Hi Folks, Everytime I wash and dry my Z, I notice that water continues to drain from the lower rear corners of the hatch. It seems no matter how I try to press on this area and get the water out with my Absorber drying towel, this area continues to drain. I have a couple of water stains on the paint just past this area every morning after washing.

Anyone else have this? I'm worried that this is a potential rust zone down the line. I'm thinking warranty covered item here (its an '05). Thanks, Rich

 

I wouldn't worry much. Just leave your "trunk" open after rinsing off your car, and let the water drain. I do this with both doors too, see if this help.

 

Medic 165, Yes. Good idea, but if I should drive in the rain (God Forbid!!) I'm worried I'll still have the problem. I'd like to see if this happens to everyone and is normal or if it is indeed a sign of a seal installation error or something. Thanks, Rich

 

If you drive in the rain the whole car will be wet. I know you knew that but it’s not a real problem. The water collects in crevices and creases on the body. Mine does it as well. When I open the hood after a wash, there is water in the hood seal that drains right onto the headlights. I just set drying towels to catch it when I open my hood. Did you notice the water beside the battery/master cylinder cover after a wash? Open the doors, hood and trunk while you are drying.

 

The best way I found to stop this is to open the hatch and dry the part by the hinges and the whole inside first. Then I just close it and move to the outside of the car. I do this for the doors and hood as well and it seems to work fine.

 

No big deal but the 350Z has several “water accumulation” areas which, years down the road, may present rust problems. One is the area under the rear hatch where it meets the roof line.

After washing, open the hatch and dry that area with a leaf bower.

 

For the lower hatch glass area, i just leave a small microfiber towel there to sit and soak up the excess drainage. After about 10-15 min or so it drains completely and you wont have any water spots. The key is not to have it directly in the sun, where it will dry quickly.

 

Open the hatch, use a leaf blower to blow all the water from around the seal, etc. The same technique works great on the door openings, the rear view mirrors, under the hood, around all the emblems and badges, etc.... you get the idea.

 

The mirrors hold water that drips on the dried finish too.

 

i just take my car for a quick spin around the block making fast turns and heavy on the gas and brake, then i dry.... wish i had a leaf blower

 

“rear view mirrors”
Good idea. Those things hold several ounces of water each.

 

yea rich i have the same problem....it's almost like the molding doesn't fit right

but i guess it's better it doesn't sit in there...i'd rather see it drain out...it's still a pita to dry every 15 minutes

 

Folks, All good ideas. I don't have a leafblower though! Thanks for the assist on this. Rich

 

If you don't have a leaf blower, how about an air compressor?

 

Now THAT I can do and I've got just the attachment for it too. Thanks! Rich

 

As long as there is no oil residue in the compressed air, that’ll work.

 

You can pick up an electric leafblower for like $25 from Home Depot or Lowes.

 

I use a canned air container - the one you get for cleaning computers/electronics - works great.

 

Aren't those like $3 each...and it's just a can of air...

 

Normal problem with mine. I just wipe that area down after washing after I leave the hatch open for a bit.