Author - Pim25

Source

Front wings and body 30\40x Marok often have through corrosion in the lower part, right behind the front wheel. Exactly at this point, the wing is attached to the inner body panels, as well as an overlay plastic splash guard to the bottom of the wing. In addition, near the wing is sometimes attached a mudguard and the end of a chrome molding from under the door (for those who have all these items), and somewhere here starts the screw holes for the wheel arch molding.

In general, there are plenty of holes and 'sandwiches'. Additionally, all holes in the wing connect various parts and become vibration-loaded. Ventilation at this location is minimal – it’s usually not enough to dry out completely. Corrosion loves to settle precisely here, especially since nearby water supply comes from the wheel, whose splashes occasionally attempt to naturally penetrate this cavity when crossing water obstacles.

As a result, after some time we can see approximately such a picture:

However, in most cases, excess moisture getting behind the wing is due to structural design. Exactly at this place, through special 'funnels' (in photo) rainwater and water entering from the ventilation grilles on the windscreen support beam are drained out.

It seems like the designer's idea is clear: during rain or car washing, water that enters under the windscreen should smoothly drain down the funnels and then drip through loose connections in the lower part of the wing onto the ground. Clearly, this does not happen quite as expected on practice, and part of the water remains inside the lower part of the wing where its 'black work' begins. I know that over time fine sand and dust accumulate in the pocket behind the wheel, and this constantly wetted mass quickly degrades the metal from the inside. Therefore, the fact that a problem-prone joint area between the wing and inner panel is continuously 'irrigated' with fresh water makes one uneasy.

I know that such irrigation worries not just me. For instance, I encountered various modifications to the drainage system on 'Toyota's' for less harmful ones – once mentioned above funnels were moved into the engine compartment. There was another reason for relocation but about it I am not authorized to speak.

I decided to modify my 'gutter' a bit differently - by extending it all the way down with a flexible hose and leading it through the splash guard.

First, I disassembled the funnel and removed as much corrosion in its attachment area – there’s plenty of it, as you can see.

Then I attached an appropriately sized hose to it and secured it with a clamp.

Next, I applied sealant on the mounting point of the funnel and reinstalled it.

Now only the lower part remained to be addressed. I decided that the bottom end of the drainage hose should be installed as rigidly and tightly as possible – to prevent vibrations, as well as maintain conditional 'airtightness' in space behind the splash guard. However, the splash guard itself is a flexible and movable part changing geometric dimensions depending on temperature. In addition, it was necessary to retain its removal and installation options for future vehicle maintenance. Therefore, I used a plastic quick-release coupling (QRC) of 'Bogdanov head' type – similar to those in fire hoses familiar since childhood but smaller.

One end was fixed in the splash guard, and the other one received the hose.

This allowed for easy disconnection of the hose from the splash guard if needed.

The drain is led through a hidden rear part of the splash guard and almost invisible externally. When the wing is installed, the drainage hose does not touch it inside.

Further operation and observation showed that the idea works, and at least part of the water getting behind the wing can be removed from 'Corrosion's' menu.

Such a 'homemade' solution on an even surface 🙂