Rear Floor Preservation

[61a]

I've just had a new rear floor section fitted on my 300tdi and was wondering if anyone has any good ideas on how to stop the dreaded rust returning as I intend to keep the vehicle for a good few years yet. The new floor has been undersealed and painted and looks really good , just the way I would like to keep it .

Jules

[wrcwrc]

seal up the rear windows and rear sunroof the best you can!

garuntee that is the cause of it going in the first place.

[ekp]

I agree with wrcwrc to seal up the sunroof and rear windows. I'd also pay close attention to the roof rail mounting points which also absorb water like a sponge. One other area that lets in water is the front windscreen, so if you've got wet feet it's probably from there. Incidently how much did it cost to have the floor replaced, and did that include the rear arches as well?

[trinityman]

a tip for preserving steel after welding is to cold galvanize bare surfaces.i have used rustoleum brand 2185 cold galv spray for 15 years on repairs to vehicles and it does what it says on the tin .its not cheap but body repairs are more!!! seam sealers are good BUT rust can be eating away underneath it ,so better no seam sealer and loads of rustoeum then at least the water can get out

[thebiglad]

As others have said, make sure that water can't get in !! Also, considor taking out the sound-absorbing rubber mat for a while and you'll soon see if there's any moisture gathering.

That rubber mat is I suspect a main culpret as moisture that gets into the vehicle is absorbed by the mat and keeps it next to the metal, to work it's magic.

I've just replaced the floor on my wif's TDi200 and then sealed up the side windows and taken out the rubber mat. There is however, a tiny amount of water still getting in so I need to track that down.

[61a]

One of the reasons I chose this 3 door Disco was the lack of sunroofs and hopefully leaks. The seals are new, well about 18 months old, so are in good repair. Good point about the rubber mat, the new labrador does love the water and mud so I might have that out every now and then. Does anyone know of a good less absorbant alternative to the original sponge?

I haven't had the bill yet but it was only the floor panel and as I stripped out the seats and carpets myself he said it was goig to be about £250.

Thanks for the help

Jules

[disco tony]

back doors tend to let water in through the top aswell. Adjust the door striker so rear door has to be slammed to shut, this prevents water getting in through the top seal when it rains. Adjustment is easy, just loosen the cap head bolt, (8mm hex key), not too loose, so it can be tapped a couple of mm forwards, re-tighten and try door again.

[First_Fleet]

Also remove & reseal the 6 rear gutter cover strips. They just unclip. Apply some body sealer in there & replace the strips.

Possibly water is also getting in from the joint between the side panels & the roof. A thin application of a black sealant up into the corner joint should eliminate that, although white could look nice.

[61a]

I'm beginning to wonder whether it may just be easier to put a drain in the floor to let the water out !!!!!!!!!

Jules