[455hota]

I had the same issue many years ago on my 66. When I removed the old weather strip, I had to clean off the old adhesive. It was problematic to say the least. I think I used either mineral spirits, or lacquer thinner.

But the worst spot was right where you have the rust in your photo. I actually had small pinholes through the metal into the trunk in this area. I had to weld, sand, prime, base and clear the trunk gutter area.

So when I installed the new weatherstrip, I did not want to create another "water trap", in the same area again. So I only used a sparingly amount of the weatherstrip adhesive along the top and both sides of the trunk gutter area. Along the area where I had the rust and pinholes, I used no adhesive. I also made sure my joint (both ends of the weather strip), met up in this area as well.

Now when I wash the car, and when I dry it off, I can open the trunk, peel back the weatherstrip to each lower corner, and then I can dry out and soak up the water in the lower trunk gutter. You would be surprised how much lays in there. When I am done, I just tuck the weather strip back in place. Nice and dry!

I have done this for the last 28 years, and my trunk gutter has no more rust!