liftgate chrome bezel

[tsbelle1]

Is it possible to switch out a 06 Vue bezel with a 05 bezel? My liftgate has rusted around the bezel 3 times over 3 years. I guess there's a reaction from the 2 pieces?? And if it foam is put around that bezel it won't rust? Any response on this would be appreciated. Thanks

[crj19]

I have an 04 V6 VUE and will trade you my bezel for yours.

[tsbelle1]

I was wondering if the 05 would fit. The chrome one is rusting out the liftgate. Not looking to exchange. This would be a warranty fix, but if I can get the bezel I'd give it to you. Your liftgate might rust though. Taking it in at 10:00 Tuesday.

[BobbyP]

Never heard this one before...

Is it from trying to clean really well where the bezel meets the liftgate?

I have some light scratches from trying and keep this area clean.

I'm going to work on them in a few weeks... I'm going to give the VUE it's first clay bar and DA polishing.

[tsbelle1]

No. There is a problem with the "chrome" and the metal liftgate reacting together. I had mine in the shop every year on the year for the past 3 years. Last year they put on a new liftgate and hood. One year almost exact liftgate is popping a rust spot again. This has nothing to do with cleaning.

[crj19]

I was wondering if the 05 would fit. The chrome one is rusting out the liftgate. Not looking to exchange. This would be a warranty fix, but if I can get the bezel I'd give it to you. Your liftgate might rust though. Taking it in at 10:00 Tuesday.

I would greatly appreciate that!

[BobbyP]

No. There is a problem with the "chrome" and the metal liftgate reacting together. I had mine in the shop every year on the year for the past 3 years. Last year they put on a new liftgate and hood. One year almost exact liftgate is popping a rust spot again. This has nothing to do with cleaning.

Wow... My Red Line's bezel is painted with it's monochromatic paint scheme. It must be insulating it, or maybe it was never chrome plated...

[tsbelle1]

we are going to use a clear sticker around the piece. he thinks it is vibraing and cracking the paint which is cause the rust. told him to try it, going in on monday. crj19 were are you in michigan? i did ask to keep that part, i'll let you know what he says.

[Bismarck318]

we are going to use a clear sticker around the piece. he thinks it is vibraing and cracking the paint which is cause the rust. told him to try it, going in on monday. crj19 were are you in michigan? i did ask to keep that part, i'll let you know what he says.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115387

Please read, going through the same thing, repairing 3 times isn't cheap.

[tsbelle1]

That is interesting. The guy I have been dealing with said hes seen the Aura come in for the same problem about 2 cars a week. He is going to ask GM if they will ok him to put this "sticker" on. I have had mine in for repair Feb. 2007, Jan. 2008 & again Feb. 2009. It pops in the same spot. Last year Jill (G Manager of Saturn) ok"d a new liftgate and hood for me. I was soo disappointed to see that spot again 1 year later. I am from Michigan and take very good care of my cars. I have a 99 SL 1 that has 2 rust spots on the hood. It has been a very good car. Saturn needs to do something. My mom had built them for 18 years and retired in 2006. I bought this car before they switched the panels out and wish I didn't. My mom is also disappointed and feels bad. What are we gonna do? Thanks for the post I will print that out and show the body shop.

[Bismarck318]

It's back ($350 repair), there is a dark grey gasket that is hardly visible now & the handle was salvagable. I wasn't looking for a new gate, but for Saturn to repair & at least partially compensate me since it is a known problem.

Don't think mileage should be an issue on rust problems. I may try going higher up at this point (where I'm unsure).

Good luck, & if it is fixed again make sure they use an insulator tape or gasket. I'm also within the 'rust belt' one reason I prefer a polymer/plastic or fiberglass body it's one less headache to deal with, also I feel better about putting repairs in a car that's body isn't falling apart due to rust!

Everyone owning a '06 & '07, look at this & have this addressed before the 3/36 surface rust coverage ends.

One other question too, does your Vues gate have 2 open holes behind the rear license plate?? I would think that water may get up behind the plate & enter the gate.

[tsbelle1]

there are 2 rubber bumpers behind the plate. maybe yours are gone. i would email jill lajdziak and complain. i did each time. did they repaint yours?

[Bismarck318]

there are 2 rubber bumpers behind the plate. maybe yours are gone. i would email jill lajdziak and complain. i did each time. did they repaint yours?

TY, That is it! bumpers would make sense :) (keeps the plate from touching the vehicle). In my state the plates are made of cheap steel both the facing & rear rust profusely & eventually will fuse themselves to the vehicle. These bumpers were not on the vehicle when I bought it. The whole gate was shot with basecoat paint & clearcoated, bodyshop had no clue what the holes were there for & gave me clear 3M tape to cover them.

Now I'm wondering if this was fixed (improperly) once before since these bumpers were missing. :?: I would need a Saturn PN (Bodyshops manual did not show the holes or the bumpers).

Who is this Jill you are refering to?

[crj19]

we are going to use a clear sticker around the piece. he thinks it is vibraing and cracking the paint which is cause the rust. told him to try it, going in on monday. crj19 were are you in michigan? i did ask to keep that part, i'll let you know what he says.

I live in Waterford but work in Troy.