Where do I start?

Quick update for you guys, I did the cowl vent test with the water going through the vent openings between the windshield and the hood, and the water just wicked out the sides and onto the pavement...it wasn't going into the cab, but came out underneath the front left and right fenders, just behind the tires. Is that normal?

Also, if it's not the cowls it has to be something else, my uncle said it may be the seals around the windshield and also the heater core, so I guess I'll be checking those out next. Really don't want to pull the dash out but if it's the heater core I may not have a choice.

But I'm pretty sure I've ruled out the cowl vents being clogged, thank goodness. Unless, you know, I'm wrong

 

That is exactly where the water should flow out of the cowl on either side behind the front wheels - my bet then is it is only the windshield seal

 

If it is the heater core, you will smell antifreeze inside the car. Also, when you turn on the defrost, a mist of antifreeze will blow up on the inside of the windshield.

 

you just have to pull the ...heater box..I think there is a writeup on how to do it on here somewhere...

 

I had a feeling that was what was supposed to happen. This car has led me to really think about pursuing a career in automotive repair.

Again, thank all of you for answering my questions. I'm sure I'll have more soon!

Once I get some time I'll post pictures of my baby if you all want to see her

 

If you are still not 100% sure your cowl is not leaking, a temporary cheap fix is to buy a pre-shaped magnetic strip that will fit over the cowl vent preventing any water from entering. It may allow you to keep the floor dry until you can address the problem. It looks like this one here

 

Did this yesterday. Stripped all the interior out of the car, went inside and grabbed a big pot filled it up with water, and dumped it into both sides of the cowl... End result, Cowl is good

 

The down side to the drains working properly is the fact that they drain onto the inside of the fenders causing the lower rear of the fenders to rot out - I would think a real nice coat of Rust Bullet or POR15 would take car of that problem

Uncoated cowl internals where water runs - cowls draining into fenders - what was Ford thinking

 

They sure weren't trying to build better cars were they?! I'm thinking they simply wanted to make more money.. and sell more cars after the older models were worn out. Those were the early days of.. "planned obsolescence".

 

that would take care of one of the water entering places. next is to pull the lower windshield trim and seal the weep holes and tape up the holes around the wiper arm shafts...

 

Not sure if have the worst case or not my cowl leaks, the heater Core leak (also an ac car) the windshield gasket leaks also nothin clear silicone can't fix for $5 just temporary lol

 

I've been there....

 

I finally had to buy 2 front fender bottoms from Rick Brooks in Texas as every fender I ever found in PA was rotted out from the inside