Does your window leak in the rain?
Thread Starter
Disbanded Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 23,081
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From: LA LA Land
Does your window leak in the rain?
I hate driving in the rain in my Vette. Went to work last night and it was just cloudy. By the time I went home it was raining a fair bit. I just tooled along on the freeway at 55 mph, while all the jerk offs rushed up on my bumper then passed me going 70 and 80 miles per hour. Morons... I saw 4 crashes on a 15 mile stretch. Southern California drivers can't handle rain.
Anyways, since I rarely drive in the rain, I never noticed before. My driver's side window was leaking droplets of water all the way home. I checked the weatherstrip when I got home and didn't really notice any obvious signs of wear or tear. Is leaking a common problem with Vette windows? I could replace the weatherstrip, but since I don't really see any wear spots, who's to say it won't just leak still?
Thanks...
Anyways, since I rarely drive in the rain, I never noticed before. My driver's side window was leaking droplets of water all the way home. I checked the weatherstrip when I got home and didn't really notice any obvious signs of wear or tear. Is leaking a common problem with Vette windows? I could replace the weatherstrip, but since I don't really see any wear spots, who's to say it won't just leak still?
Thanks...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,302
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
In the rain, at the carwash, when the lawn is watered... :cry
I need new weatherstrip. And no, I cannot tell by looking at it. From what I've been told, the GM strip is made out of some latex compound and some kind of lamination that, without regular "treatments", rots. I would recommend replacing it before your carpet/padding rots also. :cheers:
I need new weatherstrip. And no, I cannot tell by looking at it. From what I've been told, the GM strip is made out of some latex compound and some kind of lamination that, without regular "treatments", rots. I would recommend replacing it before your carpet/padding rots also. :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,685
Likes: 753
From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
Mine does. It leaks at the top front corner. I assumed it was a convertible problem. I thought maybe the convertible top isn't stiff enough to push the gasket down enough to completely seal the window. SOmetimes when its windy, theres a slight whistle occasionally.
Also when washing the car, I don't ever ever want to spray water up the window pane, else it goes past the gasket and straight into the car. I always spray down the window pane...
Also when washing the car, I don't ever ever want to spray water up the window pane, else it goes past the gasket and straight into the car. I always spray down the window pane...
Thread Starter
Disbanded Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 23,081
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From: LA LA Land
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (VetteNoob)
As I look closer at the leak, I too notice that the droplets are coming from the top corner. Hmmmmmmm... Mine looks like it's in great shape, but there's no denying that it leaks. I wonder if it would help to put a thick layer of black silicone glue over the weatherstrip to form a tighter seal? In the worst case scenario, I'd just have to replace the weatherstrip. What does the doorstrip cost anyways?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 66
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From: Winthrop Harbor IL
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
So now I don't feel so alone, I have the same promblem, small leak front of door both driver & passenger. When I wash her I have a few drops to wipe up. Last year got caught in a big rain and only got a few drops as I drove. Acouple years back while parked had a rain storm had a puddle on drive seat.
Go figure. By the way I got a coupe.
Go figure. By the way I got a coupe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,928
Likes: 1
From: More cowbell...
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
My 92 leaks like mad.. I have been trying to come up with ideas on how to seal it better, but a solution always escapes me. I noticed that the water comes in where my T-Top connects to the windshield pillar. Right at that connection, water always seeps through..
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 32
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From: Round Rock Texas
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
I also have the same problem with my '86, it looks fine but leaks (in the corner on the driver side) like a sieve in the rain or when I wash it. I did notice that the metal trim that wraps around the targa top is loose and thought that might be the cause but I have not persued it further. Seems to be a pretty common problem.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL, USA
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (mpm1950)
I replaced my windsheild weatherstripping, and it still leaks....it drives me crazy. Ive been told to adjust the windows so it seals better, but i think the main problem is that my top is pretty much at the end of its life. The weatherstripping thats part of the roof is old, but looks like its in good condition. I guess thats getting changed next.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 223
From: Ca.
