Tail Gate Rusting

[rstro]

Hello
New here--have 1997 5.0 AWD-pretty good shape--except--I have now discoered rust on the bottom of the tailgaite. Any ideas how to fix, and why it's happening?

Rich

 

[EliteConcept]

you haven't provided a picture but my guess would be its in the exact same spot i've seen my 92 rust, and i am begining to see my 97 rust...
why does it rust? i don't know exactly but my guess would be that water, salt, and all sorts of bad stuff get behind it...because theres such a large gap between the bottom of the tail gate and the bumper...
how to stop it? well thats the hard part...sand it and put some fresh paint on it..but treat it early, my 92 got so rusted on the hatch that it was almost all the way through when i sold it, and the truck itself was in TOP NOTCH shape

 

[Private_Joker]

Sand it now before it becomes a riddled with gaping holes of evil!!!

I've read that the 'proper' way to get rid of rust is to cut out the area completely and weld in new metal, but I don't have the details and the 'guidelines' for this type of stuff. (which I'd like to know). If anyone knows of another thread or is willing to type auto-welding 101 for the rest of us!

 

[Raminator157]

I had rust on my 95 XLT on the tailgate on the bottom inside. It happens under the doors on the inside also. You have to shammy under your doors and tailgate to prevent this. I had mine sanded and repainted but ti came back. It gets underneath the seal, so it will come back. If you put some grease over all the rust it will slow it down.