Cannot find leak

[longhunter]

Hello all,
Got a leak in my '96 I cannot find. Leak is on front left pillar. The water runs, not drips, (see pic), out of the top hole only. Got a new windshield two days ago thinking that was the problem. Parked it at an uphill angle under the carport with only the window sticking out in the rain. Attached pic is from this am had standing puddles in floor. Since it was parked facing uphill I do not think it is an issue wither the topper. Any ideas?

 

[lynchsg]

Did you put the new windshield in yourself or have it installed? How well did you inspect the metal where the weatherstripping seals? How does the upper door jam area metal look? I know that sounds like a long shot suggestion but obviously water is getting in the “A” pillar somehow.

 

[Tiha]

I had a 95 that would fill the roof bows. You never knew it leaked until you went around a corner and it all went to one side and freezing cold water splashed on ya.

The drip rails, are they still full of seam sealer?

If you or someone else did the windshield, was there any rust on the frame?

Not uncommon to have leaks even with a new windshield But I would think you would be able to see it.

 

[longhunter]

Did you put the new windshield in yourself or have it installed? How well did you inspect the metal where the weatherstripping seals? How does the upper door jam area metal look? I know that sounds like a long shot suggestion but obviously water is getting in the “A” pillar somehow.

Hello, no I had in put in by a car glass place. But the good news is I found the leak. Not in the glass area but up where the roof meets the pillar. Where that seam is there s rust from the water getting in. As a temp fix I am gonna put some sealant of some kind on it until I have time to get the rust off and seal it properly and repaint. Any Idea the best way to go about gettig rid of the rust and resealing?

 

[longhunter]

I had a 95 that would fill the roof bows. You never knew it leaked until you went around a corner and it all went to one side and freezing cold water splashed on ya.

The drip rails, are they still full of seam sealer?

If you or someone else did the windshield, was there any rust on the frame?

Not uncommon to have leaks even with a new windshield But I would think you would be able to segood news is I found the leak. Not in the glass area but up where the roof meets the pillar. Where that seam is there s rust from the water getting in. As a temp fix I am gonna put some sealant of some kind on it until I have time to get the rust off and seal it properly and repaint. Any Idea the best way to go about gettig rid of the rust and resealing?

I had a 95 that would fill the roof bows. You never knew it leaked until you went around a corner and it all went to one side and freezing cold water splashed on ya.

The drip rails, are they still full of seam sealer?

If you or someone else did the windshield, was there any rust on the frame?

Not uncommon to have leaks even with a new windshield But I would think you would be able to see it.

Good news is I found the leak. Not in the glass area but up where the roof meets the pillar. Where that seam is there is rust from the water getting in. As a temp fix I am gonna put some sealant of some kind on it until I have time to get the rust off and seal it properly and repaint. Any Idea the best way to go about gettig rid of the rust and resealing?

 

[lynchsg]

I’m not a body guy. That’s one I would have to take to a body shop. I do know the rust has to be ground out and/or neutralized.

 

[Tiha]

Most autoparts stores have Seam sealer. Comes in a caulking tube, That is the best way to seal it for now.

The long term fix, hard to say because you don't know how bad it really is until you start grinding on it.

But yes, start grinding it down to bare metal. Grind off as much rust as you can. Use a wire brush on the drill to get to the deeper pits.

Then I will usually use a rust converter. Not sure if the stuff really works, but it is all we have to work with so worth a shot.

After that I usually grind it again so you know for sure the filler will work.

For the first layer of filler I use like a tiger hair, long or short strand fiberglass filler. I prefer it because it is water proof and very hard.

You can do all of your body work with that stuff, but it is easer to shape the tiger hair, get it close and then put a thin coat of normal body filler over the top of it to make it look nice. Then prime and paint.