I noticed a while ago that within the boot, around the inner of the wheel arches was rusty, from where water had once upon a time pooled up at the bottom. On one side I’m sure it will have been from the aerial grommet, not so sure about the other. Either way, I left it way to long and now it’s a big issue.
To get some better access and see just how bad the problem is, I’ll need to remove the rear bumper. Which means the lights need to come off for the first time during my ownership at least.
Even getting the bumper off proved to be a real challenge. The main bolt which holds the rear bump strip on was completely rusted and it didn’t matter how much heat or lubricant I used there was no shifting it. I ended up having to rip the passenger side panel of, but managed to rescue the drivers side by grinding the nut off.
Boot Rust!
I took this picture in May 2014 and should have done something about it then.
Boot Rust
I took this picture in May 2014 and should have done something about it then.
Lights Off
It's nice to be able to remove something effortlessly and without shearing a single bolt
Bump Strips Strike Again
I let this one get to me and ended up ripping the bump strip off rather than taking my time and grind the bolt off from inside the arch.
Rust Reveal
With the bumper starting to release more rust is making itself visible.
Bump Strip Culprit
That's one heavily rusted bolt and nut
Bolt Cut
For the drivers side I was able to cut the bolt which saved the threads and the bump strip
Bumper Removed
And 25 years worth of dirt with it.
Rear Skirts
The lower bumper panels pretty much fell off the body of the car, but are well and truly attached to the bumper – they’ll need grinding too
Edge Rust
With the bumper off we can now see more of what we are dealing with. Actually not quite as bad as I was expecting, it’s all localised to the edges
Rear Skirts
The lower bumper panels pretty much fell off the body of the car, but are well and truly attached to the bumper – they’ll need grinding too.
Rear Arch Rust
From this angle it is a lot worse with a clear gap
Rear Arch Rust
The drivers side is worse, with more separation and a clear gap
Rear Arch Rust
Need to stop it before it spreads further
Rear Arch Rust
Alternative Angle
Inside the Boot
From inside, with the bumper removed you can clearly see the gap.
Inside the Boot
The passenger side doesn't show as much light as the drivers.
Rear Skirts
These will need ground off.
Rear Arch Rust
Much work required.
Rear Skirts
One bolt removed.
Bumper Free
Now separated from the lower skirts.
Skirts removed
Bolts still to be removed.
Rear Bumper Skirts Removed
All bolts removed and ready for a good clean.
Naked Rear
Its actually solid here.
Number Plate Lights
Good Opportunity to remove them and get a look at them.
Number Plate Light Screws
These are also rusted and I want to replace them
Number Plate Bulb Holder
Number Plate Lights
Not a lot of cleanup required. Might as well look into uprating the bulb while I am here.
Bolt Gone
Boom.
Stubborn Bolts
It's a real grind.
Another stubborn Bolt
One Size Fits All
This socket has been hit or miss at helping with rounded bolts.
Woops!
I knew I was generating heat with the grinding, but didn’t realise I was melting the plastic quite so badly.
Rusted Bolts Everywhere
I don’t think a single bolt came off whole.
Cracking
The number plate light unit has a bit of a crack in it. To be repaired before refitting.
Dirty and Cracked
The number plate light holder is in a pretty poor state. Cracked in the middle, tired plastic, overpainted and completely shot lens cover screws.
Nasty Crack
Nasty all round
All the way through
Cracked right though
Clamped
Glued the crack with plenty of it and clamped for drying. If there’s time, I’ll try and tackle the rusty screws and tired plastics
At least the bumper is off and I can get in about to start sanding / grinding back the rust to see what I am left with. Job for another day.
Update:That job for another day, turned out to be HUGE! You can read all about it here.
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