I looked through a bunch of old threads and couldn't find it (but as my wife would say, I probably didn't look hard enough) - I have multiple trunk leaks I have been unable to resolve. I think it is leaking where the vinyl chrome trim is, but not sure. Given the picture of inside the trunk and leaks shown on the wheel well, would most agree, or should I be looking somewhere else? I have made sure the rear window is sealed. If it is leaking through the trim mounting, how do I remove it - I call myself looking for mounting studs, nuts, etc,



and didn't see them.

 

This is typical and not great news.
The channel the window and seal sit in has rotted through. The channel and vinyl retain water until it rots. The trunk floor and associated surrounding metal will go next.
From a mountain top view the fix involves trim, vinyl roof, window removal damage assessment, metal surgery. Then reassembly paint etc.

 

I would tend to agree on the diagnosis here.
I found out about these guys from Joe Padavano I think.
https://www.rustreplace.com/home/196...972-cutlass442

 

If that really is silicone at the base of the back window in this photo, that would be your first clue of the problem. Silicone slathered over the leak doesn't fix it. The acetic acid in RTV (that's what gives it the "vinegar" smell) only promotes pinchweld rust. This is so common that there is a repro panel for that piece between the back window and the trunk lid.

 

Thanks, everyone for the feedback - not good news at all.

 

Give your wife a flash light and lock her in the trunk. Starting at the rear bumper with a garden hose and a 1/2 stream of water slowly move up the trunk lid and the quarter panel towards the back window until you hear screams that resemble a victim of Chinese water torture. That should get you zeroed in where the leak is. If it's the holes for the molding that would be an easy repair but if it's the rear window rust not so easy.
Dustin

 

One other place to start - the corner pot metal
pieces on Supremes have studs that go down into the trunk and if you don’t have any good-condition sealant around those up top or underneath, water can drip aggressively down the holes around them. Start with some water just in the corners and see if it’s dripping in through those holes. I’ve had many Supremes and even a blob of clear silicone underneath can make a difference.
Terry

 

Yeah, good luck with that.

Why do I think she'll be the one outside with the hose?

 

Don’t forget to let her out of the trunk!

 

If she needs some persuasion, give her a pair of pliers and show her how to unlock it from the inside.

 

For anyone that is interested, here is a picture of what I found underneath - cray that with vinyl, it looked decent, remove vinyl, and its a completely different story.

 

Sadly typical. This is common enough that a patch panel is available.

 

My wife refused to get in trunk so of course I did. When it was time to let me out the lock malfunctioned after some encouraging words from me the lock relented for her. At least that's the story she is sticking to.

 

😂😂🤣..thats reality..lol

 

It's really sad how much damage vinyl roofs cause.