'96 Convertible Water Leak

[scottso]

Hey all. Went out this morning after hard rains yesterday and last night to find water on the passenger side rear floor pan (a pool actually). I've only had the car for about 6 months, but I have never noticed this problem before.
I think that there are drain holes to check that might be clogged with debris. Does anyone know if that is correct, and if so where they are? Thanks.

[98 z-two-8]

I install auto glass for a living and have been blamed for leaks caused by debris in drain holes more than a few times. I am not sure about the covettes setup but every time i encouter that problem it is either leaves under the cowl panel or the rubber weather strip has fallen off of the defroster box with is also under the cowl panel in most applications. If it was sudden and you have never experienced the problem it is probably the defroster box. All you will need to do is place the weatherstrip back where it was.

[scottso]

Wouldn't a cowl or defroster box leak produce water on the front floor? Since it is in the back I am making an assumption that somehow the water running down the top by the rear quarter is getting in.

[98 z-two-8]

Missed that part

I didnt read carefully enough.... convertibles are tough especially when they start to age.... check all of those weatherstrips!!!!

[scottso]

Cowl Panel / Defroster Box

Can anybody tell me how to remove the cowl panel to check the weatherstrip on the defroster box? I'm not even sure where the defroster box is.

[KnightFire]

This is a common F-body problem, its ususally the door seals. Although they look tight and fit flush with the glass, water somehow finds its way in between the weather stripping and the glass, the biggest problem area is the upper corner where the window meets the stripping. I've seen some people use extra thick stripping in that area and the puddles in the rear floor pan seem to disappear...


Just a thought


KnightFire

[scottso]

Originally posted by KnightFire
the biggest problem area is the upper corner where the window meets the stripping. I've seen some people use extra thick stripping in that area and the puddles in the rear floor pan seem to disappear...

KnightFire

If that is the case, wouldn't I be able to see the water running down the inside of the glass? Or are we saying that it might be running all the way around the weatherstrip and ending at the door ledge? - where it may be entering.

[KnightFire]

You would think so wouldn't ya?! All I know is what others have done to fix their problems...seemed to work for them.



Just an idea to ponder






KnightFire

[98 z-two-8]

Cowl and defroster box

Is this question still in regard to a camaro of firebird convertible? if it is a camaro or firebird i know how to remove it..... Secondly the defroster box is an air inlet that is located under the cowl panel in most vehicles and im not exactly sure of how to describe it.... the last one that i took apart was in a 99 grand am and it was approx. 6 inches wide 4 inches deep and about 4 inches long... the reason that particular vehicles floor board was soaked was because the weather strip that goes onto the top (closest to the vehicle) had fallen off. It was just a matter of me putting it back and putting the cowl back on. I know this was incredibly vague but if you could take some close up shots of your cowl and if you can get it off the internals i would be more than happy to take a look for you. If needed i can provide detailed instructions on how to remove the cowl. let me know

[scottso]

Convertible Water Leak

98 z-two-8

This is in regards to a '96 Z28, not a vette.

[98 z-two-8]

Lets try this again....

If i can find out how to post a picture i will but here is what it takes to remove it anyway. There are about 6 plastic plugs that hold the cowl down. They are 2 piece and the center section must be "popped up" and the the outer section should pry out easily you can do both things with a very small bladed screw driver. The second thing you need to do is remove the wipers, just flip back the cap on the wiper and there is a ??12mm?? bolt that you must remove, a gear puller will be required to remove the wiper from its post. After that the cowl should be loose and you can lift it up to find out if that is where your leak is coming from. hope that helps

[CGCBandit]

U can also try checking the leak. Just have someone stand outside the car with a hose, have them spray the areas in question for about 10min. while you are inside, u should be able to see where it's coming in. That's how we used to check for water leaks anyway. Good luck!