While playing with the upper tailgate switch today I realised that underneath the decorative external cover there is a steel guide bar that runs horizontal across the bottom of the tail glass. On mine there is quite a bit of rust so would like to replace asap.

Ques 1 / Does anyone have the part number and/name of this part so I can order either online or over the phone?

Ques 2 / Any ideas on rust proofing the new part to avoid it happening again?
I know galvanising would work but with it being a thin piece Im worried that the heat from the process would warp/twist the part.

Thanks in advance!

Photos to help.....

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

I am unable to help but am amazed by the rust problem.

how and what do you remove to see this?

M 2005 (55) RRS 4.2 V8 S/C Buckingham Blue
All bulbs changed for LED's
Graphite Powder Coated 20" RRS S/C Alloys
Side Steps
Tints
http://rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic1760-45.html

You have a 6 year anti-corrosion warranty - I would speak to LR - that is terrible

Quote:

Anti-corrosion warranty

Should any part of the bodywork of the vehicle be perforated by rust corrosion, the panels affected by the perforation will be repaired or replaced by any Land Rover dealer/Authorised Repairer, completely free of charge, regardless of any change in vehicle ownership.

The anti-corrosion warranty begins at the same time as the vehicle warranty and continues for a period of six years.

The term 'perforation' means a hole that penetrates through the bodywork caused by corrosion from the inside or underside as a result of faulty manufacture or materials.

In that case I definitely wanna know what and how to take off the external panel so I can check this out! Got one year left on the corrosion warranty! 2005 (55) RRS 4.2 V8 S/C Buckingham Blue
All bulbs changed for LED's
Graphite Powder Coated 20" RRS S/C Alloys
Side Steps
Tints
http://rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic1760-45.html

Cheers guys

Will call LR this afternoon

To view/check yours, lift up the upper tailgate glass section, look at the interior plastic cover panel where the switch and lights are located, there will be approx 8 torx/star allen key screws along the length of the plastic section, once removed look at the exterior colour coded panel at the bottom of the glass, slide this upwards and remove, be greeted by the lovely photos above!
Long winded explanation to make it easy but it only takes 5mins max to do

Im guessing its from the same water penetration that causes the switch issue.

Ask if any further help needed

LR might wriggle out of it due to the required paintwork inspections clauses

Nowadays you can get it serviced were you like but paintwork warranty check still have to be carried out by a LR dealer or they can void it

Havn't called them yet however I'm slightly concerned by the info on official website......

Should any part of the bodywork of the vehicle be perforated by rust corrosion, the panels affected by the perforation will be repaired or replaced by any Land Rover dealer/Authorised Repairer, completely free of charge, regardless of any change in vehicle ownership.

The anti-corrosion warranty begins at the same time as the vehicle warranty and continues for a period of six years.

The term 'perforation' means a hole that penetrates through the bodywork caused by corrosion from the inside or underside as a result of faulty manufacture or materials.

Coming to this via a link in a more recent post but would be interested in the end result. Did you persue it through an LR dealer and get a replacement fitted? 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

His last post on here (anywhere) was 6 years ago

I suspect he has sold it and moved on