Tell me if I can still drive

[Cricab1289]

I bought this 2013 Silverado from a Luther dealership. I swear I looked underneath and it didn’t look this bad. I must’ve been blinded or something. Literally the next day after buying it, I took to a carwash that offers underbody sprays. I come to discover frame rot, there’s a crack halfway along the driver side frame rail. A hole near the gas tank.

 

I called the dealership to attempt to get my money back to no avail. They said they inspected the truck and deemed it road worthy, and nothing could be done or undone due to it being as-is. 
 

a welder framer quoted me $4k for replacing that rail. The passenger side not as bad but still needs replacement at $2,500. 
 

overall this truck cost me $7,600 13’ with 194k miles. 
 

thoughts? 

[Cricab1289]

[richard wysong]

You used to be able to buy a new frame from GM for less than $1000, no idea if they are still available or today's cost. I don't know where you are located but here in Mass if it won't pass inspection within 7 days and it cost more than 10% of the purchase price to repair it they have to take it back or repair it, as is or not UNLESS it was sold for parts or repair written on the bill of sale. I bet the cross members behind the cab are swiss cheese as well. Welcome to the Forum!

Edited April 3 by richard wysong

[CamGTP]

That welder guy likely didn't want that work with a quote like that. He must think it's going to take 20 hours of welding to do that repair.

 

Finding a frame is an option but that is a ton of work. You'll have another $1,000-2000 just in other parts you'll need as so many things will break as you swapped parts over. Plus you need a lift and the time to do it.

 

I'd find someone else to do the welding work if that is the route you take. That rust on the frame is super common in the Midwest, see it all the time on trucks like yours.

[Cricab1289]

14 minutes ago, CamGTP said:

That welder guy likely didn't want that work with a quote like that. He must think it's going to take 20 hours of welding to do that repair.

 

Finding a frame is an option but that is a ton of work. You'll have another $1,000-2000 just in other parts you'll need as so many things will break as you swapped parts over. Plus you need a lift and the time to do it.

 

I'd find someone else to do the welding work if that is the route you take. That rust on the frame is super common in the Midwest, see it all the time on trucks like yours.

In your experience, what is a reasonable price for getting a sleeve welded on? He said he would do the entire rail plus gas tank crossmember. 

[richard wysong]

Before investing any $ into it do a thorough inspection of the frame around the suspension and steering connections front and rear, etc. Taking the bed off will save the welder some labor and allow a better inspection of the rotted areas. Pretty easy to do , only a couple beers job and you will need a couple 3 of your friends to lift it off unless you have a means to lift it

[newdude]

Do they not have annual vehicle safety inspections where you live?  If they don't, I'd start petitioning them to do so to prevent stuff like this being sold.  

 

Here in NY that truck would have never seen a dealer's lot unless it was a used car lot, and they likely would have put some effort into repairing that before selling it.  Or, it would have gone straight to the salvage yard.  

 

 

[Cricab1289]

1 hour ago, newdude said:

Do they not have annual vehicle safety inspections where you live?  If they don't, I'd start petitioning them to do so to prevent stuff like this being sold.  

 

Here in NY that truck would have never seen a dealer's lot unless it was a used car lot, and they likely would have put some effort into repairing that before selling it.  Or, it would have gone straight to the salvage yard.  

 

 

I live in MN, and I guess they’re not required here. It blows my mind though that the dealer is going with that it’s safe on the road. 
 

At this point I’m checking the frame everyday to see if the crack grows. I’m even thinking of tackling this myself and getting a mig welder from harberfreight. 
 

im not lying though, I haven’t been sleeping well after making this purchase. 

[carkhz316]

It'll be fine. I'm in MN too and most of these trucks with that age and mileage are in that condition. I wouldn't sweat it too much.