on stage (thats if you follow POR directions).

The grease rub costs about 5 bucks for a can, one old rag, and start dipping and rubbing. That rust will disappear and the light grease film will leave a protective coating.

 

Thnx guys!

I'll update ya'll if I got it or not.

 

I kinda figured that! Haha!

 

Had some free time today so decided to fluid film the undercarriage. Will post pics later.

 

Hard to get a good pic and didn’t take any before shots (was half as bad the OP pics), but you can see how the Fluid Film coated the metal nicely turning it black. There is Lanolin in the product which is the key. Spray can came with a small straw hose for tight spots and came in handy on some crevices. Did the crevices first and wiped up the puddles, then wiped down the flats with the wet rag. Still have some touch up to do but got most of it accomplished. Didn’t do the spare which needs it because ran out of product.

 

Here is a pic of what the dealer did for the Tundra recall. They spray the back half with their coating. Not sure what it is exactly. Its sits on as a medium thick film best described as a cross between oil and wax in viscosity. Would have preferred they didn’t put it on, but they never called me to discuss.

 

Short update.

Sadly the bidding on the truck sailed way past what it was worth to me factoring in known repairs and the risk of unknown issues as this was a repo with no warranties. Kind of like copart but in this case it was sold by the Swedish IRS.

Well well on to the next one. Thanx everyone for your help!

 

Find another one!

 

That’s too bad. Keep your eyes open the right one will work out if it’s meant to be!

 

If you have a compressor you can buy a fluid film sprayer and buy it by the gallon. It sprays on really easy and non toxic. The gun cleans up with water. I just started doing mine a few years back, but wish it was done when new.