Opinions on RUST needed

[oysterhead43]

I would appreciate opinions on this undercarriage rust...

A concern for buying this LC?

Thank you.

 

[Lx470iH8Mud]

I have seen worse. The tank plate holds salt and dirt and will rust out first usually, someone recently replaced this tank holder/plate on this site. I don't think the frame looks too bad. I would hire a hoist and take a few days with a wire wheel. Then paint over with POR-15 rust paint. Prep is key. I wouldn't touch the vehicle if there is any rust on the body but frame is ok if it's not too far gone. Still rust is always a pita and it's better to work on a vehicle without it.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, I don't see enough to worry about, this is a truck. Mike

 

[oysterhead43]

I appreciate your input. Any other opinions? You know what they say...

 

[SmoothLC]

What year and where located?

 

[oysterhead43]

2000 in GA. But most it's life in OH and NJ.

 

[SmoothLC]

Actually doesn't look too bad considering year and location.

In addition to POR-15, there are other rust paints out there that you might consider; e.g. Eastwood.

You may also consider purchasing a vehicle in the southwest where many vehicles are relatively rust free.

 

[oysterhead43]

Thanks.

Can someone show me where the rear AC lines are?

 

[hkeller]

I'd say pass. These things run forever, so long as they don't rust. Wait for a clean southern one.

 

[JBT]

Look for rust in the front part of the quarter panel behind the drivers side rear mud flap.

 

[99toylc]

While a southern truck is preferred for obvious reasons, some of us living in rust belt areas have very limited choices. I've had my truck for a while now (5 years) and sure it looks similar or worse than the truck pictured, but the build quality and rust protection in most important areas allows me to continuously enjoy driving / wrenching and not worrying too much about the evil brawn / red "substance". For comparison I also have a 2000 Tundra and rust on the frame (replaced 2 years ago and known problem) and other parts of chassis was a lot faster progressing than on the LC. Check for rust related problems, but also know that these trucks will last a long time even with some rust and for the most part it will not affect your driving enjoyment.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

If you live in the south why even consider buying a truck from the rust belt? There should be plenty of vehicles available with less rust.

Take your time and keep looking.

 

[stonepa]

Looks fine to me. I have been driving mine in the rust belt for 16 years and it looks worse than that. However, nothing breaks so who cares? Body looks great and I don't spend much of my time laying underneath ogling my chassis.

How long is someone going to realistically own one of these things before they decide to move on to a 200 / 300 or whatever?

I don't plan on keeping mine a day over 25 years

 

[Musky]

Doesn't look bad at all to me. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[oysterhead43]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I bought it.


Yep, there's rust underneath but nothing on the body and nothing that was really disconcerting. Not planning to pass it to my grandchildren or anything.


It's a gray 2000 with 151k miles. Solid interior. Got it for $7550. Such an awesome deal, a little undercarriage rust was not a breaker. I'm really stoked. Drove it 4 hours home from middle of BFE Georgia, back to Nashville, and it performed flawlessly.

 

[stonepa]

Awesome. You are going to love it.

 

[99toylc]

Congrats, sounds like a great buy for the $$$ and welcome to "the family"

 

[sterling]

Was that the truck in North GA, with the CL ad in the snow?

Great find for the $

 

[BadReligion]

Looks pretty minimal. Hit that with some 60 grit sandpaper, 5-6 rattle cans of black paint and repeat as needed every 3-5 years.