Re: 2 * 2.1 SD
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2026 7:52 am
I de-rusted the rest of the tailgate outer spots and notices some at the bottom edge, internally, under the latch unit where there is a strengthening plate welded on.
I think water has been entering via the latch handle area and running down inside the skin. The construction is such that any water that does enter via the light units, or latch unit drains out of the bottom of the tailgate, however the under the latch area is only primed, no top coated and is made of more than one sheet of steel, so has edges, where paint won't cover well.
I tried scraping and wire brushing this area, but access is extremely limited, with no chance of being able to de-rust completely, so have resorted to using a phosphate rust converter, which converts and encapsulates rust to make it stable and impervious to oxygen.
I have given this and whilst I had it available, also the outer bare patches, three coats of converter.
I think water has been entering via the latch handle area and running down inside the skin. The construction is such that any water that does enter via the light units, or latch unit drains out of the bottom of the tailgate, however the under the latch area is only primed, no top coated and is made of more than one sheet of steel, so has edges, where paint won't cover well.
I tried scraping and wire brushing this area, but access is extremely limited, with no chance of being able to de-rust completely, so have resorted to using a phosphate rust converter, which converts and encapsulates rust to make it stable and impervious to oxygen.
I have given this and whilst I had it available, also the outer bare patches, three coats of converter.