Thread: Hatch Rust Repair - Doable? Worth it?

I'm getting the NX painted and the trouble spot is where the glass meets the hatch. The body is great otherwise, pillars, rear towers, door jambs, rockers, trunk floor, all great.

Do you guys think I could sand this out without removing the glass? with removing the glass? or are we looking at a cut and weld job?

If the last is the case I'll probably look at a new hatch and just have it painted with the car.



now that I look at the photo I'm thinking - anyone have a hatch in Socal?

That looks doable! Atleast I saved my hatch, just make sure you remove every bit of cancer, and even it out with some good filler.

Here are some before pics:




Mid work:



Will post some after pics tomorrow if I have time

Did you remove the glass to do it or did you just hit it with the wire brush / Dremel around the glass?

I haven't done any body work - I've always been afraid of it to be honest.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

I didn't remove the glass, i just just applied a Dremel until everything was gone. It's amazing how much you can accomplish with filler and sanding, don't be afraid

I am interested how you got around not screwing up the rear window seal by this method.

I was hunting for a hatchback today online and calling junkyards.. two leads ended badly and am waiting on the third. I need to fix my hatch ( may post pics if that is okay, I will make a separate thread if the original poster doesn't mind. This could possibly turn into a sticky with enough info and trial and error's.)

BreadBoss- Have you attempted fixing yours yet?