Originally Posted by Hawk Monster
OK! You have my attention. I read the entire thread last night and went and looked this AM. I have a 2007 coupe in Arizona BUT it gets cold here. It was 15 degrees last night. The car is garaged all winter November thru April. Hand washed and does not get driven in the rain. I am the second owner so I can not speak for its prior life in Arizona.
Well drivers side is dry with NO rust BUT the passenger's side has no rust but I can see and feel the wet.
Questions
1. Should I take off the seal for the winter?
2. What can I put on it to protect the door when it has NO rust on it. I want to provent it.
Thanks
Joe
PS I have always had a two seater -- MG - TC, TD, Midget, B and A as well a TR-6. So I am very familiar with the ravages of rust. This car is a true pleasure. I laugh to my self when I read about the poor creature comfort, etc. Anybody remember wood floors and adjusting carbs. This car is a true pleasure to cruise in.
The answer to your question is in Andrews post #41 and 42 of this thread. It doesn't matter if you find any rust under the seal or not. All Crossfire doors, 04 thru 08 are designed exactly the same, and they will all trap water behind the seal at the bottom of the door. (when the car is washed, or left out in the rain) The best way to prevent the rust from starting, or effectivly repairing the rust after it happens, is to seal the area with a paint like Por15.
This won't stop moisture from getting under the seal, but it will keep it from reaching the exposed seam where the rust will eventually start.
I think after using this repair/prevention method, it would still be a good idea to pull out the seal and clean off and dry the area occasionally, because it will continue to get wet, and will collect rinsed off soap residue.
I don't believe pulling out the drain plugs in the bottom of the door is necessary because unless your drain holes are plugged up, there shouldn't be a problem, and it's totally unrelated to the trapped water behind the seal. But if it makes ya sleep better at night, then by all means go for it.
