Working on rust repair, and need input. What size drain holes have other put into the left rear quarter after doing rust repair? The factory put a slot about 1/4" wide by approx 1/2" long in, but depending on the way the outer skin is attached, this can be covered by the flange, like mine was. Pics of pieces from another car I have as patterns show this slot. Sorry one is outta focus. Hole is from a drilled spot weld: I am thinkin of adding 2-3 holes for drains, 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter, more so that water will drain and large enough that any leaves that may sneak past the tail light housing can be pulled thru. On another forum it was mentioned that there was a sealer between the 2 panels at the pinch weld, and leaving that out should contribute to drainage. I was going to leave the sealer out anyway, however, looking at the fine material that filled my quarter, I think that even the thin openings at the reweld would eventually plug up. I will see if I can induce a larger separation between a few welds so I have some gaps in this area to help. Any thoughts from folks who have been thru this repair? Best, Tom
The way the factory drain is set up it could be blocked during the assembly of the 2 stamped panels depending on how they are placed together and sealed. The drain on mine was almost completely blocked by panel alignment during the factory spot welding assembly process, and my car, which came from the drier regions of the Inland Empire here in San Bernadino county, eventually filled up with silt and rusted out. The sample I have pictured above had a much better opening (alignment during assembly) and it still clogged and rusted out the fender. I don't think the factory drain was large enough for proper drainage. Of course, these cars weren't expected to last more than 10 years either! But after all I am going thru, I don't want it to start rusting in there again. I want any water that manages to get in there to not be trapped and to flow out freely. There are removable plugs in the rear fenders of my 70 El Camino and 71 Monte Carlo that are about 1" in diameter when removed. I pulled these years ago to keep any water that manages to get inside the quarter from staying in. Tom
Just was in my '91 suburban spare well - 1" hole with minor surface rust. Being chevelles ar much lower, I'd put a 'deflecter' in front of the hole, so spray from the tires doesn't help fill the well Then undercoat the heck out of both sides!
I was thinking to add an additional deflector in additione to the panel in front of the tank. One the attatches along the lower edge of the fender and goes tightly under the tank, and curves up behind the tank panel itself. Any other thoughts or ideas? Tom
