Forester 2003 - Rear Hatch Cavity Rust Ugh!

[Kevin]

While trying to get the new Yoko GO15 into the spare wheel well the hatch bottom plastic trim piece came off and I noticed some rust along the bottom of the hatch opening along the pinch weld seal. Pulled the seal off and seems it's the seal itself that has caused the rust! Interestingly it is just the LHS that has caused rust so I guess there's probably a left-hand slope on the car port so any water tends to sit in that corner. So after scraping back and wire brushing the rust away I have applied two coats of etching primer and while waiting to dry I went and got some new pinch weld seal from Clark Rubber. Still a WIP ATM; in another hour I can apply the first of two final coats then the new seal.

 

[ateday]

So far so good with mine. But I don`t look too closely.

 

[Kevin]

May be worthwhile lifting the trim to have a look; or a close look at the pinch weld seal

 

[idw]

MY sf hatch had cancer as well, but the thing was worth scrap even when I bought it so I pretended not to see the rust

 

[Kevin]

I wouldn't mind so much except that it was the rubber pinch weld seal strip that caused the rust!

 

[subyroo]

I wouldn't mind so much except that it was the rubber pinch weld seal strip that caused the rust!

If that's the only bit of rust Kevin, your 18 yr old Forester and where it's been is doing bloody good mate.

 

[Hugh]

Thank you @Kevin !
I checked mine out and just caught the beginning of some rust on the pinch weld. Lots of sand and dog hair about pretty sure the previous took the dogs to the beach and back often.