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RUSTED FRAME

steveimpala

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steveimpala New Member

steveimpala

Posted
Posted

New member here, I'm sure that this topic has come up before.... I have a 2004 GMC Sierra Z71 Crew Cab that I purchase new here in New York. The truck just reach 60,000 miles, the body on the truck is mint, I mean there is not one scratch or ding on the body at all - she has been babied since day 1. It does get used during the winter months here, but I make a practice of power washing the bottom side when the temperature goes above freezing just to get the road salt off. Other then replacing the hub bearings ( 3x ) and the brake lines two years ago, I'm now faced with rusting issues with the frame. I had this truck undercoated and the floorboards are spotless but the frame and suspension is rusting. Is this a common issue with this year truck or should I just accept the fact since I live in the snow belt region? I would hate to get rid of it, local Chevrolet Dealership would give me between $9500 to $10000 on a trade towards a new truck, but those new 4x4 Crew Cabs are going for big bucks ! Has anyone gone thru this and had their frames repaired and what would be a ball park figure to repair this ?

 

 

Thanks!

anumber1 Enthusiast

anumber1

Posted
Posted

It's a very common issue unfortunately.

 

I know frame repair pieces are available for your truck. No idea regarding the cost of repairs however.

 

My '99 Silverado has frame rust issues also but I have been doing my own repairs, catching it before the problems become structurally dangerous or major breaks occur.

jim44646 Enthusiast

jim44646

Posted
Posted

Frame rusting is a common issue. Salt spray gets into areas rinsing don't. When I change oil I use a cheap harbor freight spray gun and spray the underside, paying attention to openings in the frame with the used oil.

 

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted

How much rust is on the frame? Just my opinion, but typically, if the brake lines have rusted out and have been replaced already, chances are the frame rust has been there longer than you would think.

Z45 Senior Enthusiast

Z45

Posted
Posted

States they use salt on the road to melt snow and ice

33374-what-states-salt-their-roads-what-

steveimpala New Member

steveimpala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Are there frames out there for replacement on this truck? Cost ? Maybe I should just accept the fact and replace the truck.....very depressing considering the cost of the vehicle new and the current condition of the body.

 

Thanks

Long Box 2k Enthusiast

Long Box 2k

Posted
Posted

My 00 came from Bristol CT and the frame, gas lines and brake lines were shot, The frame had supports welded into to it. I bought a southern frame for 400 dollars and the techanical school installed it. It took them 4 months do do it but now I would take the truck anywhere. I have no rust issues what so ever now. since the frame swap I have put 12,000 miles on it.

Cowpie Senior Enthusiast

Cowpie

Posted
Posted

I operate semi trucks primarily in the upper Midwest from NE to OH and up thru WI and MI to the tune of around 135,000 miles a year. Rust is a fact of life. The way I address it is in one of two ways....

 

1) I have grown fond of Amsoil's HD Metal Protector for rust prevention, especially on joints and bolts/nuts.

 

2) for rust that has already started on frames and suspension, I use a rust converter that neutralizes rust and bonds with it forming a black protective coating that one can paint over.

 

Clean the area, remove major flaking, and spray the converter liberally on the rusted area. This stuff is harsh. You should wear proper respiratory and eye protection. But it does a stellar job. It has to cure for a couple of days before you can paint over it.

 

https://www.theruststore.com/Rust-Converters-C10.aspx

Michael_92 Enthusiast

Michael_92

Posted
Posted

Now when you say rusted frame do you mean surface rust or holes in the frame. I have a 2000 Silverado with ~204k on it and the frame has surface rust but otherwise is thick and looks new. I also have an 01 Sierra that has rust HOLES in the frame. One is acceptable and the other is not.

 

If you have surface rust then just get some etch and prep and eat the rust away. The stuff works miracles I swear. Don't bother with a converter or painting over it. Just use the acid and watch the rust go bye bye. Paint over the metal and you are done.

 

It sucks for me because I am taking my Avalon off the road for the winter and need the 01 Sierra on the road NOW. Lowest quote was 600 for a frame. I Just can't swing it right now.

steveimpala New Member

steveimpala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

It's a combination... surface rust, scaling rust ( flaking off ) and rust thru towards the rear of the truck on the bracing, in front of the rear tires on both sides...especially near where the gas tank is mounted .I found a company near me that can repair the frame... the frame is stripped down and if any repair / welding is needed, it would be taken care of. Then the frame is protected with a brush on rust inhibitor, similar to powder coating.... cost - $2500 to start, if welding repairs are needed, cost will go up. The place is called Rustoration, they are on Facebook with pictures of the process.

'01LS1 Senior Enthusiast

'01LS1

Posted
Posted

Would NOT spend 25% of the value of a stock vehicle for frame rust. If you are willing to get a little dirty, look into KBS paints.

For about $250 you would have enough product to do a couple truck frames. If it needs a little welding, unbolt the bed & take it

over to a local metal fab shop.

 

https://www.kbs-coatings.com/ This stuff is self leveling & if done properly will look as though it were sprayed on.

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