vert leaks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 5
vert leaks
I have a new to me 03 vert and I have washed it only twice with the hose,I try not to put water at the top of the windows. I get many drops on the driver's seat, only a few on the pasenger side.I have no wind noise.Can this be fixed or is it the norm?
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've got some Word files that talk about water leaks in the C5 and a few that talk about adjusting the window glass. If interested, PM me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you.
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
There are two minor window adjustments that may help. Here they are from a post I copied a ways back:
Window height adjustment proceduire (minor - use if height is off less than 3mm or 0.12 in). If yours if off more than 3mm, let me know and I'll PDF the Trim Panel Replacement - Door and Major Height adjustment procedure to you.
Open door and remove the front access plug and the rear access plug from the bottom of the door.
Adjust the front and the rear window regulator jack screws equally.
Close the door and check the window alignment, readjust if necessary.
Replace the front and rear access plugs.
Window Tip-In Adjustment
Position the window fully up
Remove the large access plug from under the fron of the door.
Loosen the window regulator front channel mounting nut.
Remove the reflector from the trim panel
Loosen the jack screw jam nut
Adjust tip-in with the jack screw
Turn the jack screw clockwise to tip the window outward
Turn the jack screw counter-clockwise to tip the window inward.
One turn of the screw equals approximately 1 N.m (0.04 in) change at the top of the window.
Tighten the jack screw jam nut
Lower the window
Tighten the window regulator channel front mounting nut.
Riase the window and check the alignment, readjust if necessary.
Install the access plug under the front of the door.
Install the reflector in the door trim panel.
Lastly some rubber lube like silicon may help make the rubber seal a little more supple and help it seal better.
Window height adjustment proceduire (minor - use if height is off less than 3mm or 0.12 in). If yours if off more than 3mm, let me know and I'll PDF the Trim Panel Replacement - Door and Major Height adjustment procedure to you.
Open door and remove the front access plug and the rear access plug from the bottom of the door.
Adjust the front and the rear window regulator jack screws equally.
Close the door and check the window alignment, readjust if necessary.
Replace the front and rear access plugs.
Window Tip-In Adjustment
Position the window fully up
Remove the large access plug from under the fron of the door.
Loosen the window regulator front channel mounting nut.
Remove the reflector from the trim panel
Loosen the jack screw jam nut
Adjust tip-in with the jack screw
Turn the jack screw clockwise to tip the window outward
Turn the jack screw counter-clockwise to tip the window inward.
One turn of the screw equals approximately 1 N.m (0.04 in) change at the top of the window.
Tighten the jack screw jam nut
Lower the window
Tighten the window regulator channel front mounting nut.
Riase the window and check the alignment, readjust if necessary.
Install the access plug under the front of the door.
Install the reflector in the door trim panel.
Lastly some rubber lube like silicon may help make the rubber seal a little more supple and help it seal better.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,167
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From: Somewhere North of The 49th Parallel Ontario
I have an 03 Vert and if its a downpour it will leak slightly near the top of the window. Its because the rubber at the top of the window is split because of when you fold down the top to put it in the trunk. It is in these split sections that mine leak but only in a downpour and very little comes in. It like jrose said, its the nature of the beast.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Have you witnessed where exactly it is leaking when you flow water over it.
I blast mine with the hose never think twice about it. I may get a drop or two but that's it.
Consider applying dielectric grease to the weatherstrip. Apply with one spot on a rag and wipe the remaining off. See if that helps if it does repeat every so often. I do mine at least once a year to keep them like new.
I blast mine with the hose never think twice about it. I may get a drop or two but that's it.
Consider applying dielectric grease to the weatherstrip. Apply with one spot on a rag and wipe the remaining off. See if that helps if it does repeat every so often. I do mine at least once a year to keep them like new.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 4
From: Roseville Ca.
I have an 03 Vert and if its a downpour it will leak slightly near the top of the window. Its because the rubber at the top of the window is split because of when you fold down the top to put it in the trunk. It is in these split sections that mine leak but only in a downpour and very little comes in. It like jrose said, its the nature of the beast.
...mine will leak on the drivers side just where the window starts to curve up to about 35mph after that...no leaks 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I'd put conditioner on the weatherstrip anyway. When you open the top to the near vertical position for the front on each side there is a thin strip of stick on foam (you can buy this stuff at a home depot or similar) that extends along the short center inner part of the top and makes a seal when the top is up, make sure it's not crumbled. If so replace.
Try to hit it with the hose and find out exactly where it is leaking. Is it just on the side side bolster?
Try to hit it with the hose and find out exactly where it is leaking. Is it just on the side side bolster?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
My 01 only leaks a VERY small amount if I use high pressure right on the seal. It doesnt leak in car washes or during rain, and mine even has very minor wind noise.
If everything is fitting properly but still leaks a small amount, you could try an old trick that has always worked on my t-top cars and other weatherstripping issues.
You put a light amount of brake fluid on a paper shop towel (or whatever I guess) and apply a VERY thin coat on all surfaces of the weatherstripping. Do this a few times during each car cleaning and it may help. The brake fluid causes the rubber to expand slightly and helps to reseal the tiny gap.
I know, it sounds crazy. And how could a Vette owner dare use unorthodox methods, but it has proven useful to me.
Good luck
p.s. I know someone is going to quote part of this, and I don't see why. Either use the suggestion or don't.
You guys are great.
If everything is fitting properly but still leaks a small amount, you could try an old trick that has always worked on my t-top cars and other weatherstripping issues.
You put a light amount of brake fluid on a paper shop towel (or whatever I guess) and apply a VERY thin coat on all surfaces of the weatherstripping. Do this a few times during each car cleaning and it may help. The brake fluid causes the rubber to expand slightly and helps to reseal the tiny gap.
I know, it sounds crazy. And how could a Vette owner dare use unorthodox methods, but it has proven useful to me.
Good luck
p.s. I know someone is going to quote part of this, and I don't see why. Either use the suggestion or don't.
You guys are great.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: NE Ohio & So Cal
I had a leaking problem driver side window. found a post by Green Dream on how he used wooden dowell to stop the leak, I used vacum hose instead & it worked. Run a search, I know there was a least 1 post with pictures 
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 597
Likes: 9
From: near Newburypot MA
My 01 only leaks a VERY small amount if I use high pressure right on the seal. It doesnt leak in car washes or during rain, and mine even has very minor wind noise.
If everything is fitting properly but still leaks a small amount, you could try an old trick that has always worked on my t-top cars and other weatherstripping issues.
You put a light amount of brake fluid on a paper shop towel (or whatever I guess) and apply a VERY thin coat on all surfaces of the weatherstripping. Do this a few times during each car cleaning and it may help. The brake fluid causes the rubber to expand slightly and helps to reseal the tiny gap.
I know, it sounds crazy. And how could a Vette owner dare use unorthodox methods, but it has proven useful to me.
Good luck
p.s. I know someone is going to quote part of this, and I don't see why. Either use the suggestion or don't. You guys are great.
If everything is fitting properly but still leaks a small amount, you could try an old trick that has always worked on my t-top cars and other weatherstripping issues.
You put a light amount of brake fluid on a paper shop towel (or whatever I guess) and apply a VERY thin coat on all surfaces of the weatherstripping. Do this a few times during each car cleaning and it may help. The brake fluid causes the rubber to expand slightly and helps to reseal the tiny gap.
I know, it sounds crazy. And how could a Vette owner dare use unorthodox methods, but it has proven useful to me.
Good luck
p.s. I know someone is going to quote part of this, and I don't see why. Either use the suggestion or don't.
You guys are great.