I have a rust problem under neath my hatch..its the panel on the rear of the car. There is bubbles of rust. Should I just buy a new panel or how can i fix this? and also do you know whats under that panel, havent grinded at it so i dont know if theres rust down there too.

Pretty common place for rust to get a hold on. More than likely when you start to grinding you will find the rust has eaten from the bottm of the panel up. If you remove the tail lights and the finisher, you will have better acces to the damaged area. Don't think there are replacement parts available, but since it is a flat piece (and you caught it at the bubble stage) you can get some flat steel and weld a patch. Just make sure you get all the rust top and bottom.

Do a search for hatch rust. At one time someone posted a very detailed how to, on making a patch in that area.

Originally posted by Smokey

Don't think there are replacement parts available, ...

I see replacement panels on e-bay once in a while, and here's one cut off a parts car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2467506597&category=10076

Courtesy Nissan also is selling new ones:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CP&Product_Code=999M1-S30ZR

I've seen replacement panels come up on eBay once in a while. They typically start at $130 or so.

Kind of spendy, but they do have the correct dimensions and the raised surfaces and the important cutout for the lock mechanism.

Smokey is right, it probably started from below and worked it's way up. Very common problem.

Depending on your metal working skill and your body repair abilities this may or may not be a big problem

Good Luck

Enrique

Actually, the repair panel is becoming available, Banzai Motorworks has them and more and more of the parts suppliers are picking them up as well. Bout time eh?

http://www.zzxdatsun.com/

Click on Catalog, then Bits and Pieces and it's half way down the page for 110 bucks.

Here's a link to an eBay auction;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2467295441&category=33656

E

Originally posted by EScanlon

Here's a link to an eBay auction;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2467295441&category=33656

E

Looks like the same part that Courtesy Nissan is selling for $113 and Banzai for $110. The $135 in the auction seems pretty steep.

I know another of another supplier for those, too . Current ‘list’ for the panel is $130.92 . I’ll match a current quote from the other suppliers…and the shipping price will be reasonable too :classic:

http://www.midwestz.com/Z_Body_Panels.htm (at the bottom of the page, "Upper Panel (above taillights)")

Originally posted by mwz

(at the bottom of the page, "Upper Panel (above taillights)")

Out of curiosity, what's the "Lower Panel (below taillights)"?

Is that really "behind taillights" or, more accurately "around taillights". If it's what I think it is it actually has holes in it for the taillights.

Originally posted by mwz

I know another of another supplier for those, too . Current ‘list’ for the panel is $130.92 . I’ll match a current quote from the other suppliers…and the shipping price will be reasonable too :classic:

http://www.midwestz.com/Z_Body_Panels.htm (at the bottom of the page, "Upper Panel (above taillights)")

Wow! Your site has undergone some changes Chloe! I didn't know you were into body panels now... Looks like I'll have to visit more often :classic: .

Out of curiosity, what's the "Lower Panel (below taillights)"?

Is that really "behind taillights" or, more accurately "around taillights". If it's what I think it is it actually has holes in it for the taillights.

That one needs a picture...I need to do that. It's a repair panel that covers the area from the bumper area and on down. It has the cutout for the exhaust. The measurements are about 49"L x 10" H.

Originally posted by mdbrandy

Wow! Your site has undergone some changes Chloe! I didn't know you were into body panels now... Looks like I'll have to visit more often :classic: .

I've been working on it :geek: