quattro digest, Vol 1 #4428 - 16 msgs

[Larry C Leung]

FYI,

IF we are talking 4KQ, there are no bolts holding on the rear spoiler,
just adhesive. If it's a 90Q, then I don't know.

LL - NY

> From: Jpinkowish at aol.com
> Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 12:18:43 EST
> Subject: Re: 4kq trunk center reflector removal / leak repair
> To: quattro at audifans.com, lrickert at covad.net
>
> In a message dated 1/4/03 8:40:36 PM EST, lrickert at covad.net
> writes:
>
> > After a good rain water pours out of the right side of trunk lid
> reflectors/light unit
> >  when I open the trunk. The light socket is supposed to be in
> there has been
> >  missing since I got the car.
> >
> >  anyway the questions are:
> >
> >  1) how can water get into the reflector thing?
>
> Hi Luke,
> I occasionally get the water drip thing too.  Only for me, the h2o
> comes out
> of the stamped metal piece on the inside of the lower trunk lip that
> is just
> below the center section light unit.  Even though I installed new
> automotive
> caulking around the center section and lights, water prolly gets in
> through
> capillary action somewhere.  You can also check around the bolts
> that hold
> the spoiler to the trunk lid.
>
> Look more closely next time you open the trunk after a rain.  If the
> plastic
> reflector/light isn't cracked, water shouldn't be getting into it.
>
> >  2) how do I get the reflector panel off the car? is it simply a
> matter of
> >  removing the screws under the license plate and cutting the old
> putty away
> from
> >  under the outer light unit?
>
> Remove the screws that are behind the license plate and also the 2
> nuts on
> the backsides of the L/R light sections.  Use a 1-2" putty knife to
> gently
> separate the lights from the trunk lid.  Remove the schmutzy
> caulking and
> replace with new.  I used glass setting butyl tape from a NAPA
> store.  Part
> #4195, 5/16" diameter.  It's really more like a rope.
>
> Now that you have the center section off, you may discover rust
> spots.  Good
> time to repair.
>
> >  3) speaking of removing the license plate, two of the four bolts
> that hold
> it on no
> >  longer have anything to attach to. (they rusted on at some point
> and the
> nuts
> >  attached to the plastic were ripped out) any suggestions for a
> good way to
> fix
> >  this? I will be replacing the steel with stainless hardware one
> way or
> another.
>
> Forget stainless; black plastic is the way to go.  You can buy kits
> at any
> FLAPS.  My suggestion for fastening the new nuts in the kit to the
> center
> section is to use GOOP adhesive(not the hand cleaner and not the
> shoe repair
> stuff) that is available at all Sears Hardware stores and prolly
> Lowes/Home
> Depot.  A little antiseize on the plastic screws and you're all set.
>  BTDT
> for 2 yrs with no problems.
>
> HTH
>
> Jan Pinkowish
> '85 4ksq
> Bristol, CT
>