Frame coated with VHT

[cerberusdog]

I posted the horrible frame pictures earlier but now have a different question. I am looking at another TJ 1997 that has had a vht epoxy painted frame so the frame looks amazing. How do you know that they did just not cover up a bunch of rust? At 13K, not sure this is a good idea for my daughter since it will be her daily driver.

From the seller
139,000 miles. this is a rebuild i started a couple years ago. this has been kept stock with oem parts. it has less than 1000 on a new transmission rebuilt by a1 transmissions in amanda. no welds on the frame completely original floor pans(the reason i purchased this originally) nearly ever sensor has been changed with ngk . bosch 4 barrel injectors. distributor plugs and wires. radiator. fuel pump and tank . flow master cat back and dyno comp muffler. brand new brakes calipers rotors and drums. bump caps and stops. spring perches and isolators.stock monroe shocks.. 1000 in a sound systems,kicker speakers and rockville amp. . new weather strips. door handles and locks. bush wacker fenders. ingnition and ignition switch. best top seat covers trunk seperator, and lock box. smitty built net. undercoated with vht epoxy paint and so many more. runs sooo smooth. could put a bed rug carpet in if it was a deal breaker.

 

[B1Toad]

I dunno, it sure looks nice. I probably spend some time underneath it with a bright flashlight, a bore scope and an awl. (I'd probably sneak the awl under there in my pocket)

 

[cerberusdog]

I dunno, it sure looks nice. I probably spend some time underneath it with a bright flashlight, a bore scope and an awl. (I'd probably sneak the awl under there in my pocket)

I was thinking a flash light and screwdriver to test for weak areas.....not sure what a bore scope and awl is but I could take it to a frame shop to get looked at first.
My profile should say I Know Nothing About Cars

 

[cerberusdog]

I dunno, it sure looks nice. I probably spend some time underneath it with a bright flashlight, a bore scope and an awl. (I'd probably sneak the awl under there in my pocket)

Oh I just looked up bore scope! It is like the endoscope we use at the hospital. I want one!!

 

[B1Toad]

Oh I just looked up bore scope! It is like the endoscope we use at the hospital. I want one!!

You can get low priced bore scopes on Amazon that work on a smart phone. An awl is just a tool with a point on it, sometimes called a scratch awl that you use for making marks on metal.

 

[Andy-WhiteTJ]

Those torque boxes look in great shape. Usually if there is issues with the frame, there are issues with the torque boxes as well.

I would stick my finger in the holes of the frame and feel around for any loose rusted metal chips. If the bottom of the frame feels very smooth, you're probably good to go. I would still use a borescope to look around inside.

 

[LONGJP2]

At 13K, not sure this is a good idea for my daughter since it will be her daily driver.

I hope your daughter knows what she's getting into. Even a rust free 20+ year old vehicle is going to have issues.
You could get a much newer (more reliable) vehicle for that 13k.
I know, there's no fun in that; and I made that same decision 35 years ago.

 

[cerberusdog]

I hope your daughter knows what she's getting into. Even a rust free 20+ year old vehicle is going to have issues.
You could get a much newer (more reliable) vehicle for that 13k.
I know there's no fun in that, and I made that same decision 35 years ago.

Yes, we have had multiple conversations about it. I definitely do not want her to do it but it is her money. Unfortunately she might learn a very expensive lesson

 

[P man]

I hope your daughter knows what she's getting into. Even a rust free 20+ year old vehicle is going to have issues.
You could get a much newer (more reliable) vehicle for that 13k.
I know, there's no fun in that; and I made that same decision 35 years ago.

I agree..be smart and buy a Toyota camry for 2k and keep the jeep for weekends

 

[roverhi]

Poke your fingers in every opening in the frame feeling for rust flakes and rough rusted areas. A borescope is a good idea to get a clear view of the frame internal rust. Drilling water drain holes at low spots on the frame will slow future rust invasion. Spray frame interior with non drying rust inhibitor after flushing with water and letting dry. Flush and repeat at the end of each salt season. You don't want a paint like dry coating on the inside of the frame as it WILL trap water underneath any breaks in the paint and accelerate corrosion.

search
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTGF2RL/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[B1Toad]

Poke your fingers in every opening in the frame feeling for rust flakes and rough rusted areas. A borescope is a good idea to get a clear view of the frame internal rust. Drilling water drain holes at low spots on the frame will slow future rust invasion. Spray frame interior with non drying rust inhibitor after flushing with water and letting dry. Flush and repeat at the end of each salt season. You don't want a paint like dry coating on the inside of the frame as it WILL trap water underneath any breaks in the paint and accelerate corrosion.

search
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTGF2RL/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I've been using Fluid Film for years when I go on the beach in Mexico. I never knew they made a black one. Thanks for helping me spend more money

 

[JustDandee]

I have painted my frame on my TJ and this is what a west coast frame can look like with rattle can. It’s the texture that has me thinking that is too cosmetic and covering something but you east coasters may have a better gauge for what is decent. I would definitely want to peak inside.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Stick your fingers inside the frame. You can feel rust flakes, sand-like crap or rough textured rust bubbles.

 

[GPK03X]

The seller listed new spring perches. Why would you replace those? The answer is RUST!

 

[Shank]

I definitely see evidence of rust. It's hard to tell how bad.

 

[cerberusdog]

I definitely see evidence of rust. It's hard to tell how bad.

Can you show me where so I know where to look?

 

[JasterMereel42]

I have painted my frame on my TJ and this is what a west coast frame can look like with rattle can. It’s the texture that has me thinking that is too cosmetic and covering something but you east coasters may have a better gauge for what is decent. I would definitely want to peak inside.

View attachment 462592

How are those wheel spacers? How big are they? I'm about to put 1" spacers on my TJ to prevent tire rub on the suspension components in the front.

 

[tr21triton]

Yes, we have had multiple conversations about it. I definitely do not want her to do it but it is her money. Unfortunately she might learn a very expensive lesson

you better be careful. she might enjoy it and after you ride with her you will end up buying one too ! that one looks super clean but as has been said you have to look and feel inside the frame. there sure is a lot of fresh paint, even the driveshaft isn't rusted.

Can you show me where so I know where to look?

in the 2nd and 3rd pic, see the roughness around the oval hole ? looks like rust pitting, notice how smooth the frame is in Justdandee's picture is ? thats a perfect frame, but in all honesty your chances of finding one like that in the rust belt are very slim.

 

[CreepinDeth]

. I am looking at another TJ 1997 that has had a vht epoxy painted frame so the frame looks amazing. How do you know that they did just not cover up a bunch of rust?

Rust is easy to coat over
That frame looks like its FUBAR and he coated over it

Best to run your hands over every square inch if youre super concerned. Anything that looks questionable, push on it, see if it breaks

 

[JustDandee]

How are those wheel spacers? How big are they? I'm about to put 1" spacers on my TJ to prevent tire rub on the suspension components in the front.

Those are 1”, just want to make sure the rim has the relief spots to handle a slightly exposed wheel stud, if no reliefs the 1.25 is the way you want to go.