We all know how datsuns love to rust out the water box's and the front upper long member due to funky design and inability to coat inside and then rust when they get blocked..

Question is, besides a little water from the windscreen wiper holes, what purpose does the cowls have besides looks? Normal cars have the air intake for the heater box in the waterbox/plenum area under the cowl but on the datto is doesnt...

Reason I ask is that im busy doing the loverly task of refurb the body and as with just about every 1200 i get a nice stream of water on my feet when it rains, I have sealed it and repaired it nice but was actualy thinking of making a sealing plate under the cowls so it looks like they are still there but no water can get in besides a few drops from the windscreen wiper holes which can just run out as per OE design..

Opinions plz.