C5 Convertible Leaks?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
C5 Convertible Leaks?
Looking to pick up a C5 ('02 - '04) convertible and was wondering what the general consensus is re: leaks, wind noise, etc. I love the way the convertible (and Z06) looks with the sharp rear window drop-off vs. the coupe. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thx in advance!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,668
Looking to pick up a C5 ('02 - '04) convertible and was wondering what the general consensus is re: leaks, wind noise, etc. I love the way the convertible (and Z06) looks with the sharp rear window drop-off vs. the coupe. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thx in advance!
Wipe a thin coat of dielectric grease on all the weatherstripping when you get it. It will help prolong the elasticity of it. Another thing I do, and many will NOT like this idea, is I release the top latches about halfway, so it doesn't keep a constant pressure on the upper piece of weatherstripping. I stop at halfway because if I do forget to tighten the latches completely, hopefully I'll get some wind noise up there and remember to stop and latche fully! Just don't forget to fully latch them before you leave on the next ride, or it could get real expensive, real quick!! Hope this helps.........Last edited by grinder11; May 23, 2021 at 02:29 PM.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,042
Likes: 1,157
From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
There are adjustments for the top to help with your concerns
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-tips.html
Also the windows themselves adjust, and for the seals I prefer Shin-Etsu grease. Honda used it on the Del Sol's to keep the seals from drying out
Honda part # 08798-9013
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-tips.html
Also the windows themselves adjust, and for the seals I prefer Shin-Etsu grease. Honda used it on the Del Sol's to keep the seals from drying out
Honda part # 08798-9013
Last edited by Smoken1; May 23, 2021 at 03:05 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I have an 04 Vert that sits outside 24/7/12. My solution to any possible leaks while setting is to cover the top with a product from California POP TOP. I never had a problem but I do not drive the car when it is raining.
Car Covers, Car Sun Shades - California PopTop
I also lucubrate the top's rubber seals with dielectric grease once a year.
Car Covers, Car Sun Shades - California PopTop
I also lucubrate the top's rubber seals with dielectric grease once a year.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
The leaks are almost always from the side windows (if they are there) which means ZO6, Vert, Coupe....wont matter. If they are there you can deal with them, dont let it affect the body style you want.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 545
Likes: 384
From: southern rural MI
I have a 2000 that I've had for three years. I've been in thunderstorms and haven't noticed a drop ever coming in. Now, when I wash the car I'll see a few drips on the door sill but that's probably because I just opened the door.
Wind noise is very minimal even at 70+ mph. I really am impressed with how quiet and water tight my Vette is.
Wind noise is very minimal even at 70+ mph. I really am impressed with how quiet and water tight my Vette is.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,668
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Welcome to the forum! +1 on the dielectric grease. This will solve most of your issues. Top and window adjustments will solve the rest. Choose the body style that you like as they are all just as likely to leak or not. As stated any leaks can be resolved. Make sure that you read the sticky posts at the top of this forum. They have TONS of great information to know when buying a C5. Good luck with your search.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 385
From: Punta gorda Florida
I have a 03 AE vert. No wind noise and top fits tight. Only time it leaks is from the top of the side windows when taken thru a touch less car wash. When taken to a diy wash, no leaks even with pressure rinse wand. Outside 24/7 365 no leaks at all even with heavy afternoon Florida rain storms. All seals and top orig oem.