Rain=wet floors

[thayercroft]

The rainy season has hit the Bay Area and unfortunately I don't have covered parking for my Elan. I'm finding that after a rain storm my floors are soaked. The rest of the cockpit seems to be okay. Wondering if someone might know the probable source of this leak. Thanks.

[Oliver]

It`s most likely dripping down from the top of the `A`post seals where they meet the hood frame. That is where mine leaks worst. I am ashamed to say mine lives in the garage, and only occasionaly gets wet (like when i go to Belgium, it always rains there.)

It`s worth having a look at the steel sections buried in the sills (gently lift the plastic kick trims and pull the carpet back.) Give them a blast with some rustproofer.

Oliver

[Paul.P]

Get one of WillB's showercapes, that will keep inside dry whilst its standing !

[DaveT]

Someone else with a pre production Elan M100. Mines one too!!!!!!! Cos of course they are going to fix the leak prior to full production. PMF.

[abmunro]

Get one of WillB's showercapes, that will keep inside dry whilst its standing !

I agree buy one of these at least it will keep it dry till you locate the leak. They are very good...

[DaveT]

ps
Also make sure the drain tube isnt blocked.

D

[L.G.]

The best thing you can do is as suggested buy a showercape because I think all cars have or had this problem.

If you are desperate to find the leak take a bucket of water and another person with you. Sit in the car and observe where the water comes in while you are in the car. My seals are old and wearing out, I tried fixing them with black tape and silicon. The upper parts of my a-post seals had nearly had it completely. I imitated the shape of the seal with black tape and filled the inside with silicon. Not the best solution there is but it works somewhat; it keeps interior dry when raining but if you use the bucket of water it fails

L.G.

[thayercroft]

It's amazing that much water is coming in from the seal; but I guess over a period of time it adds up. I've ordered a California Pop Top shower cap for $50. It's quite a bit more light weight than Will's top but I'm afraid the weak dollar makes Will's top an investment. Hopefully it will be enough to keep water from building up around the seal.
I use the Elan as a daily driver but I'm beginning to realize it should probably be parked and covered for the winter and I'll find something else to do most of my commuting with.
Thanks all.

[Specky]

There's a couple of other places worth checking...

Is the foor wet behind the seats?

Possible cause, window seals have gone..(leaks internally through the door on to the grey plastic sill and then runs into the car at the rear).

Solution.... when you park the car, park it nose down hill... honest it worls

Wet floor in front of the seats?

the seal in the wheel well/ bulkhead has gone or become unseated..

Wet side windows or evidence of watermarks, Hood seals gone or require adjusting...


TTFN

[thayercroft]

And I think I have a winner. Yes there was water pooled on the door sills. So it's probably the window guides. I guess a shower cap is still the easiest solution.
Thanks.

[nitroman]

I've one of these for another convert --- carcoverworld.com -- specialty coves -- Interior Cover

They only come sm, md, lg... so even though they don't list one for the Elan it's cuz they don't know the dimensions. The Elan is already in FL & I've never tried this cover as I have a custom Elan cover already. If it would be helpful I'll try this on the Elan next week as it's only $75usd. Has to be either a small or medium, probably medium due to width of car.

Note (picture) as in this example that these are designed to be used with the top down. I recommend 1 size larger to use with the top up. http://www.autoanything.com/car-covers/60A2493A0A0.aspx

[thayercroft]

Thanks Nitroman,
The Cal Pop Top is on the way; but if it doesn't cut it I may be in touch.

[Elanlover]

This is a known issue with the Elan. Some of the sealing shrinks over time and water comes in - especially if you're driving in the rain. I took off the wheel and wheel well covers, got some caulking and applied it in the open areas. No more leaks. You can see (or feel around for) the areas where the sealing shrank from inside the wheel well or when the door is open. Its usually right where the top of the A panel meets with the rest of the body.



(yea......like that's clear )

I'll take pics if you need them.