Holes behind rear quarter panels?

[81dmc]

Today, I removed my rear quarter panels for a few dent removals and found one hole on each side in the fiberglass. When you look in the hole, you can see the interior of the car(carpet, speakers). Are these holes here for a reason, or are they just early VIN errors?

[DMCMW Dave]

Today, I removed my rear quarter panels for a few dent removals and found one hole on each side in the fiberglass. When you look in the hole, you can see the interior of the car(carpet, speakers). Are these holes here for a reason, or are they just early VIN errors?

It was supposed to be ventilation to let the air move when you slammed the door. It went away fairly early. There was foam around them to direct the air flow to the side vent, but keep water out. After a few years water gets in anyway and you get wet carpet - and speakers. It's highly recommended to seal the holes up. Anything from glassing over them to pop rivets and sheet metal will work.

[Flicky]

I used these 2.25 inch electronics cap things slathered in GE silicone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They come in a 10 pack. I have 8 left if you want 2. I did mine from the inside, I would guess you'd have more options if you have the SS panel off.

[sdg3205]

Worn out angle drive dust shields are prefect.

[81dmc]

Thanks for the replies! I will definitely not permanently close off the holes, but I will cap them. Now I know how the water damage got there...

[kenny]

What is the easiest way to access these holes?
From the inside of the car where exactly are they located?

[FABombjoy]

It was supposed to be ventilation to let the air move when you slammed the door.

Has there ever been an attempt to fix these issues or solve this problem another way? My driver's door is easier to close if the passenger window is open and vise versa. Either window, really, but it's not a counterbalance issue.

[Farrar]

What is the easiest way to access these holes?
From the inside of the car where exactly are they located?

If you remove the trim pieces over the rear speakers, you can see the holes from inside. This is how I accessed mine and sealed them up.

I cut some aluminum sheet to fit over the holes, cleaned everything well and let it dry overnight, then sealed it in with a ton of goop -- I put RTV between the body and the aluminum, held it in place until it set, and then sealed it around the edges with some more RTV.

[kenny]

Excellent, thanks for the pic, helps a lot

[Josh]

Got these caps for free from the junk yard!