redneck windshield leak fix

[65swb45]

Those of you who've read my ramblings in TT over the years might remember that on the maiden voyage of the Elwood Explorer to TX in 2006, I had SO MUCH WATER come thru the windshield vent of the 45 that it killed the stereo under my glovebox.

Fast forwards to 2010 and I had planned to take the 45 back to TX until the fateful arrival of the karma cruiser. Having planned to take the 45, and having remembered the previously fateful journey, I had taken 'certain' preparations for the trip that didn't end up getting deployed due to the change in vehicles.

So now the rainy season has come again, and I decided to give my 'fix' it's first test.

 

[65swb45]

This is a 1/8" thick piece of white PVC that has been notched on the passengers side to fit up against the windshield hinge, and notched on the driver's side to fit around the CB antenna mount.

Even with the messy install I did in the dark IN THE RAIN last Friday, I have to tell you the sucker really worked. NOTHING, even taping the windshield vent shut, sealed out the rain because of the dynamic air flow over the cowl itself. But this fugly piece of plastic kept the inside of that windshield frame bone dry for the commute home.

Once again, form follows function.

Best

Mark A.

 

[1phrogguy]

Group buy! Who's in?

 

[DSRTRDR]

 

[John McVicker]

A classic tale of function over form!

John

 

[skidplate]

Does it come in desert camo! Hey, whatever works!

 

[kcustom73]

Should of used blue duck tape to match the truck

 

[middlecalf]

I don't think those were OEM on '65's, not till '68 (at least in the US market).

 

[65swb45]

Update. I got caught in a massive rainstorm between Tuscon and Yuma on my way back from TX a couple of weeks ago. Water was already spitting thru the bottom of the vent flap in the 45 when I pulled over. Taped the cover down, hopped back in and off I went, problem solved. Well sorta.

Seems that if you wait UNTIL IT RAINS to install it, the tape doesn't stick so well to the weatherstripping. So I taped it to the glass. Which was fine...until I went to turn on the wipers!

I will be tweaking the design to incorporate some kind of trim piece that can be latched into place.