Started work on the 'catflap', as the lift gate is often called. Removed the window and took out the latch mechanism and rods, then carefully removed the lower seal cover and the seal itself. The steel frame on the lift gate is in good shape, with just suface rust, and no cracks or rust-through holes. A little difficult to trace how far the surface rust has gone under the paint, but it doesn't look too bad. Gave it all a thorough once-over with the wire wheel, then scraped and sanded, and then applied a liberal coating of
Rust-Converter to the exposed metal then sprayed it into all the holes in order to coat the insides.
Latch mechanism on top the bracket/cover in which it is normally held. Galvanizing has stood the test of time, with no rust in the mechanism, and the springs are in good shape. Have straightened the rods (apart from the normal bends), as they were quite bent out of shape.
A bit of in-the-field ingenuity: using a bolt or threaded rod to replace the tapered end. Must have taken some work, as it's also been tapped to fit on the rod. It'll be staying, unless the lift gate seems loose.
