I own a 2003 350z that I’ve had since new. The car has been a surprisingly good auto with little maintenance. Nissan replaced my transmission (generously) for a slight fault, and otherwise the car has been flawless.

My only unresolved/recurring problem is rust that developed on the leading edge of the rear driver-side fender. I repaired this three years ago, but it’s back. That isn’t surprising since rust on sheet metal never is cured and only is resolved by replacing the panel. Replacing a panel has a HUGE co$t.

Does anyone else here have a rust problem with the Z?

--Spike

 

I spent a couple of years in Chicago, which has led to some undesirable rust and corrosion on some of the components underneath the car but none on the body from what I know, fortunately. Taking off anything (ex. suspension) underneath the body can be a huge pain and sometimes impossible without torching, but that's expected for a daily driven vehicle in the north, I think.

So, what are you going to do about your rear quarter panel?

 

^^ I’m not sure what I should do. I repaired the rust spot 3 years ago, and it came back, only worse.

--Spike

 

What exactly was the repair process and any pictures before/during/after?

Also, can you just cut out that section with the rust and weld in a plate(?) instead of having to replace the entire quarter panel, which as you said is $$$$?

 

i have rust exactly in the same location and mine a 2007 model.. i was doing a fender roll and i noticed a little rust.. i wont bother my self with it.

if you plan to keep the car till its become classic, then deal with it otherwise just paint over it. like i did

 

I've also have a 03.Bought it new.However,I live in the South.
We don't have the snow and weather conditions that you do.
I have NO rust anywhere.Even whenthe car is up on a lift,no corrosion.
Its just the area in which you live IMO.Or,if you bought the car used,it could have
been in a "rust" area.How may ads have you seen that sell classic cars from
Arizona etc.that they mention rust free.
Only waty to fix is replace the panel or cut out the rusted area.

 

The reason it rusts back there is because there is no wheel well covers, and the sheet metal is painted and covered in bondo. They started using wheel wells covers in 07+ cars, at least on the Infiniti side they did.

Nissan still makes some cars without rear wheel well covers, like the Leaf. They like it.

 

Ummm the reason it rusts there is water accumulates there without a drain off… covers do nothing for rust and do less for standing water other than keep it in. Sheet metal is treated, primed and painted… they just don't add "Bondo" to anything.

OP pics would help you in this case.

 

Rocks and sand bouncing off the tires and hitting the sheet metal of the inside wheel wells chipping off paint and bondo repeatedly because there is no wheel well covers, doesn't exactly help keep the sheet metal rust free. But what can Nissan do, you know. It's hard sometimes, you know.

 

Time for carbon fiber rear quarters

 

this

 

Yes... great point... We need a solution for aggressive tires and offset in locations where rust happens when fenders and paint are "chipped" by debris kicked up by flush tire/wheel setups. --Spike

 

All you can do is take measures to prevent the rust using rubberized undercoating, wax etc.

Depending on how bad the rust is depends on the repair process. Also depends on the shop you take it to. Some shops will just put a "band-aid" on it and do a repair that'll last a couple years before it comes back. All depends on the shop you take it to and how much you're willing to pay.

 

My 03 has same problem but more towards where the rear bumper meets the quater.I took my bumper off and wheel for the repair.cut in some new metal and treated it with rust inhibitor and primed it before paint,also added some new seam sealer and undercoating.I also sparay tire shine all over the wheel well while im shining my tires so it kinda repels any water that wants to stay there..even undercoated the the inners as much as i could with the interior taken out.unfortunatley its come backagain a few inches away from original spot but I caught it early on and wasnt a big deal to repair..just keep on fighting it!!

 

Have you gus heard about Por15? I'm building a Volksrod and guys in classic VW world swear by it.

I have no affiliation except as a consumer who hasn't tried what I have purchased yet, so this is just a FYI

http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Technica...ion_ep_62.html