Hello everyone,

On my Focus mk4 I noticed that the front pinch welds look a bit different from the rear ones. From what I could see, it looks like there is space left between the two pieces of metal. So I started wondering if this space was created when my car was jacked up (maybe improperly), or if these are water drain channels?

I tried to fit a tooth pick in there and it goes in. There is a lot of dirt accumulated, which is expected considering I wasn't aware of that space and never cleaned it in 5 years.

I will investigate more during the next weekend, and try to get some pictures, but it would help a lot if anyone could tell me if that space is for the water to drain on not.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Radu

Hello,

As I said in my first post, I was going to investigate and take some photos of the front pinch welds>

Here is the pinch weld on the front right side of the car:

That is a factory bend there because it is very precise. So I wonder if it is there for the water to drain (where from, i don't know). On both sides, that space seems pretty clogged with dirt.

This is my front left pinch weld, and it was clearly bent at some point when the car lifted from the ground:

 

And I also took a picture of the rear left pinch weld, which doesn't have that factory bend there:

 

Any input from you guys is much appreciated. Thank you.

Cheers,

RaduF.

The drains are for when the vehicle is being manufactured.

The whole body shell is completely submerged in two or even three different baths before being painted. the drains allow the chemicals and coatings to escape from areas that get flooded while the body shell is submerged. All modern body shells have these type of drains at various places.

Thanks @unofix.

Ok, then I will leave these alone for now, and in spring I will try to straighten the bend on the front left pinchweld.