It does just as you said, traps the salt/water/sand/etc. Just rip that sucker off.

 

I was wondering that too, the one side that DOESNT have the rubber has the rust, and the side that DOES have the rubber doesnt have the rust.

 

I am a little confuse... On or off?

By the way, any idea why does all Subaru I see (older model) rust always starts at the rear panel?

 

Theres a guy by me up in school that repairs subarus and i asked him about it bc mines starting on the drivers side. He said he believes its the seam and insulation filler thats along that joint in the wheel well thats causing the rust. He says the filler is like a sponge and absorbs the water. Then its just a matter of time till it rots out

 

can you get a spray on rubber undercoating and spray it all in that area?

 

I say keep the rubber liner. I had it on there forever and no rust. Then I got rear ended a little back a couple years ago and the bodyshop did not replace the rubber liner. Within a year I had rust.

Anybody have a part number for that liner or know where to get it for a good price? I want to get two new ones for my car (After I get the small rust spots repaired)

 

I say keep the rubber liner. I had it on there forever and no rust. Then I got rear ended a little back a couple years ago and the bodyshop did not replace the rubber liner. Within a year I had rust.

Anybody have a part number for that liner or know where to get it for a good price? I want to get two new ones for my car (After I get the small rust spots repaired)

^ thats what I'm worried about. So does anyone know, is it glued on or just suck on with resistance?

 

I'd be interested to hear any other theories as to how to stop rust from forming there. I assumed since the bumper and rear quarter panel met there, and the tires throw everything from the road into that seam, it was going to rust unless you cleaned it out all the time.

 

In Minnesota is pretty bad with the salt. I usually wash the car every week in the automatic car wash place and wipe the rear panel dry with a clean towel.

Even in summer I would take that trim off before washing my car.

 

Mine are still on since day one, and so far no rust under them.

 

hmm I thought taking them off would prevent stuff from getting trapped, but I took mine off and it seemed like they rusted more. I also drive on dirt roads a lot. Im planning on painting over all the rust in POR-15 inside my fenderwell as well and then topcoating it in durabeck bedliner, I think that will do the trick.

I think im gonna try and clean out the insulation where the rear fender meets the rear bumper, adn POR all that stuff too.