Water in cab - question

[JRihani]

I’ve been chasing a water intrusion issue in my 1996 club cab. We had a huge rainstorm last night and it was wet in the back corners of the cab, under the rear bench.

Is this almost certainly the back glass seal going bad at the corners after 24 years or could it also be the third brake light? I’m okay replacing the back glass and/or the third brake light, but is there any sure-fire way to know if it’s one or the other?

I’d have a glass place handle the rear window, but is the third brake light as simple as ordering one from Geno’s and replacing it? Or do I need to modify the new one to make sure it doesn’t leak?

Thank you! Spent the day washing, polishing, and waxing - the old guy looks good!

 

[Cummins12V98]

99% chance it’s the 3rd brake light!

 

[HPSimpson]

Yes i second that third brake light is leaking!

 

[JRihani]

Thanks guys!

So, just replace it?

 

[BigPapa]

I siliconed mine.

 

[SAndreasen]

 

[Bill Lins]

Bad idea if you ever plan to replace a burned-out bulb. Better way is either to double up the gasket or (how I fixed mine) add a strip of 1/8" thick single-sided foam strip around the perimeter of the light.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Disagree! A small bead will seal and will be able to be removed if needed.

I have owned 3 2nd gen and 2 4th gen trucks. NEVER have needed to remove the 3rd brake light.

 

[BigPapa]

The only time I’ve removed mine was to seal it up.

 

[Road Dog]

The brake light uses a replaceable foam gasket (about 1/16" thick). RTV or gasket maker will work too.

 

[Thomas (Steve) Dixon]

Hope the leak is fixed by now.

I had the windshield replaced in my "new to me" '96 a few days ago. While I was there I mentioned a leak that had the carpet wet when I bought it. One of the shop guys had a 2nd gen Dodge and said he had sealed his a couple of times and asked if I would like to have them seal mine, of course I said yes. I would never have suspected the light, but we've had rain for a number of days now and the carpet appears to be dry. I would guess they used sealant, but it appears to be somewhat soft which would allow it to be removed if need be. I just wouldn't use one of the gasket former adhesives on it for obvious reasons, as mentioned.

Steve

 

[Cummins12V98]

I will bet they used the same adhesive they set your windshield with.

 

[Bill Lins]

I will bet they used the same adhesive they set your windshield with.

If they did & used the correct adhesive, it wouldn't be soft.