Re: 51Packard's....51 Packard

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2013/6/21 21:42:31

On my '54, the rust on the floor boards over the body mounts came from, and this I know from personal observation: leakage from the wing windows. The seals get bad on these windows, the water leaks down along the door and soaks through the floor covering, coming to rest right where you see the worst damage to the floor/mount.

I have had my car out in rain and snow (prior to discovering the floor/mount rot), and only this spring noticed that the fabric on the door panels was damp after a rain. Looked under the floor mat and padding, and there was the damage. If the car has rubber mats rather than carpeting, you don't even notice any dampness until pulling the mat back because the water leaks throug and the mat dries on top. My only clue was the door upholsteyr that stayed wet long enough to notice, then I investigated under the mat and cushion.

As I only have outdoor storage, I now have rags placed to catch the moisture until I can get the gaskets around the windows fixed.

This ALSO happens around the rear wing windows, and on 4-doors, it may be responsible for the "dog leg" rust found on so many of these cars.

My advice is for all owners to check those gaskets, especially if the car sits outdoors very much. The worst culprit for leaks, I believe, is on the gasket material behind the latches.

For now, I'm depending on rags and am planning to graduate from those to clear silicone caulk (when the rain finally stops long enough) to seal the gaps temporarily until I get enough dough to replace the rubber.

51Packard, sealing those windows will, I believe, preserve your repairs after you get them done.

And to the experts: If my opinion sucks, feel free as always to pick it apart. I only know what I've observed personally.

Regards,