Of Water Leaks, Seam Sealing, and Chrome Trim Replacement

[sp73]

I had/have quite a bit of wetness in the passenger floorboard after torrential rains the last few days.
Per advice elsewhere on IH8MUD I checked the AC system firewall drain tube and evaporator box which are both not a souce of moisture. I suspect the roof seam(s) based on visual inspection but have not confirmed yet with a water hose or hurricane level event.

The chrome trim looks good overall but the plastic underneath it that clips onto the truck is cracking/failing in places. I am sure more will crack in the process of removing the trim to put new seam sealer down.

What’s a good source for the chrome new or used? The thought crossed my mind to just delete it but... there is a lot of chrome on the truck!!

I also posted a picture of what I was planning on using in the seam sealing removal/redo process...

 

[garfieldthecat]

Check out @Hokie LX thread on roof rust repair, even if you think your roof is in good shape. Chances are there is already rust that you might want to address. The seam sealer would need to come back out at some point to address rust. Its a big project, so understandable if you would just like to seal up and move on.

Thread 'How to Guide: Roof Rust Repair by Removing Roof Skin FJ60/62'

Apr 28, 2023

Hi all,

Before I start, I want to give another huge shout out to @GLTHFJ60 who was instrumental in making this project happen and I cannot thank him enough for his guidance and help along the way!

For those following my build thread, I have already detailed it there but I wanted to make a separate thread that is more searchable to help guide others in this process to fix their roof rust. I'll skip the 100 pictures in my build thread and instead focus this thread on the general process and use some pics to help along the way.

I'll spare you the background but basically, like most...

• Hokie LX
• roof rust rust repair
• Replies: 29
• Forum: 60-Series Wagons

• 

 

[sp73]

After a visit to the car wash I’m suspecting the windshield gasket. On or off target?

 

[RevISK]

Your gutters looks suspect but that’s not to say your windshield gasket isn’t also. Do your gutters at the very least or go full @Hokie LX and get your big boy badge.

I did my gutters and that solved most of my leaks.

 

[ShineTX]

Water was coming into my front floorboard as well. Driver's side in my case. I thought it was the windshield at first, but decided to reseal the gutter seams first because they didn't look great. It solved my water issue. I documented the process in this thread:

S

Thread 'A slow refresh and preservation of a 1985 FJ60'

Mar 30, 2024

I purchased my wonderful brother-in-law’s 1985 FJ60 about 8 months ago. It’s well preserved and almost all original, but like most, it has a list of things that need to be done to preserve it and keep it going for many years to come.

Met up with him in Kansas City and drove it back to Central Texas with absolutely zero issues. Made a lot of stops like this along the way.

Its new home

• ShineTX
• Replies: 11
• Forum: 60-Series Wagons

• 

 

[87CRUSR]

Could also be the firewall seams underneath the fender and hood cowl.

There is a thread with good pix on the leak repair. I have done the roof and A pillar seams, and windshield replacement . I believe the culprit is the firewall seams. With all age and years of body twisting, I bet the seams are cracking and toasted.

 

[sp73]

Are most/many just deleting the chrome around the roof when doing this job, putting it back or substituting with something else?

 

[RevISK]

Are most/many just deleting the chrome around the roof when doing this job, putting it back or substituting with something else?

I deleted mine carefully and passed it on to a friend.
Seems like a dirt and water trap, plus it’s chrome.

 

[sp73]

I deleted mine carefully and passed it on to a friend.
Seems like a dirt and water trap, plus it’s chrome.

I just pulled it all off. I tend to agree!

 

[sp73]

I found the source of the leak (now that I’m tearing out the rain gutter seam sealant). Grommet that fits around the AC lines going into the cabin - - I ran a bead of good quality silicone around it. No more leak.