The other day I noticed a small rust bubble on the tailgate on the outside edge above the drivers side numberplate light area and on closer inspection underneath the lip and around the light fixture the paintwork is bubbled and corroding with rust stains inside the lense. I know it'll be 8 years old next year and some corrsion can be expected, just thinking if anything can be done to slow the process down - maybe use a small wire brush clean it down and use some rust treatment? suppose I could get an estimate from a body shop as it can't be a massive job to sort it out... anyone else had this problem?

Rust used to be standard on cars after a year or 2 let alone 8! Some Rovers had rusty bits from the factory!

Your best bet is to give it a good clean, paint on some rust converter, usually comes in a liquid or gel. Then paint if you want it to match.

Mines starting to go in the same place. My spoiler is peeling too so might get it all done together

How is your rear number plate held on? I've seen some cars were people have just used self tappers and drilled into the boot! This would cause rust.

How is your rear number plate held on? I've seen some cars were people have just used self tappers and drilled into the boot! This would cause rust.

That's how my plate was fitted, hence I too have the odd paint bubble.

DB.

Theres no corrosion around the numberplate it's just around the light fitting, the corrosion will be accelerating at this time of year especially now it's cold & frosty and our cars get covered in salt thanks to the road grit.

Dont you get 10 year paint warranty?

I know on vw's you do anyway...

Edited 2 December, 201213 yr by hutchysrs50

Yes, I think you are correct, 10 anti-perforation warranty, This offers assurance that any defect in the corrosion protection applied to body panels that results in perforation corrosion is rectified at no cost.

Is it worth popping into my local dealer?

If its already rusted through it'll be too late id have thought

Yeah it's deffo rusted through, I'll have a closer look this week as I just noticed the numberplate light isn't working on thst side, it could just be the bulb needs replacing or it could be directly related to the corrosion.

Yes, I think you are correct, 10 anti-perforation warranty, This offers assurance that any defect in the corrosion protection applied to body panels that results in perforation corrosion is rectified at no cost.

Is it worth popping into my local dealer?

I have a strange feeling that to claim this you have to had your car inspected for rust every year by a dealer. However I might be wrong on this, so there is no harm in asking them.

I'd say the best bet is to try and pick up another tailgate from a breaking car or something. As once metal contains the rust the only proper way to remove it is to cut it out and weld in new metal sadly.

I've been looking on ebay and theres a few black magic vRS tailgates for sale for around £70 + £40 postage for a courier, that seem fairly reasonable?

http://www.ebay.co.u...2a1f0e8aa7#shId

I'd say so, but if your like me just stress to the seller how good condition it must be or he will be having some come backs

LOL already sent him a message about it and many questions! Is it an easy swap, what about all the electrics etc? I won't be doing it myself, just thinking how long it would take in body shop labour costs. I'll wait for his reply anyway....

I'm not to sure how long it will take tbh mate, it will be less costly than having it sprayed etc though

My mate got the roof of his polo resprayed under warranty. He only had it a few month so dont think he could prove it had been checked.

I think they dont do the work on things like stone chips, previous damage or other paint repairs.

What age was the Polo? Think I've decided to get a replacement tailgate, one that isn't corroded.There must have been a weakness for the rust to take hold like that. Just waiting to hear back from the guy about this one on ebay, better check how difficult a job it will be to do the swap I don't wanna be paying £100's...

03 polo sport i belive. The claim was last year also.

Edit: as for fitting it'll take at least two people, an hour sound generous enough, basic tools needed.

Keep in mind its a very common rust spot, my 06 sport with 50k miles had already started rusting/bubbling.

Edited 2 December, 201213 yr by hutchysrs50

Do you have any pics of the rust and the area it is showing ?

Dono why i've said polo, it was a lupo sport sorry. Not that it makes any difference.

Dont you get 10 year paint warranty?

I know on vw's you do anyway...

I thought it was 12 for some reason, or is that wishful thinking?

Either way, it's only for stuff bubbling up from underneath, as I'm sure you know rather than rust.

VW wouldn't honor my claims, with FSH (as that effects the way the rain lands on the car, obviously!), as the problem was on 'non-included plastic bodywork'. I do wonder how much the warranty is actually worth, or if it's just a marketing ploy. . . [cynic/]

I'll try and get some pics of the rust later this week, I'm working for the next few days so most of my travelling will be in the dark. Needs a bloody good wash as well....

I thought it was 12 for some reason, or is that wishful thinking?

My parent's Octavia's manual says the anti-perforation guarantee is 12 years, but my Fabia says 10, so I guess that's where it's from..?

I've bought that tailgate, the guy said it was superb condition and pretty much spotless. Should be here Thursday.

Not sure whether to get it put on straight away or keep it in the garage until after winter and let the other one face the elements for the next 3 or 4 months.