Help: Interior Troubles

[IdahoMan]

Hi all.

I'm concerned about my interior. There are leaks and some bubbling under the carpet by the kick-panel. I've decided I'm going to tackle the entire interior, but I need some advice. For instance: What should be replaced or if it is better off left alone or restored OEM.

Here are pics: (if you need a pic, just ask)

There's some orange in the highlighted pic, that worries me (it's the base of the windshield above the glove-box). My new windshield gasket has always been a problem. Large gaps between it and the body. You can see the water trickle behind the kick-panel. In the last pic, the hole to the right seems to go straight through to the outside. Is it supposed to be like that?

[IdahoMan]

Condensation puddle?

[IdahoMan]

Originally Posted by IdahoMan

Condensation puddle?

Alright, it's been raining a lot. That's when that puddle appears.

What's it coming from? Couldn't be the windshield. A roof light?


IM

[IdahoMan]

Seems the leak is coming from the roof area?

[IdahoMan]

BTW,

What's the difficulty level of replacing a back window? Mine's in great, original condition, but the chrome is getting very brown/discolored. I'd like to see it new, but maybe I should leave well-enough alone?

I also am thinking of restoring the vent windows. Oh boy..

[Your41Plague12]

Originally Posted by IdahoMan

BTW,

What's the difficulty level of replacing a back window? Mine's in great, original condition, but the chrome is getting very brown/discolored. I'd like to see it new, but maybe I should leave well-enough alone?

I also am thinking of restoring the vent windows. Oh boy..

You can replace just the strip itself without removing the window. The corners are a bit of a pain. There should be a tutorial on here somewhere.

[tucsonjwt]

You are not supposed to have that leak, but all 3 squares I have owned have leaked like that at some point. You need to start with the windshield and make sure that you have a rust free opening and all of the sheet metal is flat where the seal fits. I think this is a job for the best windshield shop in your area. They need to pull out the windshield and let you have a look at the condition of the seal area. If you have rust or it is not smooth, then you need to fix that first - a body man job. Most windshield shops will just slap in a new windshield and forget about the condition of the opening.

Also, the discount windshield seals are junk. Precision is supposed to be a good brand, but check with your best installer.

[IdahoMan]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

Also, the discount windshield seals are junk. Precision is supposed to be a good brand, but check with your best installer.

Thanks. That's the other issue: Finding the right stuff. OEM in normally always better than Repro so I'd like to keep or restore what I can. If not, I REALLY need to know what brand to go with.

[enaberif]

Windshield needs to come out to inspect the drain holes and metal flange. You have a leak in the windshield somewhere.

[jetmech85]

I had a windshield and back window put in my '86 a few years back. I wanted new one peice gaskets and had a hard time finding mail order ones that were in stock. LMC was the only one that could ship the next day. Reluctantly I bought from them. Turns out both front and rear fit perfectly. The glass installer said my old ones were good and very usable just needing the lock strip replaced but I liked the one peice front and used the new ones. Now I always use the old originals and hardly ever find one that is weathered and cracked. You can easily find black lock strips from '90/'91 Suburban windshield and side glass or purchase new if you want chrome.

[IdahoMan]

What of that black lining/stuff under the carpet: Should it be replaced? Can it be replaced with something OEM-quallity?

[IdahoMan]

Originally Posted by IdahoMan

What of that black lining/stuff under the carpet: Should it be replaced? Can it be replaced with something OEM-quallity?

Same with the carpet. I've heard of ACC. Is there GOOD auto or marine worthy carpets that fit perfect and are durable?

[patrickth]

Your truck shows every sign of being hit hard at one time. If I am seeing right, the bubbles over paint look like either "fisheyes" or someone painted over water. Do a Google image search on paint fisheye". You are probably best served by doing some excellent detective work and measurements before spending too much money. You could be getting into a money pit. My point being learn more about it before you just go tell some "put a new gasket on" or whatever.

I would like to see some pics of doors closed on a level surface to see if panels, fenders, roof and door actually line up correctly.

[IdahoMan]

Think you posted to the wrong Thread Pat. lol.

[patrickth]

Originally Posted by IdahoMan

Think you posted to the wrong Thread Pat. lol.

I am not convinced. No disrespect, but that does look like fisheye, it also appears your door striker is moved a lot more than usual. Not sure exactly what the covering is in that area. but looks to me like they used it to cover up an alignment issue.

I have been wrong a lot in my lifetime, but I hold to the old maxim, trust but verify. Alignment and leaks usually mean it has taken a hit in my experience.

[IdahoMan]

Been raining a lot.

Where the water is coming in here:

(Not the cup-shaped grommet, but right above it in the background)

[motornut]

I get some drops too from those upper areas.
But I'd call that pic welding or seam sealer splatter.
I've seen bumps like that scrape right off