A pillar rust proofing

[Barry.b]

Hi guys , I am just wondering if anyone knows what these holes in the A pillar are used for ?
Just wondering as I think rain water thrown up from the front wheels could get in through them if they are just left open.

 

[HB Chris]

They are mounting holes for a removable metal panel that goes there.

 

[Barry.b]

Ok , my car doesn’t have that panel , I’m guessing it rusted out years ago and wasn’t replaced .
Thanks for letting me know

 

[autokunst]

Yes, they do tend to rust. They also have a rubber seal at the fender side.

 

[Barry.b]

Okay , good to know , thanks

 

[bavbob]

On the E3 and E24, their removal allows access to the cavity behind the rocker panel. I've pulled them to then run a vac tube down the length to suck out dirt/sand and yes, acorns. That does not exist on the E9. I pulled it on the E9 to find crap accumulated behind it. All told, not sure what function they serve on the E9. Like the perfectionist I am, I got new ones from W&N anyway. Many swear by Lokari wheel well covers. https://www.lokari.de/epages/62716287.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62716287/Products/IKF-0233-0234

 

[Bearmw]

Just a few days ago I ordered some Lokari's for my E3.

 

[Barry.b]

On the E3 and E24, their removal allows access to the cavity behind the rocker panel. I've pulled them to then run a vac tube down the length to suck out dirt/sand and yes, acorns. That does not exist on the E9. I pulled it on the E9 to find crap accumulated behind it. All told, not sure what function they serve on the E9. Like the perfectionist I am, I got new ones from W&N anyway. Many swear by Lokari wheel well covers. https://www.lokari.de/epages/62716287.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62716287/Products/IKF-0233-0234

Ok , those Lokari ones look good , could you have the factory/ W&N ones fitted as well as the Lokari ones , or are they supposed to be instead of the factory ones ?

 

[bavbob]

IDK, I don't have Lokari, went W and N with a tight ass gasket along the edge to stop any crud from entering.....as Gandalf said "Thou shall not pass"

 

[Barry.b]

 

[eriknetherlands]

In my view the OEM situation is that nice, yeah it is quick in assemble line, but the clips that slide in those holes (captive nuts) will usually scrape the paint. So, in my car, i opted to weld the holes shut as rust had gotten to it, and weld a threaded end on there to hold the removable metal panel, or lokari's.

If your car in the future will only sparsely see any water, then the oem solution will probably be good enough, just make sure you coat the inside of the A pillar with something to prevent those speed clip-scratches to start rusting again from day one.

 

[Barry.b]

In my view the OEM situation is that nice, yeah it is quick in assemble line, but the clips that slide in those holes (captive nuts) will usually scrape the paint. So, in my car, i opted to weld the holes shut as rust had gotten to it, and weld a threaded end on there to hold the removable metal panel, or lokari's.

If your car in the future will only sparsely see any water, then the oem solution will probably be good enough, just make sure you coat the inside of the A pillar with something to prevent those speed clip-scratches to start rusting again from day one.

Hi there, I am in Ireland so unfortunately my car will only sparsely see sunshine so I will have to take extra care to keep out the rust , thanks for the advice !!!