how do I fix this.... t-tops?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
how do I fix this.... t-tops?
I think I know why water is coming into the car. This lip seems to have a bend/bump to it. How do I fix this? That is the only spot that allows water into the car when I drive in the rain. If the car sits in the rain it does not leak.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
I wasn't able to open your photos, but replacing the weatherstripping on the T-Tops is child's play.
I'd get replacement weatherstripping for Soff Seal,..it's clearly superior to the other makers. Here's a link:
http://www.soffseal.com/
I'd get replacement weatherstripping for Soff Seal,..it's clearly superior to the other makers. Here's a link:
http://www.soffseal.com/
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
I wasn't able to open your photos, but replacing the weatherstripping on the T-Tops is child's play.
I'd get replacement weatherstripping for Soff Seal,..it's clearly superior to the other makers. Here's a link:
http://www.soffseal.com/
I'd get replacement weatherstripping for Soff Seal,..it's clearly superior to the other makers. Here's a link:
http://www.soffseal.com/
If not, here are the direct links...
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/4/...vette_lip1.jpg
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/4/27/1020789/vette_lip2.jpg
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
Is there way that the t-top is warped? It looks warped and I don't think weatherstrip will fix that. The bushings where it locks into place may need replacing, but it looks warped, but JMO.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Looks like the frame is bent, to me. Too much curvature on the panel to mate properly with the windshield frame. Not sure how to approach it other than disassembling the roof panels and re-shaping the frame profile.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
I have seen tops with gaps like that, however it does not mean that is where the leak is as long as the seal is making a good contact. Place a piece of paper (dollar bill) under the seal, clamp the top, and see if you can slide the paper. If not then you have a good seal.
When water is leaking up front like you have it is usally the seal around the glass. The glass seal drys out and shrinks. I have had success, more than once, by laying a bead of silicon up under under the trim.
The best method of sealing that winshield is to R & R it.
When water is leaking up front like you have it is usally the seal around the glass. The glass seal drys out and shrinks. I have had success, more than once, by laying a bead of silicon up under under the trim.
The best method of sealing that winshield is to R & R it.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
When water is leaking up front like you have it is usally the seal around the glass. The glass seal drys out and shrinks. I have had success, more than once, by laying a bead of silicon up under under the trim.
The best method of sealing that winshield is to R & R it.
The best method of sealing that winshield is to R & R it.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
Take the top off and put a thin coat of grease (something dark like moly) around the entire seal.
Place the t-top back on the car, latch it down, then take it back off again.
See if there are any places where the grease did not rub off onto the chrome t-top panel that they seal to.
Once we determine for sure it is or isn't the t-top leaking then I'd worry about the windshield.
Place the t-top back on the car, latch it down, then take it back off again.
See if there are any places where the grease did not rub off onto the chrome t-top panel that they seal to.
Once we determine for sure it is or isn't the t-top leaking then I'd worry about the windshield.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: York PA
I have heard the T-tops will warp. I dont know why. But I'd like to find out myself as mine look like eyebrows on both of them and after replacing the seals they both still leak. I think I read in a thread about a year ago someone suggested supporting both sides, laying a weight on top and adding some heat. I didnt do it because I didnt know how much heat to subject it to or what to do it with. I feel your pain.
chuck
chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I have heard the T-tops will warp. I dont know why. But I'd like to find out myself as mine look like eyebrows on both of them and after replacing the seals they both still leak. I think I read in a thread about a year ago someone suggested supporting both sides, laying a weight on top and adding some heat. I didnt do it because I didnt know how much heat to subject it to or what to do it with. I feel your pain.
chuck
chuck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
I agree....looks warped to me too. Maybe heating it up and putting something heavy across the top of it will cure it. Something not TOO heavy, and something that won't crack the 'glass. I mean, if it looks like the part is garbage, it's worth a shot. High heat doesn't sit well with fiberglass, so maybe a lower heat from a hairdryer?? Maybe? Ebay has a lot of tops for sale too, so that might be another option for you. I like the AstroTops, since they don't leak...and they will only set you back about $375, with no painting required. Just some suggestions. Good luck though!
Do you hae a picture of your vette with the astrotop? Does anyone have pics of that...maybe a pic of white vette the astrotop? My t-tops match the car so I wonder what it would look like with out the color?
Also, how do they hold up in weather? I put ~30k miles a year on my car since it is a daily driver and I need something that will hold up to Texas heat and other weather conditions.
Last edited by glarior; Jan 14, 2010 at 12:53 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Hehe, I might just spend some more money...
Do you hae a picture of your vette with the astrotop? Does anyone have pics of that...maybe a pic of white vette the astrotop? My t-tops match the car so I wonder what it would look like with out the color?
Also, how do they hold up in weather? I put ~30k miles a year on my car since it is a daily driver and I need something that will hold up to Texas heat and other weather conditions.
Do you hae a picture of your vette with the astrotop? Does anyone have pics of that...maybe a pic of white vette the astrotop? My t-tops match the car so I wonder what it would look like with out the color?
Also, how do they hold up in weather? I put ~30k miles a year on my car since it is a daily driver and I need something that will hold up to Texas heat and other weather conditions.
http://www.astrotops.com/68_82tops.html
Last edited by mydejavooo; Jan 14, 2010 at 01:00 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
