THSCC Forums

I finally took some panels out and found the pesky leak that has been leaving the Civic with a wet trunk after a hard rain or storm. Now I just need a decent adhesive that will keep it out. Would a basic household silicone work or would anyone recommend a better material?

thanks,
Matt

Auto parts stores sell a "windshield leak" specific silicone. Permatex? Certainly don't use epoxy

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Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

The Permatex windshield sealant works pretty well...IF: You must open the gap between the rubber and the glas and/or metal and get it clean and dry. I use denatured alcohol since it cleans well and absorbs moisture and helps wash it away. Once it's clean, the very "runny" sealer is easy to apply and work into the gap. Then let the rubber back down and you should be set to go.
My Ford Explorer had a terrible design for the windshield seal. There were two grooves in the roof (probably for stiffening) that came right up to the windshield. The problem was that the grooves fill with water and the seal did not fit that well in the groove. I had to reseal that twice in the 15 years I owned it. The emergency repair involved duct tape until the weather was dry enough to get the water out of the seal area.
Charlie G

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1998 BMW Z3
1987 BMW 325is
2000 BMW
1996 F250 Turbo Diesel

Is the civic out of warranty already? I didn't think you'd had it that long. Anyway, there was a TSB on the mustang for some possible leaking cowl seals under the front window. The TSB expressly said not to use silicon. It was recommended to use the 3M marine adhesive sealant 5200. So far I've had no leak issues w/ the car. The only down side to this stuff is it takes 7 days to cure out per the package info. I know it stayed tacky at least for a day. I'd look into the 5200 stuff as an option.

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

Thanks for the good recommendations! It's an '08 (just hit 40k en route to GA) but the reason I bought the car was it was a decent price due to a little 'tree incident' involving a new front windshield fenders, hood and repaint. I couldn't pass it up.

However, the front windshield was replaced (it's an aftermarket brand) but the rear that's leaking is the OE Honda one. Weird.

Anyhow I think I'll run with the 5200 but the only thing is that the leak starts at a weld at the end of the roof line in an almost impossible spot to access along the top inside the car. We'll see what happens, but it would be nice to get into a non-foggy car after a heavy rain.

The upside to the 5200 is it's rather fluid and flows well, so it should settle into the crack w/ a little help from maybe a toothpick or something small. I'd try to clean the area as good as you can before applying this stuff. Maybe some brake cleaner. Make sure you rinse it off, I've heard that some brake cleaners can discolor or lift paint, although I've never had any issues using it.

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....