Thanks for the tip. Yeah I've used that stuff some 30+ years ago (it's been around awhile) and had mixed reactions as to it's adhesive strength back then. I'll experiment with it and leave it inside a hot car to make sure it does not separate ................. Tim
Thank you very much I really hope these help others going forward. I uploaded the pictures on imgur (guest/no login) so I don't know how long they will be available?? In regard to the leak, it was not leaking from the wiring grommet surprisingly. It was leaking below the wiring grommet. Upon closer inspection it appears that it was leaking from an area where the metal is welded together. What I did was clean off all the loose pieces and rust with a wire brush, cleaned it with general purpose cleaner, applied Liquid Nails Clear Sealant/Adhesive, and then paint it with Behr Ultra White Paint & Primer. Yes I broke a few clips on the panels but got replacements on a trip to the junkyard. Quick side story, when I was fixing my windshield washer nozzles, I had to remove the engine bay hood insulation pad/panel to get to the nozzles. During the removal I broke every single one of the 10 clips holding it on (they are weak clips). So I went to Advanced Auto Parts to get replacements and there they charge $4 for just (2) clips! But the associate told me to go to Home Depot > hardware section > automotive drawer where they have the same clips for like 25cents each. I bought and used those and they worked like a charm! Saved about $17. Yeah the white chassis allows you to see every little detail. Thank you!tpollauf wrote: ↑Sat May 30, 2020 3:39 pm Awesome report and pictures! I wonder how many Vibes have had leakage around the wiring grommet connector (like yours at the driver side rear hatch area) and to this day don't even know it! Hope you didn't break many clips OR plastic trim pieces. I'll be doing this exact thing probably next summer as I have to remove the headliner from my 2003 Vibe GT only because the fabric has separated from the composite headliner section and is hanging down to where you can't see out the rear window! This was very common and typical from GM cars in the 70's & 80's. At that time I'll consult with others here as to which adhesive is best for re-attaching it to the headliner. Since this is an extra vehicle (I'm calling it my project car) there's no rush for me to fix it. Keep us posted on the reassembly.
Oh one other thing ............... Glad your car was WHITE. It better displayed all components, seams, welds, and pretty much what is under the trim panels & headliner. A dark color would have been more difficult to see. Nice work so far!
Here's the pics of the repair on that leak.tpollauf wrote: ↑Sat May 30, 2020 3:39 pm Awesome report and pictures! I wonder how many Vibes have had leakage around the wiring grommet connector (like yours at the driver side rear hatch area) and to this day don't even know it! Hope you didn't break many clips OR plastic trim pieces. I'll be doing this exact thing probably next summer as I have to remove the headliner from my 2003 Vibe GT only because the fabric has separated from the composite headliner section and is hanging down to where you can't see out the rear window! This was very common and typical from GM cars in the 70's & 80's. At that time I'll consult with others here as to which adhesive is best for re-attaching it to the headliner. Since this is an extra vehicle (I'm calling it my project car) there's no rush for me to fix it. Keep us posted on the reassembly.
Oh one other thing ............... Glad your car was WHITE. It better displayed all components, seams, welds, and pretty much what is under the trim panels & headliner. A dark color would have been more difficult to see. Nice work so far!