Found water on the floor from ????

[kensmith]

My 1978 Spider has been sitting in the driveway and it's been raining on and off for the past 3 or 4 weeks. I was checking the car for some parts and noticed a large puddle of water behind the driver seat. About a pint of water. Nowhere else. Top is new and no leaks there. Are there vents that may have leaked? The driveway is at an angle so the front of the car is slightly uphill. I also have a drip pan under the car that fills up with water. So not sure why this happens also. Drip pans are for oil leaks, not rain water. Any ideas of what is going on? Thanks

[azruss]

a couple of things to check. first the windshield cowling drains. these fill up with crap. drain them by popping the hood and finding the 2 rubber drains and clean them out. usually when they get backed up, your front rugs will get wet. Not sure about this one, as i havent had a soft top on my car in almost 40 years. As i recall, there is a drainage cup just behind the door where water from the top's side glass and front door glass seal drains. I think it connects to a hose that runs into the chassis.

[kensmith]

Great, thats somewhere to start looking. Thanks!

[kensmith]

a couple of things to check. first the windshield cowling drains. these fill up with crap. drain them by popping the hood and finding the 2 rubber drains and clean them out. usually when they get backed up, your front rugs will get wet. Not sure about this one, as i havent had a soft top on my car in almost 40 years. As i recall, there is a drainage cup just behind the door where water from the top's side glass and front door glass seal drains. I think it connects to a hose that runs into the chassis.

Ok, I checked both of the cowl top drain holes that lead from the cowl vents to the firewall and they are clear. I don't see any debris under these vents. I do see water in the front carpet so it's definitely coming from the front somewhere and only on the driver side. Is there an air duct or something that could be letting water in? I am not familiar with the venting system. Maybe the vents are open? The windshield is sealed very well and also the top. It's defiantly coming from the front area somewhere.

[Zippy]

It could be the seal around your windshield. If it was improperly replaced at some point or old, dried and cracked it could be leaking.

[kensmith]

It could be the seal around your windshield. If it was improperly replaced at some point or old, dried and cracked it could be leaking.

No, I double checked the seal and it's new. It's not coming from the windshield. My guess is somewhere from the cowl area. Maybe fresh air vent?

[azruss]

the early spiders had vents that opened to the area under the cowling. Dont know if they exist on a 78. They are pretty water proof, but if one is open, it is possible with rain and wind to get some water in thru these. I have never had a soft top ever seal between the door and the top that didnt allow some water in. The culprit is usually at the top of the wing window. A slow drip can get a carpet wet.

[Adam]

Check the rubber stopper on the top of the door where the front vent window meets the main window. I had the same issue and it was solved by replacing the stoppers. Also check your door weatherstripping, if it's cracked or deformed, it could also lead to water leaking.

[kensmith]

Check the rubber stopper on the top of the door where the front vent window meets the main window. I had the same issue and it was solved by replacing the stoppers. Also check your door weatherstripping, if it's cracked or deformed, it could also lead to water leaking.

I did notice the weatherstripping below the door on the rocker at the sill plate is worn but it appears the wet carpet is on the lowest part of the floor. No signs of it on the door trim or carpet on the top and side of the rocker panel area. Maybe I need to sit in the car during a rain storm and try and find the entry point or take a hose and start squirting it down?

[bobplyler]

I had a Pinto that leaked from the cowl vents. Rather than fix it, I just covered it when I
got out of the car and it was supposed to rain. I covered it with an uninflated air mattress.

Sometimes I forgot, and it got wet.

[kensmith]

I had a Pinto that leaked from the cowl vents. Rather than fix it, I just covered it when I
got out of the car and it was supposed to rain. I covered it with an uninflated air mattress.

Sometimes I forgot, and it got wet.

Pinto.....I haven't see one of those for a really long time!

[mik]

There is a drainage hose on each side of the back seat behind the black side molding. It runs from the back window weather stripping and drains to the chassis. Both of mine had been severed. Will be replacing them.

[kensmith]

There is a drainage hose on each side of the back seat behind the black side molding. It runs from the back window weather stripping and drains to the chassis. Both of mine had been severed. Will be replacing them.

Anyone have a pic of these hoses? I can't find them or maybe I don't have them? Are they in the shop manual? I have a 1978.
Thanks !

[mik]

I have a '69. I haven't seen them in any manual, or vendor catalog. With the top up,there is a flap between the side of the car and the back seat side panel. They should be there unless they have been severed, have been removed or are lying at the bottom of that space. I will try get a pic for you.

[kensmith]

I have a '69. I haven't seen them in any manual, or vendor catalog. With the top up,there is a flap between the side of the car and the back seat side panel. They should be there unless they have been severed, have been removed or are lying at the bottom of that space. I will try get a pic for you.

Thanks, I looked everywhere and don't see anything but I am new to these cars so it may be I just don't see it.