Hey Andrew,
I have an 88 Vanagon GL.  Guess
what, mine has the exact same leak.
I sealed the windshield months ago
and fixed the leak.  I sealed it with
some black RTV silicone with an injector
nozzle (squeeze cheese can)so I could
get the sealant into the corner area
of the windshield between the body and seal.
I think mine was leaking
because the windshield seal was old and
brittle.  Well, I eventually had to replace
the old windshield because of a crack.
The glass company came out on site to
replace my windshield.  The guy didn't have
an original 2 piece VW seal. He used a more
common 1 piece seal without the bead on the outside.
I told him about my leak problem in the
left lower corner of the windshield and
he assured me I didn't need any sealant
on the windshield he was putting in.
I should have insisted on him putting
sealant in the corner.  The first good
rain I had water standing in the rubber
floormat on the drivers side.  I have been
trying to seal the windshield ever since.
I think the seal he used does not fit tight enough
into the windshield channel and water is
getting behind the seal.  I have another
chip in my windshield which will develop
into a crack.  I'll have the windshield replaced
again with the proper seal and bead.
Good luck!
Jerry Baker KY

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Richards, Andrew
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 10:35 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Leaky front end

All,

My '87 GL had its windshield seal replaced about two years back.  My
mechanic did the job, not a glass shop.  Well, after some serious rain
in November I noticed the carpet on the driver's floor was soaked again.
I'm wondering if there are any other possible culprits before I go
blaming my mechanic for a job poorly done.  The water runs down from the
front frame cross-member and drips from the area below the fuse box, NOT
from the fuse box.  It's always the driver's side that gets wet.

Thanks,

Andrew

Portland, OR

'87 Vanagon GL