Moldy seatbelts on 87 Coupe... common water ingress or condensation point?

r-mm · 07-23-2014, 07:52 AM

Hi all

I'm back from 2 wks away during which my car was outdoor for a week (NY Burbs, moderate rain/humidity) then in a garage with the windows up for a week.

Noticed a smell and slight appearance of mold on the driver's belt, where it is retracted into the little pocket on the body. Chalk it up to general humidity / dampness / darkness? Or is this a common water ingress spot? No other signs of water in the car and its not a problem I've ever had before, and I drive her in "real weather".

Thanks

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

[QUOTE=r-mm;8178135]Chalk it up to general humidity / dampness / darkness? Or is this a common water ingress spot? [QUOTE]

Well, there is a pocket between the rear fender and the inner panel. If water gets stuck in there and cooks in the heat that seat belt port may be a nice place for the humidity to "exit".

I have a Targa so not sure how your panels are situated. I would like to know the origin of the moisture and pulling the panel(s) is probably not that difficult (it's been a while for me). Maybe a drain hole has dirt plugging it up?

Dueller · 07-23-2014, 08:51 AM

My panels are out while I'm doing my re upholstery job. I'll shoot you a pic. To take out the panel you remove the inside window trim piece (3 screws ) and lift the panel up off a hook towards rear. It just sits behind trim. Easy to remove.

KTL · 07-23-2014, 10:39 AM

These cars are rather notorious for retaining moisture inside them. I stored my '87 in the home attached garage over the years and I found that I had to periodically check the interior throughout the winter months. Helps to put a dessicant collector in there. Damp Rid makes a simple container assembly that you can put on the floor. Available at Home Depot, Target, grocery store, etc.

http://www.damprid.com/product/4-lb.-hi-capacity-moisture-absorber

If left unattended for long periods of time, with a weather-proof car cover over the car, an interior can be completely covered in mildew. I've seen it happen and it's not pretty.....

r-mm · 07-23-2014, 10:49 AM

Thanks guys - I will keep an eye on it and let you know what I find. Probably worth removing the panels. The doors were pretty straightforward, hope the sides are about the same.

Dueller · 07-23-2014, 03:59 PM

Behind fender panel and cover....note the tab that hooks to fender on cover panel. Lotta horsehair back there. FWIW mine was not damp or indicating a leak but it smelled real moldy when I removed the panel