Rust on bottom of tailgate and lift gate

[ShootingCar]

Everybody I know gets rust across the bottom of their 100 tailgates and lift gates. Mines not so bad so far. Two body shops have told me that they can't fix it as the rust is inside the rolled seam on the bottom and can't be stopped. Has anybody ever gotten a fix for this common problem. Thanks Jeff

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Hit it from both sides - grind what you can see and paint, what you can't see on the inside encapsulate so it doesn't get worse with something like POR15. Best case that stops it, worst case that slows it and you readdress when it shows up again by maybe cutting metal out.

 

[Rad26rio]

I bought a 2007 in October and afterwards noticed rust on the bottom of the rear lift gate right where the latch to open it is found. Also rust on the counter spring apperatus for the tailgate. Long story shortened, I had a leak around the third center break light replacement panel. My actual brake light is on that rear wing assembly. The bozo that designed the replacement panel on the actual body specified a foam gasket that leaks. An added benefit was a wet rear cargo carpet and perpetual wet dog smell. After taking it apart and resealing, I have a shortcut fix if you are finding the same symptoms.

 

[shibubba]

I have the same issue with my 05. I think it was excelerated by the cracked upper tail light.

I was worried that the por15 wouldn't be able to seal it around the roll and seam sealer, although it's an amazing product. I used fluid film, sprayed the crap out of the lower seam on a warm day and allowed it to creep.

Hope it works! I don't want to replace the hatch!