Auto body repair & detailing: Crack In My Frame, isuzu rodeo suv, isuzu rodeo

Question
Dear Ernie,

Just happened upon your site while browsing around tonight and hope you can help me.  I recently purchased a 96 Isuzu Rodeo SUV from an individual.  Car looked and ran great. Right at 100k miles.  I checked everything possible before purchasing except racking it.  Completed the purchase and in taking it to my service station to get inspected a rust crack was found in the frame on the passengers side.  Metal in that area appears to be very thin.  Mechanic was pokeing with a pen and making new small holes.  I am unable to reach a return agreement with the seller and am kind of devistated.  Know it's buyer beware when buying for individuals but I kind of trusted the guy you know?  Anyway, without seeing the crack (I do have photos) based on my description and/or just in general do you think this spells death for the vechicle?  I have been told different things by different body shops such as don't mess with the car-unload it to it could possibly be fixed/welded to heating up the frame could cause it to crack more.  I have been saving for a newer car and thought I had a winner. Now I am out my cash and scared to let the wife and kids drive this thing.  CAN YOU OFFER SOME INSIGHT PLEASE?

Many thanks for your service

spitz1@earthlink.net

Answer
You have a couple of options.First you could have the frame patched with plate steel,Two you could section a good piece of frame from a junk yard,Third replace the frame.The first two options would not be recommended by the manufacturer and if you found someone to do the repairs you would probably be asked to sign a waiver releasing the shop from any casualties if the car didn`t perform correctly in a collision.Unfortunatly a lot of import trucks have a boxed frame that holds moisture and dirt and causes them to rust out.If it were my truck I would repair it by patching it And be sure to inspect the whole frame and etch prime and undercoat the welded areas.If the suspension mounting areas are where the rot is then your best option is to replace the frame.