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Old Jul 26, 2011 | 08:28 PM
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Default T-Top problems

Hi, I'm new to the forums and do not have a Corvette yet. I am open to many model years. I like the Sharks but I'm concerned about the t-tops. I once heard many years ago that they leak and squeak. Is that typical, or fixable??
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Old Jul 26, 2011 | 08:41 PM
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Had mine since '82.....never a problem with my solid or mirror tops.
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Old Jul 26, 2011 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by chasboy
I once heard many years ago that they leak and squeak. Is that typical, or fixable??
Corvette T-tops with old cracked or dried out weatherstrip may leak, but it's not all that common. T-top weatherstrip isn't too expensive at about $100 a set and relatively easy to replace. Most 68-82 coupes that experience water leaks, are usually leaking around the windshield moldings, not the T-tops. This requires removing the moldings and resealing the windshield frame, under the moldings.

As far as squeaking, I've never experienced it much on Corvettes. 68-82 coupes are pretty rigid, because they have a full frame (not a unibody like most of today's cars) and the steel "birdcage" inner structure to the body. The tops will rattle some on really bumpy roads, but in my opinion, not enough to be an issue.

I've driven many cars that had T-tops that squeaked, rattled and leaked far worse than any Corvette I know, in particular 70's & 80's Camaros/Firebirds, as well as 80's Regals/Cutlasses/Monte Carlos. A Chevy dealer friend of mine, had an 85 Monte Carlo SS for a demonstrator. The T-tops on that car rattled, squeaked, leaked and caused more wind noise, than on any Corvette I've ever been in!
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 11:14 AM
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I have a latch that falls down a little when I hit bumps, but that's the only problem that I have with them.

Leaks shouldn't be an issue, what are you driving your C3 in the rain for anyway?
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 02:08 PM
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have had my '80 glass tops forever. they don't leak, squeak or creak at all. the side seals are string to deteriorate a little, but don't leak when hit with a hose. the windows have squeaked since day one. there is nothing that will fix it (have talked to the best of mechanics). i get all my leaks when the car gets rained on while parked. then it's towel time when making that first turn on the street, when the drips come furiously fom the upper inside window frame covers.
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Dantana
I have a latch that falls down a little when I hit bumps, but that's the only problem that I have with them.

Leaks shouldn't be an issue, what are you driving your C3 in the rain for anyway?
DD's free car wash!
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 03:37 PM
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I don't have a C-anything yet! But whatever it is, it will go in the rain.
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