Trying to stop leaking rear window in 64

[Guest Scotsbass]

I seem to have developed a leak into the trunk on my (previously bone dry) '64 Riv - It seems to be coming from above the spare and looks like it could be from rear window - I'm not sure I'm skills-wise, or budget wise, at the moment, up to taking the whole thing apart, but would silicon sealer eased into the gap between the glass and the stainless surround, actually do anything?

 

All suggestions gratefully received

 

Thanks

 

Keith

[petelempert]

It's the achilles heel of the first gen Rivs and a lot of other similar vintage GM cars. Most leak. Few ever imagined these cars lasting 50 years anyway. Back in the day, the car was in the junkyard long before the metal around the rear window rotted out. If you've got a leak, it could be the seal, but I'm betting it's also a rust issue under the window. The answer to your question all depends on the quality of your car and your appetite for fixing the problem. If you've got a decent driver that rarely gets wet, the silicon might reduce the problem and look OK but it won't solve it. If you try and fix it correctly, it will involve some surgery and probably metal/paint work.  My car looked great around the window and didn't leak at all, but when I took the window out to paint the car, the entire window channel needed replacement. A bummer. My car never sees rain but when I wash it I'm really careful with the hose even though I've got new metal, seal etc. PRL

[Guest Scotsbass]

Hi,

 

it was one family owned california car, it it's now in Oregon, and It has always been dry til this fall, even with seven years of Oregon weather. 

 

I suppose the queation is - does the water just leak in at the bottom, in the gap between the glass and the trim? OR does it com in from the sides too, and also along the top side of the trim (where it meets the roof)?

 

Thanks

 

Keith

[RivNut]

Chances are the leak is in either or both of the lower corners of the lion in which the window sets.  The factory seams on those corners is pro email to hold water and rust. Faulty design, and you get to deal with it.

[Scott Mckenzie]

Check the molding below the window ( its about 1 3/4 wide) it can leak through the mounting studs if the sealer is worn out. The clips to hold the trim around . window rust out and water leaks into the trunk. Silicone will get you on the road but if you can...park under cover

 

 

[Eric's.64.Superwildcat]

Keith,

  Is the car stored outside or in a garage?

 

If its stored in a garage I'm assuming this only happens when you drive it in the rain or after you wash it.