Yay! Leaking Doors! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

CamiLFX · 09-23-2018, 08:35 PM

The glue that keeps a seal between the door and the water deflector has started to dry out and separate... on both doors. It's been raining almost constantly for several days. I didn't notice the leaks until about two days ago. My carpets are very damp, my seats and headliner are mildly damp, and the car wreaks of mildew. I've already begun the process of drying/cleaning the interior out, and replacement water deflectors are on their way, but is there more I should be worried about? Should I plan on replacing/deep cleaning the carpet? Does the sound deadening beneath the carpet need to be replaced? Should I be too worried about rust? TIA.

Rock-It Man · 09-24-2018, 05:49 AM

I left a window on my daily driver SUV partially open and went away on vacation.

It poured and the carpet got wet. After soaking up as much as I could by pressing down with bath towels, I left the vehicle out in the sun with all the doors open all day for three days in a row (closing at night) and everything was OK after that.

I hope that works for you!

tstodii · 09-24-2018, 11:42 AM

You could pick up one or two odor absorbing things like Gonzo Odor Absorbing Gel and place them in the car for a day or two. Those will suck up that nasty smell really quick. I've used these to get nasty water smells out after having a cooler leak all over the inside of a car and sit there for 3 or 4 days. You don't have to leave the vehicle open or anything. Just place one or two of these canisters in the car and close it up. Come back in a few hours or a day or two and breathe the wonderful mildew less air haha.

redcoats1976 · 09-24-2018, 03:45 PM

a few dessicant packs from electronics packing wouldnt hurt either.

CamiLFX · 10-01-2018, 09:09 PM

Thanks everyone. The weather cleared up for a few days, so I let my car sit outside with the windows down. Helped a bit. I plan on scrubbing my carpets with a vinegar and water solution, and leaving a nice coat of baking soda on top. Also keeping two packages of DampRid behind my front seats until they're no longer usable.

I still have to install the water deflectors. I can't seem to find any DIY threads or videos that show how to install them, so i'm thinking of making a DIY thread here for those who feel nervous about working on their Camaros on their own, but want to save a large chunk of money (my dealer quoted me over $500 for the job). I can only imagine that water deflectors falling off will become a common issue for these cars over time as the adhesive keeping them on will inevitably dry out.

09-23-2018, 08:35 PM	#1
CamiLFX Drives: 2014 Camaro LS Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 107 View My Garage	Yay! Leaking Doors! The glue that keeps a seal between the door and the water deflector has started to dry out and separate... on both doors. It's been raining almost constantly for several days. I didn't notice the leaks until about two days ago. My carpets are very damp, my seats and headliner are mildly damp, and the car wreaks of mildew. I've already begun the process of drying/cleaning the interior out, and replacement water deflectors are on their way, but is there more I should be worried about? Should I plan on replacing/deep cleaning the carpet? Does the sound deadening beneath the carpet need to be replaced? Should I be too worried about rust? TIA.

09-24-2018, 05:49 AM	#2
Rock-It Man 376 cubic inches of fun Drives: 2023 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MA Posts: 4,031 View My Garage	I left a window on my daily driver SUV partially open and went away on vacation. It poured and the carpet got wet. After soaking up as much as I could by pressing down with bath towels, I left the vehicle out in the sun with all the doors open all day for three days in a row (closing at night) and everything was OK after that. I hope that works for you!

09-24-2018, 11:42 AM	#3
tstodii Drives: White 2015 Z/28 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 208	You could pick up one or two odor absorbing things like Gonzo Odor Absorbing Gel and place them in the car for a day or two. Those will suck up that nasty smell really quick. I've used these to get nasty water smells out after having a cooler leak all over the inside of a car and sit there for 3 or 4 days. You don't have to leave the vehicle open or anything. Just place one or two of these canisters in the car and close it up. Come back in a few hours or a day or two and breathe the wonderful mildew less air haha.

09-24-2018, 03:45 PM	#4
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 4,915	a few dessicant packs from electronics packing wouldnt hurt either.

10-01-2018, 09:09 PM	#5
CamiLFX Drives: 2014 Camaro LS Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 107 View My Garage	Thanks everyone. The weather cleared up for a few days, so I let my car sit outside with the windows down. Helped a bit. I plan on scrubbing my carpets with a vinegar and water solution, and leaving a nice coat of baking soda on top. Also keeping two packages of DampRid behind my front seats until they're no longer usable. I still have to install the water deflectors. I can't seem to find any DIY threads or videos that show how to install them, so i'm thinking of making a DIY thread here for those who feel nervous about working on their Camaros on their own, but want to save a large chunk of money (my dealer quoted me over $500 for the job). I can only imagine that water deflectors falling off will become a common issue for these cars over time as the adhesive keeping them on will inevitably dry out.