Well it started raining here in So. Cal. for the first time in a LONG, Long, long time. I saw some water on the floor mats and put a few buckets in the car. I was surprised at what I caught. While the likely cause is the rubber holding in the windshield, I thought I would ask those with experience.
There is a metal trim strip along the bottom of the windshield. How does one remove it without damage? And, what can be seen underneath the trim? From under the dash I can't see any damage (rust).
The driver's side front/rear floor looks real good. The passenger rear is acceptable, but the passenger front is -oOo - swiss cheese - oOo-. Time to buy more Argon/Co2. The tank is nearing empty. I've made my replacement pattern already (I assume replacement floors aren't available???).
"Welding in my Pinto, - listening to Barry Manilow."
Didn't he have a song with the line "... made it through the rain?" Ahh..., not here.
Thanks for any assistance, Tom
Quote from: Wittsend on January 28, 2008, 07:53:54 PM
The driver's side front/rear floor looks real good. The passenger rear is acceptable, but the passenger front is -oOo - swiss cheese - oOo-. Time to buy more Argon/Co2. The tank is nearing empty. I've made my replacement pattern already (I assume replacement floors aren't available???).
You are correct, new replacement floors are not available new but sometimes you can find used ones. I cut the pass side floor out of one of my parts to put in my cruising wagon as it was also swiss cheese. I am glad that I only had to do one side and not both.
no floor boards yet but I've been talking to everyone I can about making replacements av able again....
FrankBoss
www.PintoWorks.com
That shiny metal strip along the bottom of the windshield is held on with several spring clips and two screws (one in each corner). You need a special molding removing tool to release the spring clip's grip on the molding. Your local auto parts store should have them or you could make one after looking at the commercially made one. Until you get the knack, the clips are a pain to get to release. The shiny metal strip just covers up the gap between the body and the windshield gasket. Dust and dirt could collect in the gap which would promote rust. I have read several people on the forum here have had leak problems with the gasket itself.
I live where it rains frequently, so this may not be the problem you have. About half of my Pintos leaked on to the passenger floor. Where mine were leaking was from a rusted through area inside the cowl by the stand pipe for the heater's fresh air inlet. This area is not visible unless you remove the hood hinges from the body or remove the heater box from under the dash. Seems that Ford did not paint this are very well and leaves collect there creating a perfect rust situation.
I agree with oldkayaker!!
The screws he mentions are under the chrome that goes up the A-pillar.
The phillips head screws are also burried under black tar strip at the base of the
A-pillar.
You should probally remove ALL the chrome at the same time as you will most likely need to remove the W/S anyway to find the leak.
From Pintony
Quote from: oldkayaker on January 29, 2008, 09:21:35 AM
I live where it rains frequently, so this may not be the problem you have. About half of my Pintos leaked on to the passenger floor. Where mine were leaking was from a rusted through area inside the cowl by the stand pipe for the heater's fresh air inlet. This area is not visible unless you remove the hood hinges from the body or remove the heater box from under the dash. Seems that Ford did not paint this are very well and leaves collect there creating a perfect rust situation.
I agree, my Pinto is the same way. I would bear to bet a dollar that that is where your problem is at.
Thanks everyone. I'll get the wife or kids to run the hose and see if I can find the point of entry. The gasket has numerous cracks and I'm sure that this is likely the cause. There was one gasket crack about 3/16" wide on the drivers side (the largest) that I put plumbers putty on. It was meant as a temporary fix before the rains started.
I know back East you guys have your salts and snow piles, but California has it's share of rust issues too. I can't think of a 'collector' aged car I've had (and it has been a fair number) that didn't have floor rust because water migrated through somewhere (windows, doors, trim etc.), saturated the carpet padding and rotted the floors.
As a side note I would assume because road camber inclines a car (and water) to the passenger side and that may be why that side rots more than the drivers.
Thanks, Tom
Yeesh, you guys are making me nervous. See my recent post on "Rust likes to hide" which shows pics of my passenger floor pan looking - um - BAD - and then of corse, my cowl is stuffed with dead leaves.
Looks like the money pit is gonna zoop some more money out....
Chris
same in theold stangs i was into 67 68 cowel vent