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Hi everyone. So my 82 C3 started running rough after all this rain here in New England these past few months. I usually park it under a canopy but i didn't. I left it outside in the elements for about 3 weeks. I went to start it and it seems like its skipping pretty bad and can barley hold an idol. Not to mention the inside smells like wet carpet now. I'm sure the rain gets in around the doors and T-tops but, wow...... Well I have not driven it, nor has it hasn't rained in about a week and this is what the windshield looks like tonight with all the condensation going on in the inside. Any ideas how i can stop this water problem? I think it might be getting into the dash via the windshield???? Has anyone faced this issue? Thank you in advance.
This seems to be a common problem with Corvettes that are left outside and neglected. As you mentioned there are a number of places a Corvette can leak. I would check the t top seals to be sure. If that’s not the source, you may have a leak in the windshield frame.
Dry the car out best you can, then get a hose and run water over the top and windshield. Check the inside with a bright flashlight. You may be able to find the source. As far as the rough running , I would suspect condensation in the distributor cap and rotor. Good luck.
This seems to be a common problem with Corvettes that are left outside and neglected. As you mentioned there are a number of places a Corvette can leak. I would check the t top seals to be sure. If that’s not the source, you may have a leak in the windshield frame.
Dry the car out best you can, then get a hose and run water over the top and windshield. Check the inside with a bright flashlight. You may be able to find the source. As far as the rough running , I would suspect condensation in the distributor cap and rotor. Good luck.
The T-Tops are a great place to start. Also, check if the drains in the inner guards and doors are clear, I had a problem with mine that the factory missed the glue line and the drains in the inner guards were blocked. When they filled up half way water cascaded into the foot wells. Also, the drains in the bottom on the door were blocked and water seeped in from the slots where you adjust the window.
Yeah you need to get that interior dried out fast. Rust and mold are going to become your biggest enemy. Any way to get some heat going in there to help dry it out?. If its a hot day open everything up and get some fans going to help keep some air moving inside the interior.
Once it dries out figure out what went wrong. I am not sure there is a early 70s t top that did not leak!!! Ike
I have a 1980 and have replaced windshield (was cracked), t-top gaskets, door gaskets, window rubber, and side window verticle weatherstrip but, still have moisture getting into car?
If you haven't already done so vacuum very well with a wet/dry vacuum.
If you have one, a dehumidifier can work wonders. Plenty of room on the passenger seat with the back folded down. Run the cord through a virtually closed window. If you don't have a dehumidifier, open the doors and put some fans (blowing out) in the interior.
Carpet, carpet pads all suck up water and are breeding grounds for mold, etc. If things are very wet it's a good idea to remove the seats, carpeting and door panels. .
Water!
