I am creating a post to help those who are having rust stains streak from beneath the door handles. Apparently, this is due to a screw that is non-galvanized/stainless, that holds the door handle in place. I attempted yesterday to pull off the rear passenger panel to identify the type of screw it is, but ran into a hassle trying to pry off the door panel with a spatula (covered in electrical tape). Below are some photos showing the rust and the loosening of the panel. I will be picking up the trim tool today and reattempt this procedure. I will also pick up a roll of butyl tape to reapply the weather wrap, as I have the vehicle sprayed by Krown annually for rust prevention and would hate to have that stuff seep into the cabin. All four handles are having this issue, and I am worried about the rust getting into chips around the handle.

A side note: I am visiting the local autowreckers later today to see if they have a shell for the rear tailgate, as I am also noticing rust start to eat at around the plastic trim. If I can get one in the same colour, I will create a post for the install. I picked up this '05 about five months ago, and there was no indication of rust (it was still being driven by the dealers manager, was not entered into their inventory yet nor was it cleaned for customers, so they did not know about the rust issue).








...To Be Continued