classic Subaru Si

As above, got the old hosepipe out at the weekend to suss out this bloody leak! It's coming in through a black box type thing that holds the bumper to the body (black box is in the boot, one on either side). When I say its pi$$ing in, that's an understatement My question is, do I waste my time trying to get the full bumper/lights off and try and reseal it myself, or is this a major job to do? Tried taking one ptastic screw off on Sunday, which took me about an hour before having a tantrum and sacking it! Has anyone done this before? just after some tips really - or should I just take it somewhere to sort out?? I'm assuming it's had a knock at the rear at some point in its life, which might be why its going to be a ball ache to put back on!!

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Black box things that hold the bumper to the body?

On my 98 car, the bumper is held in place with three bolts, passing through a steel box section under the boot, into which the bumper brackets slide.

Where are the box things that hold your bumper?
Can you post a couple of pics?

Oh, and plastic screws generally aren't.......screws, that is. They are just a type of clip. The trick is to use a sharp point to lift the centre, then the whole clip pulls out

Alcazar

classic Subaru Si

No pics at the minute, but these box type things are about 5" square, and about an inch thick - I have no idea what they are, or what they do!! I'm really hoping that it's not some bizzare botch it job! Anyone else shed any light on these black boxes??

classic Subaru Si

Forgot to say, these are located just near to where the jack is behind the trim - and one on the other side in the same place!

Hitcher

Mine's might be a different model, but are you sure these arnt the vents that are in the boot, ment to let air out when you shut doors etc. If they are mine have been sealed for 2 years now and no ill effects.

andy_s37

I had that on mine (vents leaking). I covered it over with some strong plastic sheeting and gutter sealant (gutter sealant will stick even when wet). It can be done from inside the boot too so no need to remove the bumper.

Andy.

classic Subaru Si

Yep, that must be it - its got like rubber flaps on it!! Thank god for that - I thought it was a proper bodge it job! So, all I need to do it seal it with gutter sealant then? Did you just seal it all around the outside of the box??

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Mine are still on, never been touched, and DON'T leak.

I reckon you could stick on some thick plastic sheeting. Cut a piece larger than the hole, and spread Wickes – Adhesives and Sealants – Sealants – Specialist Sealants – Roof & Gutter Sealant in a bead about 10mm wide round the hole.

Press you piece of plastic into it, and leave for an hour or so.

But...........are you SURE that's where it's coming in? With the bumper still in place, not much spray hits that, if any.

Alcazar

classic Subaru Si

Maybe its leaking when stood still?? Deffo coming in through here though, quite bad to be honest! It's not coming though the actual middle bit, but where the box meets the metal - if you know what I mean!?! If its coming in though here, do you think I'll need to blank off the whole thing, then seal it?

noobyscooby

If water is coming in where the box meets the metal, do NOT seal it from the inside.

All that will happen is the plastic you put over the inside of the box will fill up with water and you will create a rust problem.

You say the rubber flap is still there so that is probably doing the job it was intended for.

Is there anyway you can take a bit of time and effort to run a very thin line of sealant around the outside edge of the box where it meets the metal having made sure everything is completely dry before you do it so you get a seal at the place where the water is making its way in?