Buyer's Remorse

Just picked up an '04 4x4 V8 with 132k miles, knowing it needed work (stuck cylinder). During the pre-purchase inspection, I noticed some rust and figured a simple patch would do - outboard of frame and most of the frame is sound and appears to have been undercoated at some point. Now that it's home, I'm seriously regretting not taking a hammer with me. The rust is worse than I thought, and I'm wrestling with the ethical implications and safety concerns of repairing it, even though I have access to a welder.

For reference this is at/below front passenger door .

I realize I'm letting allot of my anger/regret/shame make my thoughts for me right now so hoping for some clarity from this community.

I'm considering walking away from this altogether and letting an otherwise beautiful vehicle go to the junkyard.

How screwed am I?

 

Don't be too hard on yourself. Many of us have done the same and probably worse. At any rate, how much do you think you need to spend to get up to standards is the biggest question. And how much patience do you have in order to go thru the process. If this is your DD, then consider treating it right and just go with it. If this is a project vehicle, or a backup thing then take your time and do it slowly and you might even enjoy the process to get it right. I know...money and time dilemma. P.S. I grew up in tidewater area, where you at?

 

Appreciate that @ChessGuy and I'm also in the Tidewater area! I think the bigger sting from this is I bought it from a friend of a friend who I thought was reputable (he's big into GX's). Ultimately the responsibility is mine but if the shoe were on the other foot I feel like I would've disclosed - but I need to drop that because it's speculation on my end. Live and learn then die and forget so they say.

Fortunately this is very much a project/3rd vehicle situation so it's not impacting family commutes or getting to work etc. and I have some good friends who are very mechanically inclined and motivated more than me currently.

I've got two little ones and my wife's schedule is hectic right now (nights) so my free time for the foreseeable future will be very limited - don't think I want to spend it doing this at the moment so entertaining reselling and taking my licks.

If you want a better idea of what I'm working with I created a draft listing in the 4th gen forum for feedback since I'm need to 4Runner life -

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! I know what you might feel like, it seems like a huge project, and it is. Do you think if you fix it will be around for a while? Or are you, by fixing it just buying time for the scrap yard delivery? A majority of the frame does not look too bad, this vehicle is over 20 yrs old, and for the frame to have smooth spots on it is a plus. You might have something to work with, weigh your options and your skill level.... honestly and don't forget anticipated cost, make your decision. It's quite a project, but think of the feeling of accomplishment if you decide to do the project. Plus, it would be nice to show that friend of a friend what you've created!

 

Thanks @Toy4X4 - my intent going into this was to keep it for a while. It's primary use was going to be pulling a boat from my driveway to the local launch (2 within 3 miles - so very short travel) and then a few trips to the Outer Banks every year. Fortunately/unfortunately the majority of the frame is in great shape and I think that's what caused me to overlook what I shouldn't have.

I'm looking at the kits the replace sections of the frame but I feel like that may open a can I'm not ready for. It passed safety inspection in April so I'm hopefully I can do a quality patch/reinforcement with high strength steel (cut to fit) in those locations and have it in a safe, usable condition for my needs or any future owners.

 

Listen. Breathe. We’ve all done sht like this. Can you send some pics of the vehicle inside and out. You’ll be fine buddy. Were you planning on doing the work yourself or at a shop

 

You're so right man, just been a while for me - @morfdq I put a draft listing post for input on the 4th gen forum this morning. If you take a look you'll have a better idea of the vehicle.

Doing it myself but luckily have some good friends with more experience to help and guide me through it. Shop would be last resort or if things took a turn somewhere else...but I don't know if I can handle another turn in the near term

 

It’s gonna be an amazing 4R when you’re done. I wish I had your experience. I’m really good mechanically but not so at bodywork. I need two pieces of steel welded together to make an awning bracket. Feel stupid that I don’t know how to weld so I have to take it to a shop

 

Appreciate the encouragement, I have a vision in mind just gonna take a little to get to it. If you think of any other things to look for please let me know. I'll post stuff as I go through the repairs for updates on where things are.

 

Still a possibility of locating a replacement frame, The rust is odd in that is appears isolated in certain areas. Based off of the pics
you have attached, It looks fairly good to be repaired on a piecemeal basis as it sits (by the pics)

Major plus is anything can take place on the outer banks at any time so use what you have available!

 

Yeah that's what surprised me with the hammer test is the vast majority is solid, just a couple of spots that need some love. Love the username @RumHamRunner73

 

If you decide to fix the frame, please make sure you disconnect the battery before the shop or folks start welding on the frame. There are countless issues on fuses and all the electrical stuff that can go bad once welding starts. I think a decent shop can fix this whole thing. Wishful thinking here: budget for the frame 2K, budget for the engine fix 3K. Ok, give an extra 1K for extras. It might be more really, the engine stuff is in the unknown territory but experts would know best. Good luck! This could be a good build thread.

 

Good thinking about the battery! Yep I'm hoping to document each step as things progress. Hoping to have a firm diagnosis and plan of attack on the engine by Friday then will go from there.

 

The weld in patches will fix that easily
Seen it done countless times
You are good, breathe, its no real big deal