w123 leaking windshield gasket
 

When it rains, water stream in here.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M...0/IMG_0588.JPG

I believe the leak originates from a gap in the windshield gasket.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...2/IMG_0592.JPGhttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m...0/IMG_0590.JPG

Is replacing this gasket a difficult DIY?
If a rock were to hit my windshield and the insurance company were to replace the windshield, would they replace the gasket as well?
In addition, does anyone know the name of, or part # of the fairing that is on the front column? https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N...8/IMG_0589.JPGMine is AWOL and I would like to find one.
Thanks for any input.

I'd check the sunroof drain in that area first... that's a known spot for rust to eat out, and leak...
pull the front valence down, and inspect the tray for rust. and clear out the drains!

Update:
 

BOOOO! It turns oil that the sunfoof pan drain nipples are rotted. Looks like I have my work cut out for me!

I would bet you are getting at least some water from that seal. Don't use a URO seal unless you want to replace it again in 6 months.

X2 on replacing the windshield seal. that one is cracked and weathered, the rubber gets stiff and doesn`t fit nice and tight to the glass/body.

I doubt the insurance will replace the gasket, I believe they only replace the glass. X2 on not using URO parts.
Bite the bullet and buy a new gasket.

Clean the rust the best you can, treat it with POR-15 paint to seal the rust, then using their seam sealer, they call it Por Patch. It is the paint in a paste form in a tube. I use an Acid brush to work it in the seals etc... when it hardens it is some stuff stuff and it won`t leak after wards.

An Acid brush has the round metal tube handle with short bristles. I cut the ends back a little to stiffen them up a bit. HF sells them in packs of 25 or???

If you really want to be industrious, install a sunroof out of a TD, then it will be manual and you can forget about the switches and electric motor and cable problems. only about 8 screws hold the thing in.

Pull the windshield out, (need to do it anyway) drop the head liner, R/R the SR panels. the FSM shows how to do the head liner.

If this is your only DD, then you wouldn`t want it down too long for that job.


Charlie