Dirty Inner Guards (with pics)

[4by]

Hey all,
My recently purchased GU had a dropped drivers door. Replaced the bushes in the top hinge and it closes nicely now.
I removed the inner plastic guard behind the front wheel so I could get to the hinges. I found a pile of dirt and sand at the bottom of the guard. So I removed the other side to have a look and it was the same.
I was surprised the only drainage I could see was if you open the door there is a gap at the bottom where the guard meets the floor sill. I hit both sides with a pressure washer and water only came out from the gap so there was no drain holes. I did notice after I washed the car or after rain that water seeped out from around the front mud flaps. Especially when parked on a hill facing down.
I think most of the dirt comes from the vent grill where the wipers are. Water and rubbish run down to the inner guards. Surely this would create some rust issues without drainage.

This could be the same with other GU's? Has anyone else had their inner guard off and seen this? Would it be a good idea to drill a few drainage holes at the bottom??

[04OFF]

Yes id say its a common problem, pulled heaps of sand out of mine, it gets in around the inner gaurd liner, yes it can cause rust.

My panel shop guy suggested drilling a large hole and fitting a rubber bung for easy cleaning, i still dont think you will ever get it all out without removing the inner gaurd liner, my solution is to rust proof the whole area, and clean properly at service periods.

[megatexture]

I’ve had the same thing with mine and also the rear with the rubber grommets in it still getting mud inside and cant get out though this is inside the body . i believe i have sealed it up now though.