Lift Gate Rust (what can be done?)

[bulldog1402]

Been going back and forth on getting a certain 100 or not.

I live in CT and all of them have rust up here. I have learned to just deal.

I found one that isn't bad but it has this nasty blemish on the rear lift gate:

I know this is a common area for rust on a 98 100 series but my question is, using it as a bargaining point and getting the price down, what could I do to fix it on my own?

It looks pretty bad.

Thanks for any help.

 

[RND1]

I found the same problem while searching for my LC here in New England. If the prior owner let it get that bad, I would be more concerned about the rust you can't see. Personally, I would walk away from this one. The only way to fix that is to source a new rear door from a recycler in a dry state.

 

[bulldog1402]

Negligible rust elsewhere. I hate to have the rest of it look nice and have that fugly eye sore in the back.

 

[stonepa]

Buy a replacement from a breaker yard. It's a relatively easiest install if you have a friend.

 

[r3run33]

Rust in OUR area is just something you have to deal with! Check the car; if engine etc is properly maintained then go for it! I got same rust but have a fancy Lexus trim piece to cover it.

 

[bulldog1402]

Yeah you can't win the rust battle up here and maintain your sanity while having a good time.

Will use it in my negotiating if it gets there. Didn't know if anyone had any luck with a fix/repair.

The listing said "minor rust spot on rear. You can barely notice." What planet is this guy on? Luckily toyota serviced everything else.

 

[skhochay]

Been going back and forth on getting a certain 100 or not.

I live in CT and all of them have rust up here. I have learned to just deal.

I found one that isn't bad but it has this nasty blemish on the rear lift gate:

View attachment 962938

I know this is a common area for rust on a 98 100 series but my question is, using it as a bargaining point and getting the price down, what could I do to fix it on my own?

It looks pretty bad.

Thanks for any help.

I suggest you to clean and cut off the rust then patch the damage with some material and on the top place logo from LC 2006+ rig it will go on the top on the damage so it will cover it. http://shop.cruiserparts.net/index....=22494&zenid=844d7a0a83a85a6a7555317d027be100

 

[bulldog1402]

Ok so here is a better picture of it...

I am thinking my two options are:

1. Get a donor lift gate and put it on. Pretty easy. Anyone have any experience with this (ie what is the best place to look for a piece like this? There are no Land Cruisers at any junk yards in my area).

2. Clean and cut and patch and cover it up.

Other than this spot, its relatively blemish free.

 

[bulldog1402]

Here is a better picture

 

[Get outside]

There's no cleaning option for rust! The whole bottom edge of that gate is rusted and what you see is just where it went through first, the rest will follow soon!
Replace the gate with another one from a dry state and you'll be happier. Shouldn't be impossible to find (I imagine).

 

[bulldog1402]

Any suggestions on sites to look at?

 

[hoser]

Replacing the hatch/liftgate would be the real solution. But a temporary fix would be to give it your best effort at bodywork and then slap the late model sticker/emblem sticker over it all.

 

[bulldog1402]

Yeah I don't want to risk getting more back in there.

No rust anywhere else. Any idea where this leak is coming from? Rubber gasket?

 

[stonepa]

Breaker yards have these kinds of panels. I replaced the tailgate to my 4Runner with a rust free part from California. Even got the same color. They shipped it to ohio on a pallet. The whole tailgate, including shipping, was less than $800.

 

[bulldog1402]

Hmmmm guess I will have to get on it for searching then.

 

[RND1]

Here's a starting point:

www.car-part.com

 

[77HesterSue]

My last LX470 had a rusty lift gate. I live in Iowa and they salt the roads. I looked and looked to find a replacement lift gate without much success. I would encourage you to do some looking before you buy assuming you can find one. Good luck!

 

[bulldog1402]

Yeah they are not so easy to find and a decent one at that!

 

[bulldog1402]

Assuming I could fix it adequately, I know rust is like a cancer. Suggestions on how to treat the surrounding area and possibly stop it from happening again?

 

[bulldog1402]

Well I am gonna pull the trigger and try to fix it. Found a guy locally who has some quality work and a guarantee.

We will see what happens. Planning on getting one of the newer badges for the back to cover up the area too.