Does anyone have some good photos of the drains for the 280Z hatch deck, with the tail lamps removed?  They are in the outer corners of the flat panel across the tailgate.  Rainwater drains through a small sort of trough (AFAICT) in the corners behind the tail lamps in a similar way as the front vent plenum.  Mine have some rust or the PO  tried to 'correct' things.  I'd like to correct it the right way.  Maybe there's even an improved way to let the water drain?

I'm not sure what you're speaking of but maybe this will help some how,  http://www.classiczcars.com/topic/45387-what-to-do/

 

Grannynot's post #12

The photo in post #6 is the area I'm referring to.  mine seems to be filled in with body filler and the channel for the water is gone.  A photo of the area from an excellent condition, unrestored car would be nice

Tomo here are best I have from my 76.  Mine does not have any drain holes, the water runs off the lip or sill area.

That's what i mean.  In the corner, there is a small notch in the tail lamp housing, and the water runs off the lip.  Mine has been "repaired" with some kind of filler, so the water was pooling there.

I see the notch you are talking about.  To me it look like it's bad fit with the plastic and the bent metal.  I have never gotten any water in side of the cabin in that area so it must not leak on my car.  Here is a real closup of the corner area.

I think if that angled panel corner were some kind of restoration mistake, damage (a broken corner) or manufacturing error then the plastic panel would otherwise be square and fill into the corner very closely.  I suppose most people would fill them in thinking it was some kind of fitment mistake.

 

Yours looks good.  I've seen some of those drains in better  shape, as in new-looking paint, but I never thought to get a photo.  The next time I see a good one, I'll get a photo.

 

I don't think most people know what that channel and hole are for.