Tailgate window leaking/rusting...

[purplecrocs]

I've found a couple of small puddles of water in the boot recently, and now having just taken the curtains of the tailgate window I can see a corner is rusty...

So i guess I want to know what my options are - and how much it will roughly cost (I'm a bit skint!)

Will it need a new seal? Its a westfalia double glazed window
Will it need welding? if so would a body shop that does welding be able to remove and re-fit the window?
Any idea of costs and places near Brighton anyone might recommend?

Or is there a way of temporarily fixing it to get me by for a while?

Thanks for your advice...!

[CovKid]

Some kind of sealant (gutter-roofing sealant - cheap in DIY stores) squeezed under rubber - and look for a new tailgate. They're generally easier to come by, easier than trying to weld/repair and a whole lot less hassle than the front end. Up to you, but thats definately route I'd explore.

[purplecrocs]

ok.. can you get a clear sealent that would do the job? And I would put it under the seal where the rubber meets the body work - would I also need to do it where the rubber meets the glass(well plastic) or is it not likely to be coming in through there?

[CovKid]

Don't use clear silicon sealant - it is very short lived in this application. The stuff I'm suggesting is roof-gutter sealant which is black and around £3 a tube. It tends to stay sticky except where its exposed and will at least keep the water out. Remember this is only a temporary solution whilst you work out how best to deal with the tailgate in the longer term. Yes you put it under the seal - cut the nozzle so you get a thin bead. Caravan owners use it a fair bit. No you don't need to seal between rubber and glass - just rubber and body.

[purplecrocs]

great, thanks for the tip. Yes - just to keep me going till I sort out weather its going to need a new tailgate or not...

[CovKid]

Pay PARTICULAR attention at the top of the seal (ie roof) as the rear seal has similar probs to front in that water works its way under the seal, trickles down under the rubber lip and lays at the bottom (sealed in) until - well, need I say more....