Signs of rust

[Navaros911]

I just spotted some signs of rust on the right rear quarter panel, just above the tail light.
So I decided to pull the tail light and access the point that way. Well, no access that way, but I did take some pictures - see below.

Water and debris probably gets trapped here, so I was thinking of treating it with POR-15 and then having it resprayed. But in order to prevent some water from accumulating there I was thinking of leaving a few holes so the water can drain out.

Is this a smart idea?

Is this a spot that is prone to these kinds of rust issues?

Just a straight shot:


Shot up from the ground in the space where the tail light normally sits:

[Navaros911]

Come on guys... someone must have had rust in the same spot and have some tips on it or any other ideas...

[Schwarzeritter]

You can remove the lamps.
And inspect further. You might need to have things sanded re painted. Depends if it's just surface or deep.
Normally after 10 years all cars and especially those with incidents or exposure should go a head and have a well sorted inspection. The cost in prevention is by far cheaper then repairing extreme damage down the road. Thus part of owner ship.

[Navaros911]

Originally Posted by Schwarzeritter

You can remove the lamps.

The second picture is with the lamp removed, shot from the ground up... but it doesn't give me much access.

I think I will need to remove the bumper before I can get to the source of the rust... but I was thinking of leaving a few holes or slots in the are where it is rusted in the second picture.

The would mean there would not be any accumulation of water there. But then it would run on the lamp housing.

Would that be a stupid idea?