I'm in the market for a '95-'97 FZJ80 and I'm concerned about rust issues on these trucks. So far I have gleaned that the tailgate tends to rust along the bottom edge. Are there often rust issue under the flares or in the floor/wheel wells? Where does it tend to pop up on these? Thanks!
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Roof rack rear wind deflector around glass gaskets front and rear.rust belt parts of country the rocker panels.
Just bought my 97 FZJ80 in Kittery, Maine. But the prior owner had undercoating done every year (I plan to continue this) and there is almost no rust and none in any bodywork. The only rust on it is on the running boards, and I plan on getting them replaced with sliders with a step (my girlfriend is short) soon.
Below Drivers Side Rear Door. Runner Board was covering most of it.
Roof Rack is another known trouble spot.
Rear Hatch another known trouble spot.
Look at the fuel and brake lines underneath....pass unless you have a lot of patience to replace, or don't mind paying.
Passenger Side Below Back Door Look how clean frame is, truck lived it's life in NC.
I'm sure this spot trapped salt as truck is mostly rust free elsewhere.
I recommend Fluid Film for $36 Gallon from Zoro on Ebay.
If you have compressor get the kit with sprayer, if not find a shop and make sure they drill holes in inner doors and do them as well. Persistence pays off.
100%
My truck is dying a slow death due to rust. It would be cheaper to get a clean truck from the south and ship it back then it would be to fix all the rust.
The other option is if you are buying the truck with the intention that it will be disposable, 3 - 4 grand to drive a truck into the ground for a few years isn't a bad idea, provided that's what your goal is.
the "lip" of the rear wheel wells collect a lot of dirt and this is a common place for rust to start up. Windshield and lift gate: if any water gets in behind the rubber, rust will start back there and you wont see it until it's already a big problem. Check your potential purchase vehicle for touch up paint around the windows.
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- #9
Wow, awesome responses everyone! Thanks for the details. I just want to be able to zoom right in on the trouble spots. My intention is to get a southern one or maybe visit my mom in AZ and see what's out there. I would be willing to pay someone that knows what they are looking at to inspect an 80 for me and I'll have it shipped up here (if any of you know of a clean one near you). My budget is under 15k . I just can't daily drive a rust bucket anymore. Is it pretty fair to say that a California or Texas truck isn't going to have any rust worth worrying about on the body?
Unfortunately, I'm well aware what it takes to do rust repair. I work at/run a custom car shop and we do lots of 30's through 50's cars and trucks. Many of them get the North East chop...which means the bottom ten inches is missing or look like a screen door. I totally agree on the Fluid Film too. We use it inside cavities on some cars.
Unfortunately, I'm well aware what it takes to do rust repair. I work at/run a custom car shop and we do lots of 30's through 50's cars and trucks. Many of them get the North East chop...which means the bottom ten inches is missing or look like a screen door. I totally agree on the Fluid Film too. We use it inside cavities on some cars.
People drive across country all the time, so a truck bought in AZ may have actually lived half it's life in Chicago, if you catch my drift. Even if buying in the desert, you still need to closely inspect.
Colorado is not known for being a particularly rusty area (although I have seen some pretty bad ones around here), I bought a honda that was originally purchased in OH before coming over to CO and it ended up dying of terminal cancer.
Colorado is not known for being a particularly rusty area (although I have seen some pretty bad ones around here), I bought a honda that was originally purchased in OH before coming over to CO and it ended up dying of terminal cancer.
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- #11
Good point. The inspection is really the key but it won't let you look between the pinch welds and under the glass flanges so knowing where the truck was gives you another data point. A carfax showing it's registration location every year might be a good clue also.
What is this rust you speak of?southern states ftw
Rust requires two things: moisture and oxygen. From my time in the south there is very little of either.
