Sportrak - That rusty bit near the grill

Forum: 

My Sportrak is suffering from unsightly rusting on the small panel just below the radiator grill. This is a real shame as it is otherwise quite tidy for it's age.

From looking at other Sportraks I think that this is quite a common problem. Has anyone found a solution to the rusting or perhaps a replacement part that is more resistant?

Can that part be easily remov

Can that part be easily removed for stripping / repainting / sealing?

(I don't have a workshop manual)

Need a replacement panel

Forget that plan, I have just had another look and it is much worse than I first thought - I just poked a hole in it! It seems to have rusted through from the back to the front. I guess I now need a replacement part...

I guess you are talking about

I guess you are talking about the radiator support panel. Im pretty sure they are much the same as the Rocky/Fourtrak, which means they are a simply unbolt/replacement part. They have a bit of a problem with rusting through just above the chassis, as seen from under the front mudguard.

Cheers
David

Growing old is compulsary, growing up isnt, and MUD MAKES EXCELLENT TOOTHPASTE.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/AussieDaihatsuRocky/_whatsnew.msnw
All views and advice offered are my own, from my own experiences. Take such advice at your own risk.

Growing old is compulsary, growing up isnt.
MUD MAKES EXCELLENT TOOTHPASTE.
I use billion dollar satellites, to find Tupperware.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/AussieDaihatsuRocky/_whatsnew.msnw
All views and advice offered are my own, from my ow

Body Part

No, the part I am refering to is a narrow body panel that runs the width of the radiator grill. It sits between the radiator grill / headlights and the front bumper.

I guess I will have to locate a replacement part and have it sprayed to match (metallic blue). Will I have to buy this as a genuine Daihatsu part or are replicas available? Any contact details would be appreciated.

mine is rusted to hell also..

mine is rusted to hell also...will be replacing some body panels when the weather gets a bit better up here!

try Graham Dewhurst on (01254) 772204 he should be able to get it

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*** '96 Fourtrak Forester ***
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OK, Gotcha. It may be dif

OK, Gotcha.

It may be different in the UK, and on the Feroza/Sportrak, but on the Rocky/Fourtrak you pull the indicators out, and you can get to the 2 10mm bolts on each side through the indicator holes. There may be 5th and 6th bolts in the centre, behind the bumper. It should then come straight out.

Cheers
David

Growing old is compulsary, growing up isnt, and MUD MAKES EXCELLENT TOOTHPASTE.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/AussieDaihatsuRocky/_whatsnew.msnw
All views and advice offered are my own, from my own experiences. Take such advice at your own risk.

Growing old is compulsary, growing up isnt.
MUD MAKES EXCELLENT TOOTHPASTE.
I use billion dollar satellites, to find Tupperware.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/AussieDaihatsuRocky/_whatsnew.msnw
All views and advice offered are my own, from my ow

panel

there is four small bolts 2 eihter side make sure you have replacement panel before you take off because they have a habit of breaking off should take no more than 1 hour to replace

Same problem!

Hi i,ve got the same problem. I havent started prodding the rust yet but i think its gonna have to be a new panel. Does anyone know what a new panel is gonna cost me from daihatsu?

rusty panel

hi got complete front end ie. your small front panel plus front wings front main panel that holds your head lights bonnet ect.
plus many other parts give us a ring on 07733370038 ask steve cheers

As it happens I've just sorte

As it happens I've just sorted this common cancer spot on mine.
I too poked it and my finger put a big hole right through!

First of all it's a bumper, grill, indicators and headlights off job to get at all the 10 mm bolts, but it's not difficult. Go to a Daihatsu dealer for a new valence panel, for which they'll relieve you of about £80 plus VAT.

Prime it, sand it, basecoat and laquer it before it goes on the car.
All told mine was £110 with paint and 3 days work allowing for painting and drying times. Looks as good as new though.

Jon.