Mildew/Rust Spot!
 

Hey All,

I found a spot where you can expect to find mildew and further down the line, rust.

There was a terrible stench coming from my trunk that I only began to notice recently. Looking around at the carpet lining, I couldn't see anything that was causing the smell. The putrid stench was so overwhelming, I had to do something about it. :puke:

I pulled the "Tool Tray" from my trunk and this is what i found.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Qpjw19strK4/TF...0/IMG_0491.JPG

The carpet was done for. I tossed it and plan on ordering a new one.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qpjw19strK4/TF...0/IMG_0492.JPG

I had to clean out some additional mildew underneath it too

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qpjw19strK4/TF...0/IMG_0493.JPG

Finally the smell is gone. In hindsight, this area seems prone to liquids pooling generating mildew and rust (later down the line). It might be worth your while to check this area once a year or so to make sure nothing is growing down there.

spray it with citrocel and it wont ever grow there...

Okay, so now you need to know how the hell it got there, or it's just gonna happen again.

I didn't have mildew, but mine was hell-a dirty with dust/sand/dirt. I think it comes in through those holes the clips go into. When I was looking it didn't seem like there was any kind of seal made and those go right through to the outside of the car.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Sweet find. Rust Never Sleeps!

Nothing but sand, dust, and spilled premix there for me :rofl .

Thanks!

I honestly have no idea. I can't recall spilling anything down there. Maybe previous owner spilled something?

Could be from groceries too. It get really hot there from the muffler so if frozen / cold foods in hot climate will drip down there. Sand and wash then cover with Hammerite Rust cap if rust is present.

From the Hammerite FAQ --

Looked into how much a replacement mat costs - $220 =(

Part Number: F1516881XD

All of a sudden I'm motivated to clean the mat I have