V-shaped holes in floorboards

[jvo]

I am almost done the floorboard work on my Ranchero project.  Just wondering what you guys do with those little V shaped holes in the floorboards?  Do you leave them as stock, so any water can drain out, or weld them up to keep any water from coming in from the bottom?  This is the only car I have ever seen that has these little holes.  There are several it seems in the lowest areas of the floor pans.  I am probably going to weld mine closed unless someone can give me a good reason not to.

[Limey57]

I've left them as stock on my Ranchero.  My theory is that no matter how well you think you've sealed up the pick-up bed, some water will find it's way through eventually so I've rust proofed everything and left the cut-outs in place as drainage "just in case".

[RICH MUISE]

I agree...all my oem drain holes were left intact...even added some. Particularly important in the rockers, doors, and rear quarter panels. Our old cars were designed to pass water thru, not keep it totally out.

[jvo]

I guess that's a valid point about water leaking down through the pickup bed.  I would never seal up the bottom of doors and quarter panels, but was more concerned about water wicking up from underneath into the carpets when running in the rain, etc.  I am glad I asked this question, cause I was about to start welding them closed.  I guess I'll leave them as stock also.  Good information here.  Thank you.

[Ecode70D]

I would not weld up those holes. You need them where they are.