interior water leaks - things being learned
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 36
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From: Cumming GA
interior water leaks - things being learned
feel like I'm peeling back the layers of the onion here. While I have everything out including the heater box and duct work, I thought I'd hit the car with some water to see if I saw water entering from places other than the weatherstripping. I've had water leak problems before but assumed it was most likely the weatherstrip being basically shot. Anyway I found water entering down from where the heater box mates to the firewall. Looks like the water is either entering from the tray underneath the wipers or most likely down in between where the airconditioning box mates to the firewall from underneath the hood. I also noticed water entering from the driver side down by the kick panel. Not sure where its coming from. Can anyone tell me more about the areas underneath the wipers with the black sceening. Is this the birdcage? Any other places that I should check while I'm here? Whats the best solution? Is there a sealant thats best for this problem? what about the sealant thats used for the windshield?
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 50
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From: rochester ny
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (tdjordan)
the screen on the passenger side is the air intake for the blower fan. (being so close to the hood, it's important to have good weatherstripping along the hood there...heat finds it's way in there)
in that same corner, look at the bottom of the windshield. there's a piece of molding there that may have separated from the window. clear RTV usually works there. your GM dealer sells the black sealer that goes along the base of the windshield.
but, water from the wiper cowl should run off in the corners to the bottom of the car.
have you removed the front kick panels yet? inspect the body mounts for water invasion. sometimes they absorb water and that area gets wet too.
in that same corner, look at the bottom of the windshield. there's a piece of molding there that may have separated from the window. clear RTV usually works there. your GM dealer sells the black sealer that goes along the base of the windshield.
but, water from the wiper cowl should run off in the corners to the bottom of the car.
have you removed the front kick panels yet? inspect the body mounts for water invasion. sometimes they absorb water and that area gets wet too.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 36
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From: Cumming GA
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (mga1x)
I have the kick panels out and looked at the mounts. Looks like they might have had some moisture there in the past but they don't look bad at all.
I'll take a closer look in the areas you mentioned. I welcome any other thoughts as well
I'll take a closer look in the areas you mentioned. I welcome any other thoughts as well
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (tdjordan)
When our cars were assembled, GM used a harness of some sort to suspend the body as it dropped onto the frame. It was attached to the birdcage right below the windshield corner with a bolt on each side. After the body was on, they filled this hole with black caulk that hardens over the years and falls out, leaving a hole into the interior. Water enters through it onto the floor from behind the kick panel on each side when it rains.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 36
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From: Cumming GA
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (mga1x)
I noticed that I can see the heater blower fan once the screen is removed. What prevents water from getting into the blower itself? Also I assume the scutator door should be able to fully close and open for outside and recirc air, correct?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
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From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (tdjordan)
There is a book available specifically on water leaks for Vettes. Lists all the things you are talking about. I think Ecklers sells it. It is not available on Amazon right now.
Its called Water and Wind Solutions for Corvettes (or something like that)
Its called Water and Wind Solutions for Corvettes (or something like that)
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (stingry)
I have it and like it a lot. I believe it's available from Motorbooks International. Same guy does a book on effective A/C operation and heat reduction in C-3's. Like everything else, I don't agree with everything, but still very helpful info and inexpensive as well. I believe his name is Michael Davis?
Hans
Hans
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
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From: NorCal
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (stingry)
OK, guy's name is Michael J. Davis, his books are:
"Corvette water leak and wind noise solutions" and "Air Conditioning Strategies for the '63-'82 Corvette".
both published by Prestige Publishing PO box 2786, Grapevine TX 76099.
Hans
[Modified by Wrencher, 7:40 PM 12/2/2003]
"Corvette water leak and wind noise solutions" and "Air Conditioning Strategies for the '63-'82 Corvette".
both published by Prestige Publishing PO box 2786, Grapevine TX 76099.
Hans
[Modified by Wrencher, 7:40 PM 12/2/2003]
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 438
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From: Houston, Texas
Re: interior water leaks - things being learned (Wrencher)
I was wondering what that hole was for. You can see all the way into the interier of the car. I couldn't figure out wha tit was for so I sealed it up.
