[M7ART]

On this forum there are threads referring to dealers often not fitting chassis plugs prior to the owners initial collection. Why are they not fitted in the factory? What's the purpose of these apparent drain holes? Are they anything to do with roof drainage?

Previous experience of the first three generations of the mx 5 has awakened me to problems of the soft roof drainage cavities becoming blocked and the water becoming trapped within the cills.

 

[Redtoys]

I found the plugs in the "glove box" and popped them in last night. Are these related to the top drains, or just something for shipment of the car to the port? Easy enough to take out if not needed or possibly can cause issues.

 

[TomM]

The story I heard is that they're used for chassis alignment during manufacturing and have no purpose beyond that. The plugs are supposed to be installed by the dealer and most owners would never be aware of them, so I don't think they're part of any drainage system.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

I havent seen any actual info on what they are, and I'm curious about them myself

 

[MotoPete]

Given that they aren't fitted at the factory I would suspect that they are shipping tie down points.

 

[Amante]

I tried to find where they're supposed to be fitted, but I can't find it.

 

[TomM]

I tried to find where they're supposed to be fitted, but I can't find it.

They go in the square-section chassis rail that runs down under both sides of the car, near the edge. Start feeling back under the doors and you'll hit the rail. Then feel along the bottom surface of that about 3/4 of the way to the rear wheels. It's an oval-shaped hole, same shape as the rubber plug. There's one on each side of the car, same place.

Jam the plugs in until you feel them seat cleanly, front and rear. Then you're done!

Ameridan posted this picture in another thread:

The red arrows show where the plugs go.

 

[Amante]

Thanks!

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

Thanks for the pic. I'm still not sure what exactly they plug up, but I'm guessing it's to keep out moisture, corrosion, etc

 

[Stillrollin]

O.k. searched and found this old thread cuz I saw these mentioned in the Pressure Monitor Thread (thanks, cuz I've been baffled)


Now I know what they are and where they go (thanks for the pic!).


BUT has anyone actually figured out what they do?!?!?!?

 

[TomM]

They're probably there to seal the hole and prevent corrosion inside the frame rail. Why the holes themselves exist is uncertain. I've heard that they're tie-down points for shipping, also that they're for aligning the frame during manufacture. It could be both or neither.

 

[Stillrollin]

Thanks.


So apparantly, if the plugs weren't left in the Glove Box we'd be none the wiser.

 

[Stewie]

Plugholes are essential in the car chassis to enable both the outside and inside of the chassis beams to be coated against corrosion. During assembly, these holes need to be sealed to keep water out, hence body plugs.

http://www.dsm.com/markets/automotive/en_US/applications/chassis-structural-parts/body-plugs.html

 

[Stillrollin]

Now that is interesting.


So if they are in a sealed bag they weren't used for their intended purpose.
Begs the question: Why install them after the fact?

 

[fastgascar]

They are tie down points used when shipping the car, the dealer is supposed to put them back in when they PDI the unit, but not all of them do it.

Oh yeah don't forget to check the tires too. They ship with 50psi and the Abarth only needs 29

https://21stcenturyfiat124spider.wordpress.com/2016/12/29/pre-delivery/

 

[JFernald]

http://www.dsm.com/markets/automotive/en_US/applications/chassis-structural-parts/body-plugs.html

Stewie,

While I know your quote is accurate, I believe there is a mistake in the DSM copy. I believe they meant to say "After assembly", not "During assembly". Reading the full text, it is apparent that they are designed to keep water out, which should not be a problem "during assembly."