Rear Vent slats

[Milo2361]

I've searched and so far the only way i've seen to get rid of these is to make a custom window frame and go with a lexan window(can't remember who did it, but it was slick as heck)

Does anyone know how i can fill or get rid of those pesky leaky rear vent slats above the rear window? i put a new window seal on the rear(old one leaked for sure, new one doesn't) and i still get leaks and i suspect they're coming from there, especially considering my headliner is starting to peel back from right under them. I know someone mentioned there used to be a foam that was in them back in the day, but i never got an answer in that thread of where to track some new foam down.

i will probably be getting a respray on the paint this summer(front is chipped all to heck) and i figure if they need to be welded as the only way to do it, that would be the time.

[stephers]

I think that I would be looking more at the sunroof and rear drain pipes first before there. Just a thought Don't know if you have sunroof or not.

Rick

[Milo2361]

i just replaced the seal on the sunroof as well, but i will double check the drain holes. to clean those i suppose i could blow compressed air thru them?

[ossiblue]

I agree with Rick, the sunroof drains are a more likely suspect. You can try air, or thin wire or even stiff string-trimmer line. There are several posts on various methods.

As far as the vent holes, from my experiences you almost have to try to get water into them. If you are careful washing and let the water flow off the roof, they will not leak. A hard stream of water aimed at the window will likely splash water up into the holes, however. Driving in the rain (which, of course you never do) will not allow water in there. I don't think you'll need to go the lexan route to solve this. By the way, have you unzipped the headliner to see where the leak may be? You should be able to see the connections to the drain tubes as well as the area around those vent holes.

[Milo2361]

hmm... i don't have zippers on my headliner. i think its an aftermarket job done by the PO. I tried to shove a long piece of fairly stiff electrical wire up the back end(from the engine compartment) and it seemed to get stuck just before it would be popping out the top... i'll probably remove it to check things out when i go for the repaint.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by Milo2361

Does anyone know how i can fill or get rid of those pesky leaky rear vent slats above the rear window?

One of the PO's of my car replaced the factory foam with what looks like a rubber draft excluder strip. Doesn't leak a drop, even parked in driving rain.

There's also an aftermarket roof spoiler with a high-mount 3rd brake light which completely covers that area. Thought Pelican carried it, but can't seem to find it right now.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by Milo2361

hmm... i don't have zippers on my headliner. i think its an aftermarket job done by the PO. I tried to shove a long piece of fairly stiff electrical wire up the back end(from the engine compartment) and it seemed to get stuck just before it would be popping out the top... i'll probably remove it to check things out when i go for the repaint.

Yeah, the factory headliner has a zipper access for the motor and trans of the sunroof so yours is likely aftermarket. As for clearing the tubes, you might want to try an electrician's fish tape or even a small diameter, hand cranked drain snake with the expanded end cut off. I bought a cheap one at Home Depot, cut off the end and ran it through the drain tubes. One caution if you choose this method--my drain tubes were steel, and yours may be vinyl or plastic so be sure the end you use is free of sharp edges.

[Jgordon]

If you weld them or close them off in some way, I think you'll lose the ability to open your sunroof. I think the primary purpose of the vents is to bleed air pressure from the roof cavity when the sunroof is open. If you close them, the air pressure would likely buffet the sunroof around, damaging it and the recess where it sits when open.

At least that's my impression. Someone else will probably know more.