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (tan85vet)
Mines a coupe-leaked real bad at that top front corner both sides too; weatherstrip new-so I tried bending/beating down the tab that sticks down over that corner from the roof panel. So far so good! Now it only oozes a little in a heavy rain and in the car wash. I'll try beating it down some more (with a big brass punch and lots of padding!) after I catch up on the current projects.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
what might just help here is some silicone lube.
there are a couple of good ways to get this stuff...
one is the local honda dealer. they sell a spray can of silicone that works very well. the other is a gel that is available at your local BMW dealer.
since I have the honda stuff, I will use it until empty, then I will get some of the BMW stuff.
there are a couple of good ways to get this stuff...
one is the local honda dealer. they sell a spray can of silicone that works very well. the other is a gel that is available at your local BMW dealer.
since I have the honda stuff, I will use it until empty, then I will get some of the BMW stuff.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 311
Likes: 2
From: Roseburg OR
Try silicone grease
I went and used silicone grease where the top meets the window and the rear. I also put a little extra in the corners where the weatherstrip meets. Then tightned down the top and wiped off the extra that squeezed out. Now I can drive in the rain and my left arm does not get dripped on. Using grease instead of sealant allows the top to removed easier.
I also used some on the rest of the weaterstrip, gives it a nice black color and protects. Had read on the forum not to use Armour All on weatherstripping and to use silicone grease instead.
I also used some on the rest of the weaterstrip, gives it a nice black color and protects. Had read on the forum not to use Armour All on weatherstripping and to use silicone grease instead.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 126
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From: Murrieta, CA
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
I think that Tan85Vet is correct... I also have read that the problem is the alignment of the window inside of the door. If you roll your window up and leave it down about 1/2" you will see (or at least mine shows)that the window is at a slight angle to the molding. I believe that this is the problem. The window needs to be adjusted up towards the front of the door to give adequate compression on the molding at the front.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Levelland, TX USA
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (vett4cw)
Hmmm, seems like a lot of us have the same problem. My seals are perfect, and windows looked to be properly adjusted-make good contact w/seals. The silicon grease sounds promising except out here in Texas where the dirt blows like crazy. Does the silicon stay wet or does it dry? One observation i've had, is that lots of cars have a little lip on the roof over the top edge of the window, which acts like a tiny rain gutter. The water that runs off the roof is channeled back and down instead of just running down onto the seals. I have wondered if i couldn't fabricate some sort of small flexlible channel that could create a drainage channel that would slightly overhang the problem area. It could be pretty small and discreet. Maybe one of us could design and patent it? There would be a hell of a market for them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
My '87 convertible had those classic leaks, I first pushed out as much of the water from the open cell foam stupidly used by GM, once that outer skin is opened even slightly, the sponge absorbs water untill it's full up, then leaks from any other pin hole in the piece....it don't take much either....
so to drain the sponge of water, I just squeezed mine in place, then took some black RTV, smeared liberal amounts over the affected areas, both cuts and in leakage areas....applied a single layer of Saran Wrap over top of the windshield, on top of the fresh RTV, then gently lowered the top into place, raising windows too, protected with more saran wrap....
let cure overnite...it was summer, but should cure I THINK in winter too....
peel off the saran wrap gently....and well MINE didn't leak anymore...
now to be quite honest it was not the BEST looking weatherstrip, but it didn't leak damnit....
GENE
so to drain the sponge of water, I just squeezed mine in place, then took some black RTV, smeared liberal amounts over the affected areas, both cuts and in leakage areas....applied a single layer of Saran Wrap over top of the windshield, on top of the fresh RTV, then gently lowered the top into place, raising windows too, protected with more saran wrap....
let cure overnite...it was summer, but should cure I THINK in winter too....
peel off the saran wrap gently....and well MINE didn't leak anymore...
now to be quite honest it was not the BEST looking weatherstrip, but it didn't leak damnit....
GENE
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 311
Likes: 2
From: Roseburg OR
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Darrell G)
Silicone grease does not dry out. I wiped off any excess with paper towels until dry. Not sure if it will still attract dust, been raining here too much for it to get dusty.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Nox)
I knew someone with an '86, whenever it rained, he looked like he just went whitewater rafting when he got out of the car :lol: . When I had my '90, I went through one of those "touchless" automatic car washes (I know, I was young and naive at the time, shouldn't do that) and about had a coronary as I watched water literally pour in from the a-pillar/targa top junction :crazy: . I think it's a common problem due to the frameless windows and flexi-chassis. My '92 doesn't leak in rain (yet) though, need to knock on wood...
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Re: Does your window leak in the rain? (Vince Ivanc)
Mine does leak less now. The convertible top would have leaked less if I drove top down in the rain:D. My hardtop leaks a little but from the middle. I need to put silicone there. Silcone will do wonders for your situation. Put it on smooth and let it cure.
In So. Cal. people kiss my a** like if i'm supposed to be flooring my car from stop lights or be going 100mph on the freeway. I use my horn and brights a lot:D.
In So. Cal. people kiss my a** like if i'm supposed to be flooring my car from stop lights or be going 100mph on the freeway. I use my horn and brights a lot:D.