Gen 1: Is this surface rust or bad rust?

[Seru]

Hi,

I'm looking at a high mileage Gen 1 Raptor and I found one that is in my price range and preferred color. My previous F150 had similar wear but I don't remember the leaf springs being that rusty-looking. Any opinions?

 

[Thomas_JohnDoe]

I would be more worried about cab corners

 

[CoronaRaptor]

I wouldn’t worry so much about the springs, how’s the frame and like @Thomas_JohnDoe mentioned the cab corners and the rockers.

 

[Shekkie2432]

What little I can see of the frame doesn’t look great. The springs don’t concern me much. Take a look at the rockers as well.

It all depends on price and your goals.

 

[EricM]

There is only one thing that matters here- how long do you plan to keep it?

 

[Seru]

So I was able to get it inspected and here are more details. Main concern are the rocker panels with rust holes. I was planning for this to be truck that I use occasionally for camping out at national parks and to be able to go off paths to camp. I like the look of the truck and color and its well within my price range. I have no experience in trying to fix these types of rust issues or if they are going to be issues further down the line. I'm guessing I would like to keep the truck until used 2019 Raptors are not crazy prices so.... 6 years lol? Thanks for any feedback so far and any further feedback.

 

[EricM]

That truck is in horrible shape. It will be an issue down the line, and rust is pretty much impossible to fix yourself unless you are handy with a welder and a paint gun. Professionals won't touch it either. There's no way I'd recommend anyone ever buy a truck that looks that underneath unless it's a winter beater that will be going to the crusher soon.

You are in LA says your sig- find a truck that has lived it's life in CA, UT, TX, AZ, or NM.

 

[WestcampTX]

How'd a Cali truck get that rusty? Were they driving it into the surf or something?

 

[Seru]

That truck is in horrible shape. It will be an issue down the line, and rust is pretty much impossible to fix yourself unless you are handy with a welder and a paint gun. Professionals won't touch it either. There's no way I'd recommend anyone ever buy a truck that looks that underneath unless it's a winter beater that will be going to the crusher soon.

You are in LA says your sig- find a truck that has lived it's life in CA, UT, TX, AZ, or NM.

Yea - Thanks for the push in the right direction. I think I'll have to expand away from the terrain color and include white as well.

 

[Thomas_JohnDoe]

pass, keep looking