Water leaking into cabin

IndigoPhoenix · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject: Water leaking into cabin

Greetings...

I have a 1974 Super and there is water leaking into the cabin, it appears to be coming in from where the body meets the pan at the front of the car, passenger side.

I am relatively new to owning a classic Beetle. I have cleaned out the fresh air return and the tube that comes down from it into the cabin but that doesn't appear to be the issue.

I am having difficulty locating just where rainwater would be entering the car.

Any considerate advice would be most appreciated.

=)

tatzandrodz · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:11 pm Post subject:

IS the water mainly behind passenger seat where battery is under back seat? I have hella water that comes in ONLY the passenger side of my 65 beetle and is some how accumulating where i just described. And the beetle doesn't even have to be moving!

IndigoPhoenix · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:45 pm Post subject:

The water is *primarily* on the passenger side, it collects most in the pan behind the drivers seat. I have removed all the carpeting and pads to prevent mold and such and therefor can trace the water on the pan to the front of the passenger side. Approximately an inch or so off the pan where the dark pan meets the orange body.

It appears that the water is coming from behind that 'joint'. I have read that it is rare for the pan/body seal to be worn enough to allow water in. What puzzles me most is the water collects over a day or so when the car isn't even in use/motion.

I live in the Pacific NW so it strikes me as rain water coming down on the body and invading the cabin somewhere. Given the fact that I am not super familiar with the construction and seals of the body, I am wondering where the water is coming in.

I have all the pieces I need to install a new stereo/speaker system but am hesitant to have it done with that moisture being present.

16CVs · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:37 pm Post subject:

Is this a Sunroof car ? Have you checked the drains/weep holes in the doors ? Could also be the hood drains backed up and the car being parked at an angle ?

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

IndigoPhoenix · Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 1:04 pm Post subject:

No sunroof, I have not checked any of the drain holes you are referring to as I didn't know they existed. I've only had the car appx 8 months and am learning new things about it everyday it seems.

I will do some research and figure out where these drains are you are speaking about and check them out.

Thank you for your help!!!

1967250s · Samba Member Joined: May 02, 2007 Posts: 2137

Look behind the front right wheel and behind the running board along the bottom for rust holes. You say it comes from the front passenger side? Also check along the pan seams along the center tunnel. Any water thrown up there and entering would work toward the low rear battery section. Is the trunk seal in good shape?

IndigoPhoenix · Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:24 pm Post subject:

Since my OP I have found that there is water coming in from the pan to body seal on both sides (in the rear). I have siliconed the heck out of the seam but it is still leaking in.

I also found that there is water seeping in from the seal on the front windscreen in the trunk area. All windo seals have been siliconed as well but it still leaks.

I just ordered a new pan to body seal today and hopefully not long after I get it I will be able to separate the body from the pan just enough to clean up the mess and install the new one. Window seals will have to wait as my front windscreen has multiple rock chips/stars in it and I fear it cracking to pieces if I try to remove it.

The new pan to body seal should do the trick with the bulk of the water coming into the cabin. If not...I guess I will just enjoy the swim while I drive LOL

jzjames · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:51 am Post subject:

What condition is your front window gasket? If its old, dried out, maybe the original one, then that is likely the "culprit".
Even if you siliconed it, you know how water is... It can find its way in. The water will seep in, drip though the "drain" holes in the window channel and down the A-pillar to the bottom where it can leak into the cabin through a pinhole. Thats my guess unless you got other rustouts in the lower body.

Q-Dog · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:09 pm Post subject:

While you are investigating leaks, the front trunk seal, wiper shafts, antenna and air box are all possible leak points.
_________________
Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

IndigoPhoenix · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:39 pm Post subject:

sweet, thanks for all the input.

It looks like the glass seals are original and likely to blame for a portion of my water problems. I know for a fact that the body/pan seal just beneath the back seat is a huge problem, despite my siliconing efforts. I have a new seal on order but no experience with separating the body from the the pan.

I am seeking help from some more experienced guys in my local VW club. Today I am removing rust from the pans then going to seal it with a paint on bedliner product I purchased.

At least it will prevent further water/rust damage until I can get that body/pan seal (among other body rubber) replaced.


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Body/Paint	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1