Wet car!

[bastille10]

My '88 LX has a bad wet carpet issue. Took to a place that specializes in finding the source of automotive leaks. The guy said conclusively that the source was the rear "flipper window" gaskets and deteriorating of the gaskets in and around the tailights. Said all is hopeless unless the rear windows are sealed shut as well as the tail lights, because he did a nationwide search and , are you ready, THERE ARE NO WINDOW GASKETS OR NOS TAIL LIGHTS!
i.e. LIVE WITH IT. Needless to say, that's my last option.

I need some advise from the Festiva Nation! Thanks.

[fastivaca]

You can make replacement gaskets for the taillights from computer mouse pads. They work great.

[FestYboy]

and window gasket can be found at JC Wittney through their cataloge (sp) just need to match the length and seal style.

[bravekozak]

Kia Pride Europe. Prides were manufactured until 2000. Service parts must be supplied on demand for 10 years after the end of production. Then part suppliers try to sell off their remaining stock to Kia Service while requesting permission to scrap the tooling (owned by Kia). Those gaskets may still be available over there.

[perucho]

Have you tried spraying the window gaskets with silicone?

[bastille10]

I think I'll give the silicone spray and a really good cleaning a shot for the windows. I'll have to look at the tail lights a little more.
The guy had kind of an attitude (another old car?). The window seal didn't look that bad - a little green. I like mousepad idea for the tail lights.

Then again, the leak tracker could be totally full of it.

[Pu241]

Me thinks the "expert" may not be that expert.
I've never seen a rear window seal leak unless the latch mechanism wasn't assembled properly from a previous owners tinkering (meaning the latch wont latch properly) or the seals are cutup and or nicked up.
The rear tail lights I know degrade, but an "expert" with customer service skills would have been able to offer "custom" seals.
Since your here, you can save your self much pain and cash by checking this link out, as has already been mentioned.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1858

[1988festivazoom]

I have the exact same problem with my 88lx. The back area gets wet and I couldint figure it out so I put my sub box on rubber mats and drilled a tint hole in my spare tire holder. I'm gunna look into the tailights. Couldint we just silicone the tail lights? I mean how often do u actually remove them?

[JoDan]

I'm guna guess more on the taillight gasket than the window because my rear windows aren't aligned properly so they are never closed all the way and I never get wet carpet when it rains/snows etc. I think I read somewhere on here someone cutting a taillight gasket out of mouse pad and it worked pretty good.

Edit: I didn't look at Pu241's link but theres the mouse pad I was talking about, lol.

[blkfordsedan]

I have never seen a Festy with bad rear quarter window gaskets, but like was said, I could see if they were tore or cut up. I'm sure someone here has a good used set or you could get some from a junkyard. If nothing else, close the windows and run a bead of clear silicone caulking along the top edge and down the sides (on the outside of the car). That would last until you find another set.

BTW, what kind of place specializes in finding automotive leaks?

"Two men and a hose"?
"Trikki-leaks"?

And what's their motto?
"This is the best place to take a leak"?

[Charlie1717]

Where does the carpet get wet?
If it's in the hatch I'd say it's the taillight gaskets. If it's getting into the back seat area or the front seat area you have another issue.
In my blue festiva I have a couple small rust holes in the front which get my carpet damp up front.

[TominMO]

Mousepad fix:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1858&highlight=mousepad

[Festiva Time]

Silicone Spray?

Have you tried spraying the window gaskets with silicone?

There is "Silicone Spray" a lubricant, and then there is "Silicone sealant". Please clarify.

[Pu241]

BTW, what kind of place specializes in finding automotive leaks?

"Two men and a hose"?
"Trikki-leaks"?

And what's their motto?
"This is the best place to take a leak"?

"We find wet spots"

"Wet spots are are specialty"

[1988festivazoom]

"We'll find your moist spot"....... oh that's just dirty