Tailgate rusting from the inside

[BlackGT]

Found this completely by chance, as I was investigating a problem with my boot light - the tailgate is starting to rust from the inside out! 



It was difficult to photograph the rust as it's right at the point where the inner skin joins the outer skin, hopefully you can tell where it is in the photo.  The drain hole isn't blocked either.  Very glad I found it before it had gone right through, a bit of paint and waxoyl and it should be ok.  Has anyone else noticed rust here?

[CJA321]

Thats nothing 

[Gti_Jamo]

You'll notice the distinct lack of paint on the hidden areas like that....thats pretty much the reason for it and affects all the Mk3's. Give it a bit of a scrape and a rub down if you can. Then some rust killer before putting anythin on it or it will continue to spread.

[BlackGT]

Yep, pretty disappointing really.  As I say, it wasn't too bad so I managed to scrape the rust off and apply some Loctite anti rust.  Tailgate leaks like a sieve into that area too, around the screws for the lock trim - the bits of plastic the screws go into could do with replacing