PO foamed the FJ62 frame ... now what??

[BostonLC]

Did I make a newbie mistake taking this rig home with me? At first thought I was like that's probably a good idea to keep out moisture, etc... but now reading of the rust problems I prob have within.

It does need some work at a minimum xhaust, suspension, and good tune up. Engine I think is ok, drove it 100 miles home without issue.. but will be getting a compression check for sure.

So hence my question, considering the fixes I def know about listed out.. do I have a probable structural issue brewing??

 

[woutur123]

could you post some pictures

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Yup, pictures are vital.

 

[Firephil]

I would say get a paddle for your next river crossing!! haha j/k pics are essential.

 

[Shad0wTr0n]

The PO probably just used house hold spray foam. I can't remember what it is but there are certain cleaning chemicals or solvents that will break it down and clear away the foam. If you could remove the bumpers and jack up one end and pour some in, that could get it out.

(haven't ever done this but I think it could be worth a try)

 

[brian]

get it out. that stuff will act like a sponge.

 

[snowboardonsnow]

urethane foam is a little more resilient to chemicals then open cell but I am sure there is something out there that will break it down. Get the frame sad blasted hah that otta work, but I am sure you are looking for something simpler...

Edit: I ment foam cell I think which can be dissolved by almost looking at it.

 

[60Works]

If the rest of the truck is rust free the frame is probably in good shape too. If the rockers and wheel wells are mostly gone or bondo you're in trouble. Is it a New England truck? Passing Mass inspection can be a pita and foam would be a good way to temporarily disguise a rusted through frame.

You won't know till you get it off. x2 on the previous posters on finding what chemical will melt it. See if you can scrape the bulk of it off with a putty knife first. Maybe a needler if you have an air compressor. The try a spray bottle with solvent. I'd start with something mild like alcohol or miniral spirits and work your way up to tolulene or MEK. Wear gloves and a resperator and clothes you don't care about.

I hope you didn't get ripped off by the seller.

 

[rover67]

acetone dissolves some kinds of foam. It is nasty stuff though. read up on the health risks associated with using it... in fact that's why i quit using carb cleaner on everything, most of it is acetone.

good luck

 

[BRUIN4]

Stay away from the chemicals, acetone, stripper etc. use a power washer. I deal with both polyisocyanurate and urethane foams with work and if you think you are going to dissolve them with acetone after they are cured you will be making a mess and getting yourself sick.

Just power wash / scrape the frame.

 

[BostonLC]

So here are some pics.. It's the whole damn frame. Scrapped a little out but this stuff is in there tight

 

[krzyabncanuck]

That there is ugly.

Good luck with it whatever way you go here.

 

[Wyoming]

Wow! Are you sure it is not doing what it is intended to: Keep out the water? I know your (and mine) first instinct is to think it is holding water, but maybe the PO did his homework and found a product that worked (Unlikely, but that is what I would hope for).

Otherwise...Oh, I don't even know where to start. I'll ask around though.

 

[brian]

you're screwed.

 

[msr203]

Never ran into this problem but could you run a drain snake in side frame rail to try and hack it up?

 

[AKcruiserfreak]

Hmmm, not cool. I'd just drive it and keep an eye open for a good frame. It looks rusty, but whattcha gonna do? it would be impossible to get it all out of there.

TK

 

[snowboardonsnow]

Just keep in mind it's all or nothing kind of thing.

 

[roalco]

All the PO did was seal in the active internal frame corrosion ( moisture, mud , dirt, salts, etc) that gas been accumulating for the last couple of decades Trying to clean the inside of a regular frame is nigh on impossible, but foamed ??
Hammer test the frame regularly ( it's rusting out from the inside so visual external inspection won't work) drive it, and find another frame.
Sorry, it's s pain, but lots of us are on our second frames, it's all doable !

 

[jozlod]

All the PO did was seal in the active internal frame corrosion ( moisture, mud , dirt, salts, etc) that gas been accumulating for the last couple of decades Trying to clean the inside of a regular frame is nigh on impossible, but foamed ??
Hammer test the frame regularly ( it's rusting out from the inside so visual external inspection won't work) drive it, and find another frame.
Sorry, it's s pain, but lots of us are on our second frames, it's all doable !

curious, what do you do with the VIN when swapping frames?

 

[Zack1978]

Based upon the pictures I would just leave the frame alone. The frame looks to be in very poor condition at this point, so just drive it while you look for another frame. You will be spending countless hours attempting to remove the foam, and you will still have a bad frame in the end.

Zack