The Lotus Grand Tourers

I've been having problems with water in the driver's footwell for a very long time.

I've identified the problem (100% certain) that the water is coming in on the lower/bottom edge of the windscreen.

This suprises me as I've already had a couple of goes at sealng this with some decent quality sealant (I think it was Tiger Seal).

I'd be grateful for suggestions of how to go about sealing this and for suggestions about what product to use.

Thanks, Martin.

Although you said you were 100% certain the leak was at the bottom of the screen...
It's possible that the screen wasn't fitted properly with spacers at the bottom. If these are omitted then over a couple of years, in my case, the screen gradually slips down, leaving a gap at the top. This may the source of your leaks, if water is seeping in at the top and tracking down.
Tony

Hi Tony,
I'm very certain that it's coming in on the lower edge. I've proved this by sticking layers of ducktape over the seal at the lower edge (only) and now the footwell has dried out. (dispite the recent spate of wet weather).

I know is a lot of trouble and expense but I'd get it re-fitted. The bonded-in windscreen makes the body significantly stiffer - I'm amazed how flexible mine is now the screen is out!

Pete

Ummm.....Thanks for the suggestion Pete. - I had considered that, but that's a lot of expense so I'd like to try resealing once more first.

I know you're certain you know where the water is coming in - but have you checked that the A pillar covers are properly sealed to the screen as well? Water gets under them, runs down and around and in behind the dash...

Yes indeed, already had those off and resealed them. Also, both vertical edges of the screen under the A pillars have been sealed.

What I'd like to know is what sealant others have used.

Hi there, I improved weatherproofing on my Excel by running Captain Tolleys liquid sealer around the front, rear and fixed side glass.

Definitely improved things, although not 100% as the doors are a poor fit and even with brand new Lotus door seals from SJ Sportscars I need to improve matters.

But I would try the Captain Tolleys. I bought a tube from a chandlers shop at a canal marina, was a bit cheaper than buying online.

Good luck

John

Thanks John,
I've been trawling the interweb and also came across this. It received some encouraging reviews on Amazon. I might give this a try.

I used loads of Captain Tolley on my wife's Audi's rear screen - it was no good at all as the screen had become un-bonded and was flexing in the shell - had to have it re-fitted. The other problem when a leak has been present for a while is all the crap that accumulates in the gap - not a good surface to bond to.

Pete

Thanks for the feedback on this Pete, it's good to have views from both camps. At £8 for a bottle I think it's worth a try though. I'll let you know if it worked for me.