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Sun Mar 30, 2003 6:42 am

I have posted the same question in the body/paint forum and had no luck either time. There are two holes on each side of the windshield seal/door post lower corners. The holes allow water to drain and not collect in that area. The problem is that the water runs down the door pillar and collects behind the foreward fender. I have just welded up that area and dont want to have it happen again. The holes were welded shut and I have now painted the car. I can still drill the holes if anyone says I "gotta have them" The area has been epoxy primed and painted and cleared. No concern with rust not but how about in the furure? Anyone done this? Thanks Jason

Fri Apr 04, 2003 9:23 pm

I would not mess around with plugged drain holes. Even in a dry climate, you're going to get water in tight spots and it has to get out. Think about it every time you wash your car.

The area of the body at the base of the door pillars should be wide open to the outside. That's the way it came from the factory. This is the final resting place for any water that gets inside the front of the car, whether it blows into the trunk from around the hood, or drips down from the windshield.

Openning the base of the pillars would be my first concern, unless you want to kiss your heater channels and fenderwells goodbye. Next I would definitely drill out the windshield drains. You can touch up the fresh paint with fingernail polish and it will hold up fine. It will be covered by the windshield seal and be invisible.

There should be drains for the rear window as well, and they are equally important. If you've had bodywork and skim filling done, look for plugged-up drains all over the car, like taillight housings, etc.

Good luck!
-Paul

Fri Apr 04, 2003 10:40 pm

Think of it this way was it rusty there before you plugged the hole? And if it was it was probly from some hack with a butter knife instaling a window, or cheap seals.
How many have to die of good intentions??
Have a good one Dave

Fri Apr 04, 2003 10:50 pm

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice. Have a good one. Jason