Double-strip weatherstrip added to the tailgate side of the access panel, spanning the screw holes so they can pierce the middle and leave the rubber intact. That's the exact amount I had left on the roll after a previous project. A few inches more at the end to curve up probably would have been better, to make sure the water can't run over the ends.

The access panel was much harder to screw down, so I feel good that it's forming a pretty solid seal now at the bottom. Of course, the rain stopped while I was working on that, so the effect isn't yet tested.

Also, if you compare this photo to four back, you can see how dramatic a difference there is after an Ospho application.

Owner caption November 2021 · Photo 637 of 705