leak in trunk

Topic: leak in trunk (Read 1234 times) previous topic - next topic

leak in trunk

March 16, 2009, 05:28:46 AM

There's some water inside my trunk ('88 Tbird), on the left where the spare tire is. Fender well was repaired a while back and looks solid, and since there's water directly below the tail light as well, I suspect it's coming in from there.
I can't figure out how, though. The only way in I can see, is between the left tail light and the horizontal black plastic strip you see when the trunk is open; there's a small gap there. That gap is there on the right side as well, so I guess it's supposed to be there and any water going in there will end up on the outside of the car, or... ? Does somebody have some advice on where I should look? Hosing the car hasn't revealed anything so far.

leak in trunk

Reply #1 – March 16, 2009, 05:59:40 AM

The easy way to find the leak is to climb in the trunk w/ a flash light and have a friend hose down the trunk area. You will see where it is coming from. Just mark the holes or leaking spots with a sharpie. Then look near them for any body work that might have been completed. They are most likely the culprits. Use silicone to seal those holes and do it quickly cause small leaks cause large rust holes!!!

leak in trunk

Reply #2 – March 16, 2009, 06:28:22 AM

My 87 did the same thing. On mine it turned out it was coming from the lower corner of the rear window. Part of my driveway goes up a hill and if I parked with the rear up the hill and I poured water on it it would leak. My guess would be small pinholes in the sheet metal right in the corner. I carefully removed the mldg and put some silicone in there and havent had the problem since.

leak in trunk

Reply #3 – March 16, 2009, 09:12:53 AM

Mine did that until I removed the lights and side trim and sealed the holes the way the factory did.Water was leaking in behind the trim and lights through all of the bolt holes.

leak in trunk

Reply #4 – March 16, 2009, 09:56:14 AM

Thanks for the suggestions so far, will post back when I take a look later today.

leak in trunk

Reply #5 – March 25, 2009, 10:09:32 AM

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Mine did that until I removed the lights and side trim and sealed the holes the way the factory did

How does one seal the holes 'the way the factory did'? Replace the dried out rubber that is between the body and the nut?

leak in trunk

Reply #6 – March 25, 2009, 09:20:00 PM

HAHAHA, I remember about four months ago I pull out of my parking spot and it sounded like I had a 96 quart cooler in the trunk. After a little searching, I found the spare tire void full of H2O. My backyard solution? Four perfectly spaced holes from a screwdriver....no more moisture collecting. Actually, this car has some rust along the bottoms of the doors and quarters, so I'm not that worried about it...Just made me laugh...Now back to the post!

leak in trunk

Reply #7 – March 25, 2009, 09:29:10 PM

I'm guessing the 25 yr old seals around your tail lights are letting go. I had this happen a couple of times. I just took them off, cleaned the area, and put down a good coating of silicone.

I remember the 1st time it happened. We had a big rain and the next time I drove my car I heard water slushing around at every turn. I would recommend getting the leak fixed and make sure to air your trunk out good to avoid holding moisture in.

leak in trunk

Reply #8 – April 04, 2009, 10:52:51 AM

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The easy way to find the leak is to climb in the trunk w/ a flash light and have a friend hose down the trunk area.

Done that, water's coming in when it hits the black trim in the picture below. On the other side (inside the trunk) are two pieces of sheet metal on top of each other, and water slowly leaks in from between those. I'm not sure how the water would get there though...

So does anyone have some pictures of that part of the car w/o the bumper on?

leak in trunk

Reply #9 – April 04, 2009, 10:23:17 PM

I think there might be a rubber plug in between your the bumper cover and the quarter panel (facing rearward). If it has gone bad it would cause a leak from that area. If so you might be able to get to it from the spare tire area...or you might have to take the rear bumper cover off to get to it.