I have just bought a 2003 Focus TDCI Ghia estate in mint condition and with a lowish mielage (57K) and FFSH from a main Ford dealer for a reasonable price. I am really pleased with the car however I have noticed a minimal amount of rust around the tailgate trim chrome handle thingy. I was planning on taking this off if it is easy to do and probably rubbing it down and touching it up. I was wondering how would I prevent water sitting there again? Use some clear silicone mastic or is there another way? I was also wondering how do I figure what colour the paint is, as I would rather not buy a touch-up pen from a main stealer. The car is a kind of metallic silver colour with a hint of blue/grey. Love the colour. Great car cannot fault it so far just hope it stays that way

 

To find your colour code look on the vin plate and it will be the 2nd square up on the left hand side.your tailgate has rusted because the chrome trim cuts into the paint ,best thing to do is rub rust right out ,prime it, base coat it then laquer it,and when you put trim back on ,put a plastic washers on the bolts that go thro tailgate and this will just keep it off tailgate and stop it vibrating and cutting into new paintwork,hope this helps.

 

Cheers mate thanks for the advice. The colour is Machine Silver going by the code. The plastic washers is a great idea. Thanks for taking the time to reply

 

They rust as the chrome trim rubs on the metal work, won't do it if you fit a black plastic one. Could always do that and colour code it?

 

The paint colour code is D1, sure it is Machine Silver after looking on google. Yes the plastic boot handle is an option as the chrome one looks a little naff anyway. Just can't find a cheap one as I am totally broke at the moment. I think I will try the washers first