small rust spot - sand or quick fill?

[Captainfrat]

Hey All,

I have a small rust spot (or what it seems like) on the rear hatch (see attached pics)... How can I fix this before it becomes too bad? Do I need to somehow sand in there or scrape it down, or is it possible to fill it in with something?

Thanks!

 

[R.A.]

Looks like the rust goes deeper than it looks. I'ld pull the interior cover off and see what's going on; then I'ld pull that handle off and see what's going on.

Edit: you might also look for rust under the door and window seals.

 

[Mytoy4]

Looks like the rust goes deeper than it looks. I'ld pull the interior cover off and see what's going on; then I'ld pull that handle off and see what's going on.

Edit: you might also look for rust under the door and window seals.

I agree, it's probably deeper than it looks. If you look at my build thread, I had a similar issue and repaired it.

 

[rfuree11]

Thirded that there's probably more. I had some corrosion issues on my hatch, including where yours is. Once the body shop took the moulding off, there was a lot more hidden behind it that all needed sanding, anti corrosive primer and a proper paint job. I'm not sure what year you are, but there is a TSB for certain 4th gens and it should be covered under the 3/36 bumper to bumper warranty.

 

[Captainfrat]

Damn... I have an '08... was yours covered under 3/36 or did you have to pay out of pocket? what did it cost?

 

[Mytoy4]

No. Mine wasn't covered. It's an '07 and I just had it fixed last year. Fortunately I know a good body man, so I paid next to nothing to have it done.

 

[rfuree11]

I paid cash for mine and also got some other work done. In MA, depending on where you are, expect to pay around $450. They will need to strip the gate (moulding, glass surround, third brake light, wiper), put on new emblems, and clear coat the whole thing.

 

[Mytoy4]

My emblems were removed but put back on.

 

[rfuree11]

That's not really the right way to do it, and not even worth it considering what they cost.