Trunk rust/leak issue

[bhw33191]

I just thought i'd put this out there for the sake of someone with a similar problem. When i got my car it had a leak in the trunk that for the life of me i could not figure out where it was coming from. AFter a long time of searching i finally found it. There is a panel seperating about 6 inches between the rear window and the trunk. Under that panel on both sides of the car is where rust loves to make a home. "You'll need the trunk open to do this and also take off the molding around the rear window. There was a hole i could stick my foot through on the left side and on the right side i could see where the rust was about to come through and form a hole. Simple fix if you have a welder. I found numerous rust spots along that hole area under the panel and so i just sanded that down and sprayed on some primer to prevent problems later. I recommend everybody check to be sure. This leak lead to the failure of the rear speakers which puzzled me. The water apparently folowed under and resided in the insulation boxes under the speakers and rusted them until they stopped working. So to avoid a lot of aggravation i recommend checking this.

[PeteA216]

Mine leaks there too... it's incredibly common on this body style. After repairing the damage, or even before damage occurs if thats the case, it'd be a really good idea to use a tar based undercoating on that area under the panel to help repel the water, thus avoiding rust.

[mike561]

Im also with you on this issue as well, my other 88 caprice had rust there too, VERY common on these body types in that area under that metal panel. i put bondo over that area then sanded and made sure it looked neat but still coverd the holes. i still get a few drips but not nearly as bad when i first got the car. i notice once rust forms there you really cant completely seal it. i got body shop estimates in the thousands, and it would involve removing the rear glass if its that bad.