I have a 97 with a leaking glass top. It seems the water pools in the channel in the front of the top. When I brake or turn some water streams out of the front of the top. I am planning on replacing the top this summer due to some cracks in it (on the sides). I took the top off yesterday and inspected the weatherstripping and it looks in good condition. I put the top back on and tried it again and it still leaks. What can I do short of replacing the top/weatherstrip to cure this?

Thanks in advance for the info.

Shannan

 

You can replace the stripping and try adjusting it.

Roof Lift Off Panel Adjustment
1. Perform one or more of the following five adjustment procedures to properly align the roof lift off panel.


2. To adjust the front striker for up down roof alignment perform the following steps:
3. Remove the windshield upper garnish molding. Refer to Windshield Upper Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
A. For major up down roof adjustment loosen the striker bolts and reposition the latch striker up or down.
B. For minor up or down roof adjustment loosen the striker outboard bolt and slightly loosen the inboard bolt, pivot the striker on the inboard bolt in 2 mm (0.08 in) increments up or down.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
C. Tighten the striker bolts. Tighten
Tighten the roof front latch handle striker bolts to 10 N•m (89 lb in).
D. When the striker is properly adjusted the handle will snap closed.
4. Install the windshield upper garnish molding. Refer to Windshield Upper Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.

5. To adjust the front latch handle forward or rearward perform the following steps:
. Loosen the latch handle bolts.
A. Position the latch handle forward or rearward. Maintain a minimum of 2 mm (0.08 in) clearance between latch handle and the latch striker to avoid squeaks and rattles.
B. Assure the latch handle base is parallel to the striker to provide clearance to the sunshade mirror door.
C. Tighten the latch handle bolts. Tighten
Tighten the roof front latch handle bolts to 13 N•m (10 lb ft).

6. For major rear latch adjustment adjust the rear latch striker performing the following steps:
A. Remove the roof lift off panel.
B. Remove the roof bow center interior trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Roof Bow in Interior Trim.
C. Loosen the rear latch striker attaching bolts.
D. Adjust the position of the latch striker forward or rearward for major adjustment.
E. Tighten the striker attaching bolts. Tighten
Tighten the roof rear striker bolts to 10 N•m (89 lb in).
F. Install the roof lift off panel.



7. For minor rear latch adjustment, adjust the latch handle hook one turn at a time to achieve moderate pressure to the latch as follows.
. Remove the roof lift off panel.
A. Loosen the set screw locking the latch hook.
B. Turn the hook in to tighten or out to loosen.
C. Tighten the set screw.
D. Install the roof panel.



8. To adjust the rear locator perform the following steps:
. With the roof installed on the vehicle loosen the locator mounting bolts.
A. Reposition the locator.
B. Tighten the mounting bolts. Tighten
Tighten the roof rear locator to locator bracket bolts to 10 N•m (89 lb in).
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

thanks for the tips

 

Hey thanks for the tip. I will try this.

Shannan

 

We replaced the glass top on our 99 coupe last summer and of course GM didn't enclose any instructions for properly installing the weather stripping. Turns out we couldn't get it to stop leaking. Took it to the Chevy dealer twice...they couldn't fix it either. They finally called a company called the Water Doctors. They fixed it right up. Don't know if they are nationwide or not but they know what they're doing.

 

There are two types of cars with removable roofs, targas or t-tops...those that leak and those that will.

Sorry, it's a law of nature.

 

I don't mind a little leak every now and then but the way its leaking now I am afraid it will ruin something not to mention that it is quite alarming for the passenger when a stream of water pours from the roof into their lap! I had an 89 and I don't recall it ever leaking a drop.

Shannan