Topic: Leaks, leaks, leaks
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Former Member
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Riverhead, NY - USA
Joined: 12/13/2004
Posts: 63
Vette(s): 1981 Cream exterior, camel interior. Looks great, runs good.
Hi Guys,
I have an '81 Coupe. I spotted a slight leak on the drivers side now there's a leak on the passenger side. I assume it comes from the wind shield. What causes our babies to be so leaky? This is my second vette same problem. Any answers?

"81
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
You don't say exactly where the leaks are showing. If they're showing by water on the seats, it's likely the seals in the T-Tops. If the leaks are showing on the floor under the dash, it's likely the windshield support on the cowl rusting away creating the leaks.
The first is a basic fix...replace the top seals. The second is much more serious and involved.
The first is a basic fix...replace the top seals. The second is much more serious and involved.

C3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18416
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
Join the club! I think a large part of it has to do with body shift. Makes the windows, tops & pillars not line up correctly. That's just a theory, though. Feel free to agree or debate it.
-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry
My first Vette, now owned by JB79:


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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
They leaked when they were new...they leak worse when they're old...
The leaks around the outer area of the windshield can be fixed by removing the w-shiled, and re-sealing it. Just putting a sealer around the outside will only slow it down, not eliminate it.
The t-tops can be re-sealed with new weatherstripping...at least for a while. Get used to carrying a couple of large bath towels...
The leaks around the outer area of the windshield can be fixed by removing the w-shiled, and re-sealing it. Just putting a sealer around the outside will only slow it down, not eliminate it.
The t-tops can be re-sealed with new weatherstripping...at least for a while. Get used to carrying a couple of large bath towels...

Joel Adams
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Former Member
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Riverhead, NY - USA
Joined: 12/13/2004
Posts: 63
Vette(s): 1981 Cream exterior, camel interior. Looks great, runs good.

Thanks guys. Both leaks are under the dash unto the floor. Gunslinger, whats the cowl ? How do I get to this? The leak on the drivers side is small right under the dash near the door. The right side leak is the same, but a lot more water gets inside. What to do?
'81
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The cowl is the structure at the base of the windshield...where the windshield washer motor and arms are.
If the support for the windshield frame rusts it can allow water to enter directly below that area...the area underneath the dash where your feet go.
Another possibility is if the area is clogged with leaves or other debris, it can cause leaks as water backs up instead of draining properly. If it can't drain as designed, it has to eventually goes somewhere. It can also be a major cause for the rust in the structure.
If the support for the windshield frame rusts it can allow water to enter directly below that area...the area underneath the dash where your feet go.
Another possibility is if the area is clogged with leaves or other debris, it can cause leaks as water backs up instead of draining properly. If it can't drain as designed, it has to eventually goes somewhere. It can also be a major cause for the rust in the structure.
Former Member
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Riverhead, NY - USA
Joined: 12/13/2004
Posts: 63
Vette(s): 1981 Cream exterior, camel interior. Looks great, runs good.
Thanks again guys. I'll investigate the cowl and bungs, then clean out the leaves. Then get a piece of plastic to go over the windshield until I go to my mechanic. I learned a few things. Later!

'81
in Forum: C3 Interior
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