Preventing Water Leaks________________________

It isn't that hard to keep the inside of the car dry. There are three weak spots that usually allow water in:
• rear lamp gaskets
• moon roof, and
• outside door lower glass weatherstrips.

Door Glass Weatherstrips______________________

Water comes into the car from the rear door lower glass weatherstrips. Over time, this particular weatherstrip loses its tension and stops touching the glass. Gap widens, water ensues.

In the picture above, there's an index card up against the glass. The black 'thing' in the gap is the holder/frame for the glass itself. It shouldn't be visible if the weatherstrip is still pliable.

Stop some leakage by putting a bit of silicone sealer at each end of the glass frame.

The weatherstrip (w/chrome trim) comes off easily. There's one nut just inside the door shell, opposite the back end of the chrome.

Also clean the build-up out of the area- it will be in the curve of the weatherstrip and down on the door glass frame. If you're really industrious, pull the door panel and vacuum out the accumulation at the bottom of the door shell. Make sure the drains are clear.

All this should minimize or eliminate the wetlands in your rear floor.

Tail Lamps__________________________________

The rear lamps will leak for a couple of reasons.

The gaskets were poorly cut from the factory from inexpensive material. Over the years the gasket will shrink and deteriorate, which will open gaps for leaks. Camper tape makes a decent seal.

The other reason is just loose lock nuts.

Moon Roof drains____________________________

There are four drains in the roof pan. If the car is parked close to overhanging vegetation at all, the drains need to be cleared several times a year. The rear drains have hoses at the top of the tailgate that also clog.

Pour a cup of water inside the roof frame with the roof open and see if everything drains. A little air pressure can be applied to blow the front ones. The rear J hoses can be removed without apparent harm. These are the culprits in the back drains.

 

INDEX