Check your tailgate for signs of rust

[mikeonb4c]

It's been said before I think, but I discovered the beginnings of rust along the bottom seam between inner and outer tailgate panels. The warning sign was a bit of rust staining on the bumper from the drain holes at either end of the tailgate (bottom reveal). So I've removed trim card from interior, peeled back (not cut) the polythene vapour barrier (slice the black goo with a sharp knife as you peel, and you can press the polythene back in place later) and got some Kurust in there using a paintbrush with extension handle, and also painted the inside lip of the tailgate. I have a can of Dinitrol and will get that on tomorrow with luck.

Seems easy to access and do preventative work so best checked/done sooner rather than later.

[Triple/R]

Yes Mike~ DBO put a post on about it quite recently so i went out & looked at mine & was chuffed it was alright ~but it's always worth mentioning again for anyone that missed it

[dunslair]

Yep. next job on my list to do. Ours is a 2003 model and showing signs at this point, at least with it being white you can see and catch it early

[bigdaddycain]

I think DBO's actual tailgate is ok, it was the panel beneath the tailgate weatherstrip that had the rust. The seam on the underside of the tailgate is a bit of a rust trap i've noticed on a few bongo's now... The same applies to the seam under the bonnet, where the inner and outer panels meet.

[mikeonb4c]

I think DBO's actual tailgate is ok, it was the panel beneath the tailgate weatherstrip that had the rust. The seam on the underside of the tailgate is a bit of a rust trap i've noticed on a few bongo's now... The same applies to the seam under the bonnet, where the inner and outer panels meet.

Yup, I think anything with Bongo and seams in it has to be watched. Lack of galvanised dip I guess (oh, and old age!).

[lazyb5]

Not sure where you mean but as i was undersealing and waxoiling today i decided to play safe and undersealed the gap under the rubber seal on the body and removed the rear door card and waxoiled the inside of the rear door. Not to mention the underneath and the rear axle and...... you get the picture.

[mikeonb4c]

Not sure where you mean but as i was undersealing and waxoiling today i decided to play safe and undersealed the gap under the rubber seal on the body and removed the rear door card and waxoiled the inside of the rear door. Not to mention the underneath and the rear axle and...... you get the picture.

Good idea. It's the inner and out skin seam right down in the botom of the tailgate that is the problem. I used a brush taped to a stick, to get right down there and flood it first with Kurust and next with Dinitrol (classy waxoyl, though std waxoyl would do just fine).

[helen&tony]

Hi
When I got the Bongo, I took the door trims off and waxed all of them...and under the bonnet , all along the edges...spare aerosols of Dinitrol are available with a long flexible tube to poke up the drain holes and top them up....HOWEVER...check from time to time that dust and grongle doesn't bind with the wax, and block the holes!....I've had that before on a mini ...A proper Mini...not one of those nasty german-y sort of things that have taken over as the "New-Look Mini Metro"...
I love Minis ...had every model except a Moke....WANT ONE
Cheers
Helen