Another water leak

[blind029]

So my little white $425 single cab 4 banger 89 ranger has consumed lots of my time just getting to daily driver status. Currently I've been combating a persistent water leak, and truthfully probably multiple leaks. I'm working on getting the truck ready for repairing some cracks in the seam sealer inside the cab, as well as leaking out the hood hinge on the cowl.

So far I've fixed the windshield that was leaking from an old seal. Then i found water running down where my antenna was routed into the cab, and much to my dismay I found water leaking through small cracks in the seam sealer on the firewall from opposite the cowl.

I had the dash off and didn't fine any noticeable rust where I've seen some of the posts and pictures. The drip rail could use some attention, after all it's pretty rotted.

Really I'm just looking for advice on what to use. I'm going to strip the interior, sand down the seam sealer(should I do all of it? or just the cracked areas?) and apply new seam sealer. For the hood hinge I was planning on drilling out the spot welds, put in some new rivets with something sandwiched between the hinge and cowl for sealing. Then I was going to pull off the heater box and seal it back up with regular silicone.

So anyone have any advice while I have all this apart? what to use? what to avoid?

Thanks

 

[strvger]

i use permatex black adhesive/sealant. it's the best i've found, so far. it also comes in the big tubes for a caulk gun. i also had the entire interior floor bed lined. i've had it done to the last 3 vehicles i've owned and will continue to have it done to future vehicles i get. just my $.02.