I don't like this. The area around the tailgate door handle is rusting. Dealer already fixed it last year as a goodwill. They sand blasted the area and repainted and clearcoated it. The rust is coming back. I can tell because every time I wash the truck, I can see some brown water sipping out through the cracks from that door handle opening. I believe the dealer didn't do a thorough job in terms of sanding out the edge and prime it.
I want to tackle this myself, does anyone have a detail instructions to remove the tailgate door panel? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
steve

Try this: Click Me

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1998 C43 ///AMG
1999 C230 Custom 5-Speed Manual

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33647&item=2416489312

Here is the URL.. You need to remove it, than wash it very clean and put some touch up paint to the exposed metal.. there is probably exposed metal thats why its rusting.. Just replace it with the chrome look hehe..

Here is one for even cheaper: Click Me

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1998 C43 ///AMG
1999 C230 Custom 5-Speed Manual

Thanks for the link. Exactly what I was looking for. However, I think I must have used the wrong term. The rusting area is the rectangular opening where the door latch resides. The door handle is a piece of plastic and it won't rust. Watch out for your ML. I don't quite understand why mine is rusting so early.
steve

The latch area may be rusting because you have a leak in the rear window washer system inside the door (hatch). This is not uncommon.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

I don't see any windshield water spot on the bumper though, unless this is a very small seepage. I will take a look at it once I open up the door panel. Thanks for the advise.