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hatch drain tubes?

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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 12:58 AM
  #1  
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Default hatch drain tubes?

i did a search, but i didn't find any topics on this. maybe i didn't use the right term.

anyway, i have seen that some people install little drain tubes in the front corners of the hatch to allow water to drain.

is there somewhere you can get these tubes or do people just make their own?

thanks!
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 01:00 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (rutiger)

MID America has them. :yesnod:
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 01:03 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (rutiger)

They're great! First mod I did!
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 01:35 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (rutiger)

It sounds like they would be very convenient, but I can't bring myself to drill, even if it can't be seen. I have also heard a rumour that this can cause cracking in that area because it is stressed quite heavily.
I guess I'll be sticking with a towel until I get to the bottom of this one. :seeya
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 01:58 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (Knight Ryder)

I can't drill either...I use a turkey baster to suck out the water...works great
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 03:14 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (golfboy1)

I can't drill either...I use a turkey baster to suck out the water...works great

That's the best thing to do! I will NOT drill into my car for fear of future leaks.
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (golfboy1)

I can't drill either...I use a turkey baster to suck out the water...works great
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 02:54 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (Black84)

Put them in my '89 about 3 years ago. Works great with no problems and I drive mine daily with a little auto-crossing thrown in on the weekends.
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 11:27 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (Casper)

After I towel dry my car, I slip tightly rolled up
paper towels into the angle beneath the rubber seal
and allow them to suck up the water. I've reused them
a dozen times. I don't mind drilling... just not on my Vette.

:seeya
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Old Jul 17, 2002 | 11:50 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (Knight Ryder)

It sounds like they would be very convenient, but I can't bring myself to drill, even if it can't be seen. I have also heard a rumour that this can cause cracking in that area because it is stressed quite heavily.
I guess I'll be sticking with a towel until I get to the bottom of this one. :seeya
Ok lets examine this. A hole is round, round is the strongest shape. A little trick dirt bikers use when the body plastic cracks, we “drill a hole” (round) at the end of the crack. This will stop it from cracking any further. Unless you are planning to start jumping your car this little hole will not hurt anything… I have put them in my car and they are the best thing I have done. If your afraid that you will be able to see them get some touch up paint and pant them no one will ever know they’re there. :cheers:


[Modified by fsr402, 10:53 PM 7/17/2002]
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 01:24 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (fsr402)

I've got a new set but not installed yet. I do the paper towel trick, too. Guess I'll have to get off the pot and make a decision but not today. :rolleyes:

Got mine from Mid America :yesnod:
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 03:04 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (fsr402)

Ok lets examine this. A hole is round, round is the strongest shape. A little trick dirt bikers use when the body plastic cracks, we “drill a hole” (round) at the end of the crack. This will stop it from cracking any further. Unless you are planning to start jumping your car this little hole will not hurt anything… I have put them in my car and they are the best thing I have done. If your afraid that you will be able to see them get some touch up paint and pant them no one will ever know they’re there.
It's not the cracking I'm worried about. It's any future leaking that may happen. Nothing is leak free forever.
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 06:00 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (fsr402)

Ok lets examine this. A hole is round, round is the strongest shape.

[Modified by fsr402, 10:53 PM 7/17/2002]
Actually, a triangle is the strongest shape, which is why it is used in bridge design. Look at any bridge from the side, the only shapes you will see are triangles, and if that's not the case then it's an arch, which is also a strong shape. :cheers:


[Modified by GDP, 4:01 AM 7/18/2002]
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 07:01 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (GDP)

When you are discussing shearing stength of the edge of some material, a crack, tear or shear will more likely occur at the intersection of two adjacent angles. Hence a triangle may be strong for stacking strength (maybe) but it's inside corners would tear apart very quickly under the same forces placed under a round cutout or drilled hole. I believe the arch to be stronger than the triangle. The Egyptians chose the pyramid to spread the load at the base, but a pyramid is still not a true triangle. I have seen them in bridge work as well but not entirely sure of the desigh advantage over arches?

One of the metal shop classes we teach and another glove-bag installation course I teach at work discusses this property and we always teach the students to use round punches when creating penetrations versus any other shape of cut.

:)
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 08:01 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (biggrizzly)

Thank you... that is what I was talking about, just could not say it like you did... :cheers:
As for leaks it wont you are drilling into the wheel well.


[Modified by fsr402, 7:02 AM 7/18/2002]
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 01:44 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (fsr402)

O.K., now let me picture this: You carry a turkey baster with you at all times?? I don't know about you, but water gets in there every time it rains, not just when I wash it! I get this mental picture of you guys leaving work after it rains all day, and before you get into your cars, you're out there sucking water with your turkey baster! :lol: :lol:
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 05:08 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (behnevette)

O.K., now let me picture this: You carry a turkey baster with you at all times?? I don't know about you, but water gets in there every time it rains, not just when I wash it! I get this mental picture of you guys leaving work after it rains all day, and before you get into your cars, you're out there sucking water with your turkey baster! :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Old Jul 18, 2002 | 05:24 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (HittinD.Apex)

I bought a set but never installed them. As soon as the drill gets near the paint it mysteriously ends up back on the tool bench.
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Old Jul 19, 2002 | 09:03 AM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (Hardcorvette)

Two words. Turkey baster. :yesnod:
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Old Jul 19, 2002 | 03:11 PM
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Default Re: hatch drain tubes? (2HIP4U)

Just do it ! you will be glad you did. Its much better than filling your car up with water after parking on a hill. after that happened to me, I couldn't find a drill fast enough. :cheers:
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