Hi, I just bought a 2007 F150 XLT 4.6L with almost 125k miles on it, from a Ford/Lincoln dealership in my area. A couple owners, last one for almost ten years. Nice looking truck, always wanted an F150, took me 39 years to actually get a sharp older model, but my local mechanic says it has frame rust, and suggested I consider finding a welder at some point. I know of one in my area, Trenton, NJ, but I'm not very knowledgable about trucks, rust, or pricing for plate welding, etc. I'm probably stupid for buying a used truck from a dealership without taking it to the shop first, but I've been looking for months, and people keep snatching things up before I can get an inspection done. This year seems hotter than prior years as far as demand for used trucks goes. Does anyone know how expensive I should expect this to be? I'm just going to assume it's not something I can safely ignore for a few years, especially bc my girl wants to drive it a couple days a week. I really appreciate any guidance, and apologies if I'm not in the correct place.

- Ryan

 

I'd probably look locally for a custom fabrication shop for trucks. I would think they would know the proper welding procedures on frames but do some research before, so you understand what they're going to do for you.

 

normal rust areas are the front shock towers.... and the frame below the bed area... You might look at those areas ...... have the mechanic show you the "RUST"... is it just starting to flake off, or are there massive holes in the frame ? Cost to repair depends on how it is done... Remove bed and plate over the sides or replace 3-4 ft plate section ........ or is the frame toast ?

 

some photos

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...placement.html

 

I really appreciate the advice. I'll try to inform myself as best possible before I get it looked at by a specialist.

 

Thank you for explaining that. I regret I wasn't at my mechanic while the truck was up on the lift. I was told it was substantial, but I'll have to try to get some photos. Apologies for not being prepared. I'm gathering it can be prohibitively expensive to repair. I wouldn't mind replacing some aged parts like the original suspension, etc, but I guess I might be overly hopeful.

I appreciate you sharing that thread, and that person's story. There was a lot of helpful information there. I sincerely hope my truck isn't that bad. Thank you so much for the time and consideration. I appreciate it.

 

 

Thank you to everyone for the guidance.

 

So, apologies for the lack of pictures at the moment. Got a little more info from my regular mechanic. They say the frame is "split" along the sides, and that the rear of the frame is "rotted through" to some extent. I'm told it's not an immediate danger in terms of being driveable, but that ultimately it will need to have some form of plating wrapped around the sides of the frame, presumably on both sides, and welded to repair it. I'm going to try going back to the Ford dealership I purchased it from this past Saturday to see if I can cajole them into either doing that or getting my money back, before I explore repair at an independent shop. Hopefully that's not wishful thinking. The day I bought it, when I asked (in my ignorance) about any rust damage, they said there was nothing significant, and pointed to the PA inspection sticker from earlier this year on the windshield. I admittedly know very little, but I understood those inspections involve lifting & assessing rust damage, as opposed to those done in my home state of NJ. My mechanic tells me someone must have purchased that PA inspection sticker. Idk how a Ford dealership can pass something like that off to an unsuspecting customer. I would think confirming a state inspection would be straight-forward for folks with their resources. Anyway, I'll post photos as soon as I can see it back up on a lift, and will provide an update on any progress or lack thereof. I wish there was some way I could remediate the situation for at least a couple of years, but I guess I need a better sense of the damage before that could be determined. Thanks to the community for the very helpful and educational input and advice. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

 

You need to contact the district attorney.

 

Tremendously considerate of you to share these videos. Thank you so much. I knew almost none of this, and it was incredibly informative and educational. Thank goodness for knowledgeable folks! I'm feeling a little ashamed with this whole process I brought on myself, but I'm truly enjoying the learning experience, thanks to those here. Thank you.

 

You need to explore legal options. If it is indeed a fraudulent sale, you should not be stuck with a dealership ripping you off.

 

Is a major dealership, meaning Ford, GM, etc even allowed to sell a vehicle retail with out a current safety in the US, unless it specifies sold as-is or for parts?

 

I thought dealers were Required to inform buyers of extensive frame rust~ It's a safety issue~

 

https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-131390-999-997.aspx