Found my water leak into cab

[Chris/Mass]

Drain holes, in fact most of the pockets behind the floor vents, had leaves and other debris causing water to back up into the cab. It ruined my rug and caused holes in the floor. I wonder why they never put a screen in the cowl vent?

[Banjo]

I honestly don't think a screen in the cowl vents would slow it down much. I think the screen would rust out fairly short order, because it would've been made of metal mesh back then. That is just one of the parts of old cars (I've owned and still own tons) that sucks, the cowl vent things. I've seen many old used cars with the cowl vents fiberglassed off to stop water intrusion, but of course this is already after major floorpan damage and rocker rail/torque box damage. Mustangs are BAD about it. I frankly never understood why they did cowl vents when wing vents were in doors anyhow. And, you have to admit, NONE of the manufacturers put any thought into making them easy to clean out and most folks don't even notice drain holes on older cars.