Water Leaks Into Car

[brbluesman]

I've got a 74 Charger SE that I rarely drive in the rain. However, I do go on Power Tour each year and with all that driving you have to go through some rain. When I do, after a few minutes water begins pouring into the driver's side onto my feet. I stopped the car and looked but can't figure out where it's coming from. I thought of covering the 2 vents under the hood but not sure that it's the true culprit. I see no holes in the fire wall. So I'm hoping someone has had this problem before that can help.

[DynoDave]

My experience is A-body related. My '70 Duster used to do that, on the passenger side. It was the windshield seal. The factory used an oil based sealer, and it dries out over time.

[brbluesman]

Thanks, DD. I checked it and the rubber is in very good shape around the windshield. I was wondering if it could come in from the cowl vents or somewhere on the firewall ?

[DynoDave]

Very possible. My '72 has a spot rotted out right behind the booster.

[71se3834v]

My car has rust holes in the area under the cowl screen, driver side, from accumulated debri when it sat for 20yrs. I know if I were to get caught in the rain it would pour in. I don't even hose off the windshield. I just wet sponge it then clean it with glass cleaner.

[Tom]

On cars I have owned, I have had 3 sources of leaks.
Cowl...from accumulated debris under the cowl screens. Could not see damage until dash was removed.
Could easily check that with water hose.

Pin holes under lower/corner windshield moldings.

Poor seal on top of windshield, due to body twist not seen with the naked eye.  

[Nacho-RT74]

fortunatelly my car is leaking free except around windhield due some rust due the vinyl and quarter panel drains being clogged/sealed so water got to the rear floor pans. Both are being fixed now.

what about use some colored water ( coolant or cooking colorants... maybe water based paint in a low solution ) buckets and find were it comes with the colored stuff ?

[moparmike71]

I'm dealing with the same problem, expect mine is twofold. I'm getting water in the front passenger footwell anytime it rains or I wash the car. I cleared the cowl out with the vacuum and hose just to have the front footwell have a small pool form. I'm guessing mine has a hole behind the dash or some major blockage I can't see. The trunk has the same problem, but it has been decreased somewhat with a temporary sealant repair. Post some photos if you tear apart the dash or anything, looking to see if it may be the same thing I'm dealing with. I'll probably pull mine apart over the winter...

[brbluesman]

Since my engine is out for rebuilding, I hosed off the windshield and firewall and found that there's a grommet behind a small square of insulation where the water is coming it. I hadn't found it in the past because I never removed the insulation before. I also found a small, screw size hole that was also behind it that could have been a contributor. The insulation was held in place by 2 rubber buttons and it was located just above the parking brake cable grommet. Hope this helps.