Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-12-2024, 11:55 AM
kpbrown31 kpbrown31 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: NE Kansas
Posts: 145
Default Kick panel leaks

I’ve read the old sticky posts of addressing this with a Costco chicken container, but my question is also what prevented these from leaking straight out of the factory? The gasket seal was just in that much better of shape I assume and overtime it gets brittle and leaks?

My front floor pans will be drenched after a rain. I have to keep my car under cover if rain is in the forecast. I’m slowly trying to address where it’s leaking from up front as I will have most of my new interior installed within a month.

Any other commons spots you all are seeing leaks on these cars? I’ve got a 66 Catalina wagon. Thanks

  #2  
Old 04-12-2024, 11:42 PM
GtoFM's Avatar
GtoFM GtoFM is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 177
Default

This is my '64 RH kick vent, the factory did NOT spare any sealant! Have you pulled back the carpet to ck the floor pans? Remove the kick panels and get the sprinklers out to find where the water is getting in.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	RH Kick vent.jpg
Views:	69
Size:	81.5 KB
ID:	631973  

  #3  
Old 04-13-2024, 11:51 AM
pfilean's Avatar
pfilean pfilean is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: West Des Moines, IA
Posts: 1,936
Default

What I have seen is happen is a result of original design.
The cowl vent is the opening that allows air through the kick panel vents. The cowl around the vent is a chamber that may have a 1 inch drain hold that goes down into the rocker panel. But leaves, sticks and other stuff can get if the cowl vent and not get through the 1 inch drain hole. It builds up and plugs the drain and leads to the sides and bottom of the vent chamber rusting through. Might rust to the inside, the outside or bottom. Take off the vent grill and feel around in the chamber and see what is in there. Be prepared for even mice. Vacuum out what trash may be present and inspect for what damage needs to be repaired. One of the first things I would do with any oof these cars as all have been sitting in who knows where for years collecting who knows what trash in the cowl area.

The Following User Says Thank You to pfilean For This Useful Post:
  #4  
Old 04-13-2024, 11:00 PM
kpbrown31 kpbrown31 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: NE Kansas
Posts: 145
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GtoFM View Post
This is my '64 RH kick vent, the factory did NOT spare any sealant! Have you pulled back the carpet to ck the floor pans? Remove the kick panels and get the sprinklers out to find where the water is getting in.
Wow, yeah maybe I need to go back in and add some more sealant. The vents in that kick panel on my car were so rusted that the cables were seized and the vent doors were trashed. I ripped them out and replaced with a piece of metal to hold a speaker, but it could be sealed up a little better.

If I planned to put a modern AC system in it someday are these vents really that necessary? I assume some people like them for the natural fresh air even if you do have an upgraded AC.

Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:04 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017