Hey all

This afternoon I finally decided to change out the decades old inner weather stripping in my Z. All was going well until I pulled the doom light trim off - the large piece of plastic on the roof support. Once off I found a 1.5" rust section near the drivers side. I pulled all the other pannels of to ensure this was the only area of rust. Pressed around the rust with a screw driver and went right through. After pulling out all the rusted out metal - the whole is about 1" - 2" across - I found where the water had entered. The rear hatch seals - little plastic bucket near the hinges - had broken allowing water into the cabin. Looking at the rust this must have been going on for YEARS.

Two questions. First off is this an important part of the car that needs to be fixed immediately or can I let it sit like it is for a while - a year or two? Secondly, does anyone know where on can get new hatch hinge seal? Both of mine are in pretty bad shape. I sealed the hole(s) with some silicone sealer and fixed the outer hatch seal again - I'm going to replace this soon. I'll try to get a photo of the damage and post it here tomorrow.

Thanks

Jan

Jan,

I just bought a new set out of Australia from "peterkm123" off ebay there were about $56 a pair the only other source I know of is Precision Rubber I believe at $140+ per pair.

Charles

Jan,

I just bought a new set out of Australia from "peterkm123" off ebay there were about $56 a pair the only other source I know of is Precision Rubber I believe at $140+ per pair.

Charles

also available at vintagerubber.com

***NEW ITEM*** Datsun 240Z - Hatch Hinge Seals - Pair

Yup $130 plus shipping versus $56 from Australia ...

Charles

Fix that rust immediately, or at least treat it and keep car out of weather.

I agree with Bryan. You need to either fix it or keep it away from water.

Chuck

Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions and link. I've painted the rust and the surrounding area with rustoleum paint to keep it from rusting more. As for keeping the car out of water, I live in Arizona where it rains, about six or eight times a year so that isn't an issue. Also, I'm planning on replacing the outer hatch seal as mine is broken at the top. Should I use the one piece one or the three piece, or does it not matter?

Thanks

Jan

Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions and link. I've painted the rust and the surrounding area with rustoleum paint to keep it from rusting more. As for keeping the car out of water, I live in Arizona where it rains, about six or eight times a year so that isn't an issue. Also, I'm planning on replacing the outer hatch seal as mine is broken at the top. Should I use the one piece one or the three piece, or does it not matter?

Thanks

Jan