PDA

View Full Version : Massive Interior Flooding J body Conv.



tommyturbo
12-21-2014, 10:53 PM
Haven't driven my 89 Lebaron Conv since last weeks rains here in socal. Went out to drive it for the first time since and found about 2 inches of water in the passenger side front floorpan and a little less under the passenger side front seat and passenger side rear seat floorpan. Car was parked facing front slightly downhill, and with the passenger side slightly lower than driver side due street crown.

First thought was heater core, but it's not coolant, just slightly dirty fresh water. Thank God for the bissel, sucked out about two gallons worth of water. Pulled up the carpet and pad am drying it now, as pad was soaked.

So now trying to figure out how it leaked and am hoping maybe someone here has prior experience with where it may have come in. Found some tiny leaves under the carpet down in the corner near the A pillar, firewall, rocker area under the dash. Looked at the grommets for the door wiring and antenna but they look good and tight. Looked under the plastic cowl but no leaves are built up, and based on the drain points, should have drained fine based on how it was parked and doesn't appear it came in through the intake for the HVAC. Top is not very old, and in good shape, have driven and parked this car in heavy rain before with no problems. Looked under rear seat and under area where top stows and looks dry and no evidence of water.

There is a very slight gap where the two seals on the top rails come together above the passenger side window, maybe a 1/16 inch at most, but the top still over hangs that, plus no evidence of water running down the window or door panel.

Any suggestions on where to look? Would like to avoid having to clean up this mess again in the future. My Z4 leaks too, but have figured out where it leaks, just took a while. Was always so proud of the fact that a 25 year old Chrysler sealed better than a much newer BMW. I do realize it's a older car, so can't be too angry.

black86glhs
12-22-2014, 01:10 AM
That 1/16" can let in more than you think even being under the top. A little wind driven rain will get into places you never would expect.

Gearhead24-7
12-26-2014, 09:43 AM
Check the drains under the 1/4 window motors.