Leaking windshield

[88_AHB]

Hey everyone,
My 88 has a leak in its front windshield.I've heard this is a fairly common issue amongst m body’s? Is there any other remedies besides in addition to pulling the glass and reapplying the adhesive? Or just doing that and hoping for no more leaks?

 

[volare 77]

It makes me wonder if a rust hole is causing the issue not the sealant. If you know the location of the leak I have used clear flow-able windshield sealant before with good success. If you don`t know where it is leaking then pulling it may have to happen.

 

[BudW]

I’m kinda thinking the same thing (rust).
I recommend taking the windshield trim off, and (if possible) giving the seam area a good cleaning (a power washer works well). Then you can see if rust might be an issue.

Rust can be fixed, if present. In some cases, it might require the windshield to be removed first.

This tool (or similar) works well on getting the trim removed.

BudW

 

[Oldiron440]

That tool works very well for breaking the glass also so be carfull.

 

[BudW]

That tool works very well for breaking the glass also so be carfull.

You got me there. Once you get it going, its great - but be careful.
BudW

 

[Oldiron440]

I gave the same warning to the kid that was helping me with the Volare years ago, thirty seconds later I had a broken windshield.

 

[88_AHB]

I’m gonna pull the trim off soon and investigate further. What’s interesting is I have the service records on the car since it was new from the sheriffs department. There’s two recorded incidents of the officer reporting a leaking windshield and this was back in the early/mid 90’s.

 

[Aspen500]

I wouldn't be surprised if it leaked from brand new in certain situations, and was never repaired. Have seen it more than once on vehicles. It'll only leak while sitting still, or only while driving down the freeway in heavy rain, etc. I remember Ford trucks in the late '90's that leaked right from the get go. It would run down inside the A-pillar, and drip on the fuse panel. A leak wasn't obvious until a couple years later when all sorts of phantom electrical problems came up from internal fuse panel corrosion.

Once the trim is off, you may be able to see where it leaks. One method I've used is to mix Dawn dish washing liquid and water in a spray bottle and, with the windows closed and blower fan on high, spray around the glass and look for bubbles. It can pinpoint the leak pretty well.