Preventing rust from developing on upper tailgate?
- Thread starter Kabanstva
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Unfortunately it happens worldwide, must be something to do with the runaway that causes this problem. At one time Mr T replaced them but no longer seems to happen here in the UK....
Rust on upper tailgate? I haven't seen that but I've only examined maybe 10-12 LX's.
Could this be from the leaky brake light gasket on the upper tailgate?
Could this be from the leaky brake light gasket on the upper tailgate?
Water finds it's way into the hollow cavity of the clam shell and rusts from the inside out. This was very common on all the LC's/LX's in my area - some far worse than others. The one I bought lived most of it's life in SF before moving back East so it's relatively clean. I sprayed Fluid film up into the clam shell twice a year and it's been fine over the past 3 years.
Yes,
Remove the stupid open cell foam gaskets under the license plate lights and the outside hatch latch handle. They hold moisture (and water) like a sponge and the rust gets a head start in those areas. You're better off with no gaskets than the foam ones. The latch handle is a bit of work to remove but not that bad compared to repairing the damage from the aftermath if the gasket is left in there. I used bicycle tube material for replacement gasket for the latch and no gasket for the lights. They are mostly to protect the paint anyway, Don't need them for sealing.
Remove the stupid open cell foam gaskets under the license plate lights and the outside hatch latch handle. They hold moisture (and water) like a sponge and the rust gets a head start in those areas. You're better off with no gaskets than the foam ones. The latch handle is a bit of work to remove but not that bad compared to repairing the damage from the aftermath if the gasket is left in there. I used bicycle tube material for replacement gasket for the latch and no gasket for the lights. They are mostly to protect the paint anyway, Don't need them for sealing.
Someone suggested that you squirt some ATF into the pinch weld all the way across the bottom of the rear hatch (Via removal of the interior panel) as it will fill the bottom of the void and help prevent rust.
I have a little rust forming in this area. When I was troubleshooting a rear cargo water leak I pulled off all the hatch trim panels. They are easily removed. Doing this exposed easy access to the inside of the top hatch. I could see rust forming. I sprayed a good amount of Fluid Film in there in hopes of slowing things down. Will check back in 5 years and let y'all know 
O.K. for the latch handle but not for the license plate lights. Need to be able to remove them for changing bulbs.
Like I suggested, though, you don't really need anything there anyway.
And Fluid Film is the way to go. It's been doing the job on mine for years. No more new rust developing anywhere. Old rust is not progressing.