I took a look at an 88 Toy today just to start getting a mental basline on what everything looks like underneath. If you read my other post you'll know I'm actually trying to purchase an 81 SR5.

Well the 88 had rust holes in the frame, in several places, that were big enough for me to get my hand into. Is this a common thing? All the holes were right about where the body mounts are located. I understand that some of these trucks will rust at the bed seams although I still haven't figured that one out. I do know that late 70's and early 80's steel, for what ever reason, was prone to rust faster than the late 60's early 70's and 90's on up. I ran scouts for a long time and the early ones would sit in a field and not rust while garage kept 77's and up would rust if you looked at them cross-eyed.

Are the 81's prone to rust in specific places? The one I'm planning on is still about 99.9% rust free and I'm planning on coating the frame as soon as I can to keep it that way. Are there any areas that might need closer inspection?

Also wondering about areas that are prone to cracking or if there is any place I should go ahead and weld in some plate to reinforce it.


Thanks again and I'll try to post up some pictures this weekend if I can finalize the deal.

 

As a general rule, the rust you see is half of what you will find should you try to repair it. I would leave that truck alone unless you want to live in the garage for the next year and have no social life.

 

4 days ago


4 hours ago.Dont think it will break now. 81 toyota 4x4



It cracked on both sides at the front where it starts to curve upwards. some other parts of the fram where its box in, is rusted out. nothing some steel wont fix. But if you can fit your hand in some holes, stay away

 

Thanks guys. I wasn't planning on the 88 I just wanted to crawl around under one to start figuring out what things look like. I'll be sure and check the 81 out where the frame makes that curve.

Thanks again.

 

yea...make sure u check the floor pans under the carpet and soundproofing material...i didnt check mine for a while..and found out they was almost nothing left of the driver side...umm...thats the only place i have any rust...i got ALOT of surface rust on the roof..but its nothing...im sanding it down and painting over it.

 

Bed
Cab Floor
Check around the body to frame bolts.
Those are the only places I have really found rust on mine. Depending on the location the frame could be bad too. Alot of work to repair in my opinion. Then again I am not good with a welder.