Tailgate Lower Trim Panel Removal - How to?

CalgaryHRV said:

2016 HRV right? You should add a signature with year and trim level of your HRV.


It's been a while but if I recall the covers overlap. So it's top piece, side pieces and then bottom section.

I removed it all to make it easier for the window tinting shop to tint the rear window.
Our HRV is a base level HRV that did not have the rear windows tinted.

The covers pop off easily. You should have some of the various clips on hand before you remove anything on a Honda.

Plus you will see how thin and chintzy the rear hatch is. I recommend to spray in some Rust Check or Fluid film inside the rear hatch.
Also make sure the 2 rubber drain plugs/flaps at the bottom are free and clear.
I already mentioned the rear hatch spoiler in your other thread.

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CalgaryHRV said:

The 1st Gen HRV rear hatch is really thin sheet metal and if you remove the interior covers, the hatch spoiler and the exterior plastic panel above the license plate, you will see that it is just a "skeleton" frame.
There are tons of places for water to enter the rear hatch and it is common for rear hatch to rust on any vehicle.

At the bottom edge of the rear hatch are 2 small rubber drain plugs/flaps at each corner (at each end).
If you examine them closely, they are water drains.

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