Hey everyone.
I have a leak coming from my upper windsheild area. It drips (read flows LOL) down onto the front left corner of the driver seat and in the opposite order on the passenger side. Today I bought a tool to take the chrome molding off the windshield. Here are some pics of what I found. (well, some pics are from a bit after I started cleaning!) I don't know if what I found was stock or someone elses attempt to stop a leak. There was a grey kinda paste stuff that I had to pull out of the gap between rubber and body.
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/myhrdly/Pinto/IMG_5998copy.jpg)
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/myhrdly/Pinto/IMG_5999.jpg)
My question is, can I take these clips out of the car and clean up behind them? Will they R&R fairly easy, or should I just clean around them the best I can? If I can take them out, how do I go about doing it??
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/myhrdly/Pinto/IMG_6004.jpg)
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/myhrdly/Pinto/IMG_6005.jpg)
My plan is to clean everything up and then run a bead of clear silicone in between the rubber and the metal of the car. I plan on getting new rubber for the windshield later down the road, but for now I want a fast fix!!
Thanks
Kim
The clips may come apart when you try to remove them, if they're pretty corroded. Check out Chris' column (popbumper) he went through similar issues and had to get some replacement clips. As for the grey paste, yeah, that may have been someone else's fix. The clips slip over rivets that are welded to the body, you should be able to slide them up somewhat (1/4 inch or so) and slip them off the rivets. I don't know if they make a special tool for that, I used a pair of needlenose pliers and was very gentle. Sorry to hear about your leak(s), it's very common on pintos though.
Chuck
Quote from: discolives78 on November 13, 2008, 05:02:19 PM
The clips may come apart when you try to remove them, if they're pretty corroded. Check out Chris' column (popbumper) he went through similar issues and had to get some replacement clips. As for the grey paste, yeah, that may have been someone else's fix. The clips slip over rivets that are welded to the body, you should be able to slide them up somewhat (1/4 inch or so) and slip them off the rivets. I don't know if they make a special tool for that, I used a pair of needlenose pliers and was very gentle. Sorry to hear about your leak(s), it's very common on pintos though.
Chuck
Thanks for the reply. I think I will just leave them alone and clean in and around them the best I can. Then when I run my silicone, I will try to put some around the clips too. Just in case a clip's rivet is causing the leak!!
I am really happy about the condition of the metal around the window. It seems to have very little rust. I was expecting the worse when I first popped off the molding!!!! :)
In case you haven't already got your sealant....
I've been using an RTV Silicon Sealant which has been working wonders so far. I have used to around the outside sealing area on my rear window to stop a small water leak, as well as my inner glass fogging issue.
I have primarily been using it on the driver's side bottom corner of my windshield, where a 1/4" gap in the gasket is. As a temporary fix until I can get the windshield and gasket replaced at the same time, I pumped the sealant into the gap with a caulking gun, then got under the dash and had to use my fingers to pack the sealant between the dash and the firewall, right beneath the windshield. It wasn't easy to do, but I believe it has stopped! I have been checking the carpet every time it rains and so far it hasn't been wet, and we've had nearly two weeks of rain lately!
Anyhow, you can purchase the stuff at a Parts America store like Schucks, Checker or Kragen. Here is a link to exactly what I am talking about:
http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=PTX&MfrPartNumber=80855&CategoryCode=2132
Quote from: pintogirl on November 13, 2008, 05:36:24 PM
Thanks for the reply. I think I will just leave them alone and clean in and around them the best I can. Then when I run my silicone, I will try to put some around the clips too. Just in case a clip's rivet is causing the leak!!
I am really happy about the condition of the metal around the window. It seems to have very little rust. I was expecting the worse when I first popped off the molding!!!! :)
Ah, yes, the dreaded windshield seal and clips. Good memory, Chuck! To support what has already been said:
1) The clips WILL remove with needlenose pliers, BUT, they are of course fragile, and can break easily, since they have been exposed to years of moisture and grime.
2) I do >not< believe that the clips from the early models ('71/'72) match the ones from later years. I found a source for NEW clips for my 1976 wagon, not sure they would work for you.
3) The rivets will not cause a leak. Picture "nail heads" welded to the body - there is no place for the water to go.
I personally am going to pull my windshield, inspect the perimeter, grind off any rust, patch any holes, paint with POR-15, put a new rubber seal in, and add new clips. For your sake, I understand your hesitation to go very far with it (especially if clips are in question), BUT, keep in mind that silicone will not stick to surfaces that are not prepared for it. I am afraid you will add silicone and button everything back together to find that the silcon won't do the trick.
Best wishes on your decision; the windshield effort is NEXT on my schedule, stay tuned for pics.
Chris