Leaking T-Tops
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
The GM t-top designs of that era were less than ideal. Had a 1980 Z28 back then...new, and even it leaked. My 1982 Vette leaks a little now, but only at certain times...I'm actually pleased with it (lowered expectations I guess).
You can work on the shims and latch (tighten) but not much else that I know of. The intersection of the window, ttop and A pillar seems to be a problem area.
Mark
You can work on the shims and latch (tighten) but not much else that I know of. The intersection of the window, ttop and A pillar seems to be a problem area.
Mark
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 389
Likes: 2
From: Austin Tx
Keep it in the garage!
Seriously, I wish I knew. I put brand new weatherstripping on my 77 and still it leaks...not nearly as much tho, but it's there. I'm waiting for the miracle post to answer this as well!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,652
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
The 81 I bought new, never leaked and still doesn't (original weatherstrip and 44,000 miles). New weatherstrip adjusted properly shouldn't leak. I've never had a problem with properly adjusted 68-82 T-Tops with good weatherstrip leaking. Check your windshield trim. Often these cars leak between the outer windshield molding and the header "T" molding. GM dumped some sealent (dumdum) in the header and called it sealed. This stuff shrinks and dries up with age and starts leaking water at the header and down the posts onto the floor. People often mistake this for leaking from the tops. The 68-72's with the removable window and the fixed window in the 73-77's can leak sometimes. The "Astro-Ventilation" grills on the deck of the 68-75's can also leak. 68-75's have a drain hose under these that rots out and leaks water into the car.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 18
From: Holland MI
Are you sure it's the T-tops? I mean, really sure?
I'm repairing a 72 right now that the owner swore had leaky t-tops. Nope - it had water coming in the upper windshield header and down onto his lap. It was obvious by looking at the seal that the t-top was fine, so I went into it further.
Just want you to be sure you blame the right source.
And, to add, my 71 and my 72 don't leak at all.
I'm repairing a 72 right now that the owner swore had leaky t-tops. Nope - it had water coming in the upper windshield header and down onto his lap. It was obvious by looking at the seal that the t-top was fine, so I went into it further.
Just want you to be sure you blame the right source.
And, to add, my 71 and my 72 don't leak at all.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
If your tops are properly adjusted, all the pieces are installed and fit correctly, and the rubber is good, there is no reason they should leak. Maybe somewhere in your cars history there was a parade with too many prom queens sitting on the top. When I was de-leaking MY car I found several rivets that had come out at the rear of the "T" section which threw the whole alignment out of wack. After making sure the center section was in good shape...guess what???? NO MORE T-TOP LEAKS!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Eugene OR
I'm with samh: 
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
The seals on my 75 are about 7 years old and the seam has split at the corners. I took some black windshield sealant put it the crack , put wax paper over it and installed on the car. After it dries you can trim with razor if you need to.
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Florida
i just finished vacumming the water out of my carpet and even had to syphon a bunch that had pooled up under the drivers seat thanks to the fallout from this tropical storm! (i live in Florida) . my t-tops have a very slow leak and usually i just put the vinyl t-top covers over my seats to catch any water that drips and keep it off the leather,but today it was was POURING all day long,i just about had to get awetsuit on to get in there! ill probably get to fixing that on my next day off. A good friend of mine said that the best thing to do to keep t-tops from leaking is to take the t-tops off for an hour or so a couple times a week,this gives the seal a chance to expand back to its full size instead of being compressed constantly,it makes sense to me. those of you with good seals should do that as a pre-emptive measure
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,496
Likes: 2,382
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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My 82 CE that I bought in 85 never leaked. My last 82 leaked a little until I adjusted the latches. Now it does not leak.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
I don't even know if my 81 leaks in rain. If it's gonna rain it doesn't come out. After a good washing I haven't noticed but a lil leak around the window. The car has been garaged since new and always covered even in the garage. The Vette gets washed twice a year and waxed every other year.
