My Rear Hatch has rusted on the inside of the upper window channel and every other one that I have found for sale has the same problem. The rest of my hatch is in great shape. Does anyone have any ideas on this one? Should I attempt a repair, keep looking for a better hatch or ?? :confused:

So, I guess that water found it's way into this area and is easily trapped?

Do you have pictures?

These pictures are kind of awkward, but imagine the hatch in the raised position and looking up at it:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f350/GTOJohn/LiftGateBad1.jpg?t=1164679400

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f350/GTOJohn/LiftGateBad2.jpg?t=1164679471

Cut that out and fab some metal to repair that hatch if you can not find a good one. Should be a fairly easy repair. Nice flat surfaces.

I guess that if I knew what it looked like under the weather strip and with the window removed, I would feel a little more comfortable with the repair. As it stands, I am not much of a sheetmetal fabricator or welder, but have the tools and willingness to learn.

I think if you sand blasted that piece or metal dipped it there would be ALOT of metal gone. Look at pin holes showing thru. I would hold out for a better piece to start with.

If you can not find one and they are scarce spend the money on yours to repair. Have a metal shop "break" you a metal piece. Try to go to just a metal fab shop and not an automotive shop because they will not how much in need you are of the part or that you can not buy one and will charge you more. Try it, what have you got to lose!!

Great advice, guys. Thanks a bunch.