Rust from sunroof drains?

[rw229]

Some staining from the rear sunroof drains seems to be normal, but what about this? Is there serious trouble lurking inside?

[herman maire]

I am trying to remember but theres a stretch of metal pipe that runs through that section
then it continues with a plastic drain pipe.

If you can make a small enough sanding tool to go inside that drain hole, sand the rust off and apply some fresh paint you should be ok, unless the metal drain pipe is rotten . If the metal pipe is rotten then you should check your rear parcel shelf to see if there is any water damage, the rear seat buckets usually get water damaged also if water is leaking in.

[dad911]

I'd investigate....

I just stripped a 964 for a track car, and found a little surface rust in the upper roof structure on the driver's side. Pulled out the insulation from the 'interior light' hole, it was wicking up the water.

[ossiblue]

Depending on the year of your car, the entire drain pipe may be metal. Even if they are metal, unless you had a severe blockage the rust is likely near the end of the drain. The least I'd do if it were my car would be to clean out the end of the drain with a small bottle brush (wire type, if possible) and coat the inside with some POR-15 using a small brush.

If you have metal pipes, they can become a disaster is they become blocked so it's good to check the water flow on occasion. You may want to trickle some water slowly down the rear drain and note the color of the water as it exits the hole. If it appears rusty, note how long it appears that way. If it's very brief, the rust is likely near the drain opening.

Whatever you do, definitely investigate further as noted by the posters above.