So I thought my windshield was the cause of my cab leaks. Turns out it isn't that at all. The front cowl is leaking at a pinch weld. I guess I can silicone where it is leaking from the inside. But water will still be getting in the weld. Can't get to the area through the wiper access holes.

 

Have it welded

 

I can do that. Problem is that inside the cowl, I will still have exposed metal being exposed to water on a regular basis. Won't that become an issue again?

 

Yea. Would you be able to see that spot inside the cowl if you remove the wiper motor? Maybe you can get in there with a spray can or a brush just to coat the metal.

 

Not with my hands. Maybe I will recruit the wife

 

Lol that usually works

 

Doesn't the cowl come off of the newer generation pickup trucks, so you can stick your hand inside the wiper cavity? I know on the previous body style Hilux the cowl vent is part of the cab body and doesn't come off.

As for your question about welding and having exposed steel -- they make special spray paint for these situations. otherwise, you could use one of those cans of oil/sealer that people use in rocker panels and other cavities on their cars.

 

Not sure when it changed, but my 83 is still built into the cab. The only problem I see with the oil/sealer is I dont want to gum up the areas, and have debris sit in there, and possibly plug up the drain holes. Then I will end up with bigger problems

 

If the cowl area is anything like the 2nd gen then you only have acces panels at each end (one being the wiper motor mount area)

 

I got nothing then. I guess just goober it up with silicone from the side you do have access from to seal it up. Wont look pretty obviously but better than having water in the cab.

 

Actually worked on it some tonight. Took the hood off, then took the housings for the hinges out (that were inside the cowl). That gave me enough room through the wiper motor openings. Was able to silicone inside the cowl and will do the other side obviously. Thanks for the support guys.