wet floorboards

[John P.]

I generally avoid driving my C2 convertible in the rain. However a recent need for garage space necessitated some exposure to rainfall, uncovered.

I ultimately found wet carpet on passenger and driver sides. There are no debris in the cowl wells. Lots of heavy rain though.

I have owned the vehicle for 20+ years, never had an issue, no recent windshield work. What is the most likely source of leaking in this scenario?

[Kent S.]

Front weatherstrip on the convertible top? Also do the side windows fit perfectly on the weatherstrip? If strong winds it might force rain in either area. I will say, however, that I would suspect the windshield even though you haven't had any work done recently.

[Leif A.]

I generally avoid driving my C2 convertible in the rain. However a recent need for garage space necessitated some exposure to rainfall, uncovered.

I ultimately found wet carpet on passenger and driver sides. There are no debris in the cowl wells. Lots of heavy rain though.

I have owned the vehicle for 20+ years, never had an issue, no recent windshield work. What is the most likely source of leaking in this scenario?

John,
You state that there is no debris in the cowl "wells". It's still possible that the drainage area between the cowl wells and the exiting frame area could be clogged with debris. This would be the most logical explanation for the leakage you're experiencing. Have you run a coat hanger with a hooked end up through the exit hole near the frame rail? If not, that would be the first thing I would do to check for blockage. Alternately, you could try to use compressed air from the top and blow through the drain hole.
Read post #2 in the attached link.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ain-holes.html

[Harry S.]

How about the drain hole below the left air vent.

Remove the left air vent cover ( I know a pain ) and use a mirror and look down. there is a drain hole at the bottom. Unplug the drain hole if clogged. You can see the drain hole from under the car.

[John P.]

Im not sure I know exactly where the drain holes are located.

[John P.]

I was able to locate and remove some debris Time will tell
Appreciate all

[Terry M.]

John, related to your leak and wet carpet…I recommend that you remove said carpet to completely dry it out. Hard to do so (carpet and backing) while still in the car. Otherwise, you may end up with a smell that never goes away.

[Mark F.]

John, related to your leak and wet carpet…I recommend that you remove said carpet to completely dry it out. Hard to do so (carpet and backing) while still in the car. Otherwise, you may end up with a smell that never goes away.

Totally agree with Terry...

My '67 leaked like a sieve on the driver's side at a Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix event with VERY HEAVY rain.
I was literally soaking it up with a large towel I had to get it all out as soon as I could...

After getting home, I pulled out the carpet AND jute underlayment padding and let them bake in the sun for days...
They got a little stiff and were interesting to reinstall...but no mold or nasty smells afterwards...

[Kent S.]

My original answer assumed that you were referencing the "wells" where the debris collects. That's for sure the most common issue for causing wet carpets. Glad you figured it out.

[Stewart L.]

Water leaks have been a problem in these cars since they were new. We used to have to fix them all the time at our shop. I would pull the carpets out and get some moving air on them to dry them out before they permanently stink and need replacement. Then I would pull the glove box assy for better visibility. Then have an assistant with a hose or set up a shower nozzle and spray water on the windshield. Get on your back on the floorboard with a good flashlight and track where the water is coming in. That will eliminate the guesswork and you can repair it. Chances are it is a dried up windshield weatherstrip and dried up sealant.

[Alan D.]

And here is another source which can be seen from inside and also fix from inside, just make sure drain hole is clear Wat Leak Pass 3 text.jpg

[John F.]

Use or borrow a wet/dry vac to suck up the water, and place a small fan on your seat to dry it completely.

[Mark F.]

Use or borrow a wet/dry vac to suck up the water, and place a small fan on your seat to dry it completely.

Sorry John,
IMO a fan blowing on top of and across carpeting which covers the jute padding below will not dry the jute underneath.

You have to remove everything (at least 2 separate layers) down to the fiberglass floor plan;
Dry each layer (and the floor pan itself BTW) separately and completely;
Then reinstall

Yeah, it's a PITB...but you'll be sorry if you don't do it that way

[Terry M.]

If you are blindfolded and someone places a small pan of gasoline in front of you and asks what you smell, it’s automatic. Everyone recognizes that smell. We’ll, if you have wet carpets/backing and it doesn’t get properly dried out in a timely manner, you will have yet another smell that is unmistakable and you will remember it forever next time it’s around. Ah yes….I can smell it now😳