personality

Hey!
I've got a '95 base model truck that leaks quite a bit into the passenger foot well. Usually this is no big deal here in Southern California, but we've had a really rainy winter so far and I'm pretty annoyed by the leak (also it leaks like right around the ECU, which is a little concerning...)
From the attached pics, what suggestions do you guys have? Should I expect a lot or little rust if I remove the windshield? I have no bodywork experience/tools, and don't want to try to replace the seal only to find out it is way too big of a job for me. Are there other places the the water might be coming in from?
Pics of the window here: http://imgur.com/a/MncPo

Co_94_PU

iTrader: (-1)

You have rust bubbles showing in the first photo. If your not willing or able to weld best take it to a pro.

scope103

The windshield is actually glued into place (in a front end collision, you do NOT want that to pop out). People remove windshields every day, but it is a big job with special tools (and the windshield is usually broken; either before or while removing it).

It looks like someone has tried very hard to fix what has been leaking for a very long time, with absolutely no success. I would recommend you take this to a few body (or maybe just glass) shops. I suspect they will warn you to expect significant rust damage, and just replacing the windshield is unlikely to help.

Good luck!

personality

Thanks for the responses. I put some silicon on the obvious open spots today, is there any possibility the water is coming in somewhere other than the seal around the windshield? Like, do the fresh air vents get clogged or something?

gyates93

Rust around the windshield will oftentimes cause pressure on the glass causing it to crack as well.
Something to think about, might be worth doing that body work early.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

After water leaks took out to ECM`s on my 92 4Runner I broke out the silicone .

I buy the better grade from McMaster-Carr by the case since it was only the right side that is all I did

A whole tube after things were cleaned and dry it has been 3 years so far so good

I need to replace the windshield it is sand blasted I just keep forgetting

That is the bad part take that to most body shops it is a $1000.00 plus

Co_94_PU

iTrader: (-1)

Yes there are more sources for water intrusion than just around the window seals. All of the OEM seams above or near your rust spots. Drip rails, A pillar to roof joint, moon roof, moon roof drains, cowl to firewall junction, wire penetration thru the firewall on the right side, wire penetration above left kick panel.

I might have missed some others..

What ever that high mount brake light is called. Don't look at me like that I've been awake 22.5 hours.

RAD4Runner

This and what Scope103 sys^^
O.P.
Before you touch that windshield be absolutely sure that the leak is coming from there. I spent a year wondering where my leak is coming from. Had windshield removed under warranty because it still leaked. (Blessing in disguise 'cause it gave me the chance to POR-15 the pinch weld. Then, it still leaked after the replacement. I finally found out that the leak was from gutter / drip rail, which at firs seemed an unlikely source because I thought the drip rail is tack-welded OUTSIDE the roof sheet metal.

Also check the grommet where the antenna cable penetrates the firewall.

Charchee

There are other possible sources but it would be sure hard to bet against that rusted area around the windshield as being the culprit. If it were me, I would remove the trim around the windshield so you can get a good look at the extent of the rust damage. You need to know that you are going to be able to easily grind it down perfectly flat and replace the windshield before you go pulling it out. If it's as bad as I bet it is, I would do my sanding with the windshield in place, get it extremely clean, prime it and then meticulously apply silicone to the entire seam between the windshield and the body before installing the trim. I would probably go back with some new, possibly aftermarket trim, only after making sure you have actually sealed it up. The reason I say to do it with the windshield in place is because, if you take it out and you can't get it perfect, you will have even more leaks when you reinstall the windshield and to have it done professionally will cost a fortune.

I would also suggest, in the mean time, place a damp-rid container in the floor board of your passenger side. You aren't likely dripping any water directly on to your ecm but the constant wet condition of the floor board will cause corrosion to the connections as well as the computer. Anything you can do to mitigate this moisture will prolong the life you your electronic components in the area.