Removing Panel Under Windscreen Wipers

[LotusGTR]

Anything I should know about doing this? Take off the wipers and then under the screws? The screws are a funny profile on the head, sorta square shaped. Are they screws or a type of automotive fixing? Just unscrew them? Just don't want to get half way through and find it's harder than it looks......

Thanks guys.

[Sinista32]

It's very easy.

Your on the right track. Remove the wiper arms first.

With the clips they're automotive fixings. Be careful when removing.

If I remember correctly it's a half turn and lift.

Remove the rubber strip at the base. There will be "T" pieces holding it on. Just stretch one way and lift off.

It's likely going to be gungy under there . Mine was dried up mould but cleaned up easy and looks great.

[Sinista32]

Ps. If you happen to loose or break one of the fixings O'briens will have some

Mine were easy and never looked like breaking.

When Obriens came around to put my new OEM windscreen in he was surprised that I hadn't broken or lossed any.

That's why I mentioned being careful

[LotusGTR]

Thanks Sin. I'm not sure what you mean by removing the rubber strip. Do you need to do that to get the plastic piece off the car?

Cheers.

[Sinista32]

I thought so - it's been a while. Maybe I did but didn't need to.

[LotusGTR]

Any dramas leaving the plastic panel off for a while whilst exposed the rain? I note that there is a large opening under the grilled section and I'm unsure where this goes to. I presume it drains as normally water would go through the grill and into it?

[LotusGTR]

Before. Sorry about the shite photos.

[Sinista32]

The only issue will be larger objects (leaves, small branches etc..).

Your right - it is just like any gutter and water run off.

Ps. good photos

Edited June 23, 2013 by Sinista32

[LotusGTR]

After. Some surface rust which I'm wondering how to deal with. I guess to do it properly I'll have to mask, sand, and use some sort of rust inhibiting primer (which hopefully will roughly match the grey). Bottom winscreen wiper nuts are corroded so I'll loosen them and try and make sure they no not sieze and the bolt thread is still OK.

So, under that plastic panel lurks all sorts of mud and dirst and grime which idealy would get cleaned out every couple of years. Another area I've noted that traps a lot of grime is behind the tail lights. I'll get onto this fairly soon as it looks filthy in there.

I've actually covered the car with a cover whilst the plastic panel is off as I think water will get into the engine bay without it.

[LotusGTR]

Oh yeah, the rubber strip does need to come out and I found the only way to do this was to use a flat screw driver blade and carefully pry out the fixings. By the look of them they just press back in so I think this is actually the way to remove them rather than just my hamfisted ways. They are actualy integral to the strip so you can't actually get to them as they are housed within it. Anyhow hope this is helpful to other in the future.

[Sinista32]

A good job. There is satisfaction in knowing it's clean and rust free.

I'd be guessing but not many care enough to do this.

Very well kept GTR

[LotusGTR]

So.......the Autobarn guy didn't really inspire me with a lot of confidence with his advice so I thought I'd come here. The question I have is how I deal with the rust. Most of it is surface but there is one small spot (say 5mm diameter) which looks a little more serious. I'm thinking I sand back the surface rust, dig out the 5mm spot, and then spray with.....?

Clearly the black cover will hide any paint I put on there but I'd prefer to keep it looking as factory as possible so can anyone recommend a product that will match the underbonet colour for a silver GTR and that will be appropriate for addressing the rust as described. I think there are paint products that actually turn rust into something benign, but are they only available in black?

Thanks.

[darksky34]

I think there are paint products that actually turn rust into something benign, but are they only available in black?

Thanks.

fill and paint over? also, no idea what product this is but just an idea, even if this product is black then you can just paint over it again...right?

[BstewyR33]

Kill rust is a clear solution you could try

http://www.wattyl.com.au/en/find-the-right-product/exterior/Metal/Prepare/WattylKillrustRustEeter.html?preview=true

Supercheap sells white kill rust epoxy enamel

Edited June 24, 2013 by BstewyR33

[LotusGTR]

Went the easy / smart solution and took it to Micolour to get it sorted properly. Had some other minor blenishes attended to whilst I was there and also got the front guards spaced out for tyre clearance without losing my guard liners.

Looks too good to put the gutter back on!

I get it back today and will get her cut and polished next week after the rear diff rebuild.....Look out bank account.

[Sinista32]

lolz - small DIY job turns into this

Great stuff

(P.s. Doing something similar next month)

Edited July 5, 2013 by Sinista32

[LotusGTR]

Some shots of the guard widening, venting of the guard liner behind the oil cooler and general hotness of my car

[LotusGTR]

lolz - small DIY job turns into this

Great stuff

(P.s. Doing something similar next month)

Typical GTR. I know, I'll do _____ simple task. $$$$ later......