Is this rust a deal breaker?

[CoronaRaptor]

That truck is just too far gone! Yeah you could buy it (a lot f'n cheaper) and replace the panels yourself if you can weld, but the resale is horrible. Drive it like you stole it for a few years.

 

[EricM]

Unless you own a body shop, and you wouldn't be asking if you did, run away from that.

I was actually painting that rocker seam on mine with rust convertor last weekend before I put some different steps/boards on it. Mine still looks nearly new and the truck had seen winter prior to me and some while I owned it, but no more.

 

[Big Blue]

I'd run away, that's an $8k-$10k repair.

 

[B E N]

Your already well advised. But any raptor with rust anywhere on the rockers is a no go, its only going to get worse and probably do so quickly. Those panels you see are rusted through from the back side, if you see paint bubbling or rust coming through the paint find a different raptor.

These trucks aren't exactly new any more, but its easy enough to find one with no rust issues.

 

[BlkOvl]

With so many strong “NO’s” already, I figured I’d offer an alternative view.

No, sorry, can’t do it. That rust is cringeworthy. You’d experience less angst spending $10k more to get the right truck.

 

[1BAD454SSv2]

Glad I live in the desert don't have deal with that rot.

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Glad I live in the desert don't have deal with that rot.

That's one of the worse I've seen on the forum. Must of been bathed in salt water.

 

[85eurocarrera]

Great pics, though.

what product are people using to protect against rust? Mine is clean, but it’s going to be exposed to MN winters here on out.
Thanks.

 

[Oldfart]

Great pics, though.

what product are people using to protect against rust? Mine is clean, but it’s going to be exposed to MN winters here on out.
Thanks.

I used Woolwax, it's a newer version of Fluidfilm. I just finished the first winter, it worked really well.

To OP, I guess you got your answer. Like was said, once you can see a lot of it, count on there being a lot more that you don't see right away.

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Great pics, though.

what product are people using to protect against rust? Mine is clean, but it’s going to be exposed to MN winters here on out.
Thanks.

I've used fluid film for 10 plus years on my OG raptor, there's no rust except on my deavers and my aftermarket bumpstop kit (outlaw), but I'm going to wirewheel the ******* out of those this spring and try priming and painting them and then see how they hold up.