Anyone else have this problem with the coupe boot trim?

[Rusty]

Since I bought the car 9 1/2 years ago, the rear trim that sits on the top of the rear panel has been a bit wobbly and has progressively got worse. This is slightly annoying but more so that it leaks a bit in to the boot. I've tried all sorts of things to seal it and it usually just works itself loose and starts to leak again after a period of time... like the lights...

The reason the panel is loose is that the base of the holes have all but snapped off, meaning that there is now nothing to hold it in place

I've just done some DIY on mine and glued in some M10 washers but I've had an idea for a much more permanent solution that could be used to provide a much more reliable fixing and seal.

If I can get an idea of interest for this, then I'll get a price for a batch.

It's the ridged trim in this pic:-

[4WDrifter]

Nice colour is that grey or silver?

[PeteRR]

That is the very part that I'm currently looking for as mine has the same problem.

I've removed it for now, but would be very interested if you come up with an improved solution Andy

[Rusty]

Sorry, not my car, just a picture I found on here.

My soluion may have exposed screw heads but as I always use stainless fixings, where appropriate, they will not rust and look rubbish.

Usual long lead times on the first batch, as I have to design them and then they go for quote, get programmed for the CNC, made, finished etc. All takes time compared to just bashing out an existing design. I'd hope for something in the 3 month region.

I usually try get at least 5 people and me interested in the first batch. I'll start a list.

1. Rusty
2. PeteRR

[Error404]

This bit is definitely a source of leaks. I managed to get an undamaged one and sealed it better with some little rubber washers, windscreen mastic and stainless cap-heads. Dry now

[Bowie69]

Same here Error, mastic, stainless screws, and had to drill one of the old ones out because of rust, but it appears to be holding now

One of the slotted holes is a little worn, but still OK with the correct sized bolt heads in place.

If you can give a reasonable description of your solution I may well be interested though

[Rikki Kitto]

I've never even seen this part on my car Put me down for one please

[Rusty]

I'm not recreatring the part, just the fixings

As I no longer have the slots for the screws to hold against, I'm going to design a new bung with a countersunk bolt. Simple but effective. The trim can be sealed with whatever you like and the bungs and bolts will seal themselves. I'd hope for about £20 the lot but depends on machining costs. Bolts are cheap enough in stainless or even titanium

[Rusty]

How important are the slots? Does the trim have to be aligned or is it just bolted up?

[Bowie69]

I don't think that important, I would guess if it was too far off centre, then it may pinch the seal either end and make it difficult to clamp down. I would say there is zero chance of it interfering with something 'hard' that would stop it securing or sealing properly.

It's an M6 bolt through there, and probably only got 3mm adjustment either way -I'm not about to take mine off again to check in case it starts leaking again!

[rynaqui]

I must be very lucky to have a coupe that isn't also a fishbowl

[Rusty]

Good guess at the adjustment. Slot is 12.4mm

I've got 2 solutions so far and the non-adjustable one is better.

[Bowie69]

I would think non-adjustable would be fine in all honesty...

Are you thinking a solid plug to fill the hole then a longer bolt through?

[Rusty]

Basically, yes.

[Cottis]

My S2 is the first coupe I have owned that doesnt have this issue. Previous CQ and the sort have rattled and leaked and what have you. I should keep my mouth shut as no doubt it will start leaking now