Leaking Convertables
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 55
Likes: 10
From: Florida
Yep, it's confirmed, you're a genius.
Looking for serious replies from those who know all the possible adjustments for the windows and the top's frame itself. They're the only wildcard here because the top and every seal is new.
Looking for serious replies from those who know all the possible adjustments for the windows and the top's frame itself. They're the only wildcard here because the top and every seal is new.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 627
Likes: 181
From: west coast of Canada
A genius??? That will be disputed by many.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,861
Likes: 4,663
Not to play Mr. Obvious, but the vast majority of leaks aren't from the top, per se. They are from old, worn weatherstripping. To be clear, my occasional drips are not from the top leaking, they're from old weatherstripping no longer sealing correctly...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,861
Likes: 4,663
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,918
Likes: 1,675
From: North Coast
Look you need to locate the leak. Then you check is it an adjustment issue, a seal issue or a is the roof damaged.
Most areas like the front latches can be adjusted as can the windows. Now if the frame is bent, roof is damaged or seal is damaged it may need repaired.
take it to a shop tgat does tops and they can address it.
I got caught in a storm where 3” of rain came gown in the natter if minutes. I had not had the car in the rain but I looked around and nary a drip came in. If it had a leak it would have showed it during that storm.
General leaks are on the side glass and the window or seal needs adjusted if at the header the the latches or seal need adjusted.
Most areas like the front latches can be adjusted as can the windows. Now if the frame is bent, roof is damaged or seal is damaged it may need repaired.
take it to a shop tgat does tops and they can address it.
I got caught in a storm where 3” of rain came gown in the natter if minutes. I had not had the car in the rain but I looked around and nary a drip came in. If it had a leak it would have showed it during that storm.
General leaks are on the side glass and the window or seal needs adjusted if at the header the the latches or seal need adjusted.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,566
Likes: 3,307
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
The number 1 thing to do to prevent leaks is to apply dielectric grease to the seals once a year. I've had issues with leaks on my ''04 twice since 2013. The first time was shortly after I bought it. I didn't know what I was doing and I went through and gave the whole car a very thorough and deep clean. In the process, I cleaned all the grease off the seals. Both advice I got on the forum and my owners manual told me to apply dielectric grease. This COMPLETELY fixed the problem for a few years. As shocking as it is, I have found that dielectric grease solves at least 75% of leak issues. My other leak was caused by the rear window starting to detach. This is a known issue with the verts. It is a design flaw. However, when I got the top replaced, they corrected this issue, and my rear window now has a lifetime warranty. As others have mentioned, there are also a number of adjustments that can be made. When I first bought the car, we didn't have a garage. Other than the issues mentioned, it stayed water tight outside during a freaking hurricane. If you want a convertible, don't let the fear of leaks stop you. Like so many things with the C5, if you take good care of it, it will take care of you.
.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 1,154
From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 544
Likes: 383
From: southern rural MI
My 2000 Vert is remarkably leak free. I am **** about treating all the rubber seals every year as well as cleaning and waterpfoofing (spray) for the top itself.
Last summer, I got caught in a big storm (about 150 miles) and it was dry and warm inside.
Last summer, I got caught in a big storm (about 150 miles) and it was dry and warm inside.
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Baby steps first. Yes, I believe your advise to be right on. I ordered Nextzett Gummi Pflege Stift to revitalize all of the weather stripping. Delivery is 4/3. I bought the RaggTopp Cleaner and Fabric Protector Kit. Weather permitting, I'll be servicing the rag top. Any comments or advice on my approach to problem solving? I am a rookie. My Vet is a 2003 50th Anniversary with 37K miles. It was well kept. Right now, it needs some TLC. Never owned a rag top before. My 69 and 88 were both T's and Targas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,918
Likes: 1,675
From: North Coast
A top done right should not leak. If you have a leak it is a seal or adjustment issue. Most common are window adjustments. If needed seek professional help as it is often much easier and cheaper in the long run.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,566
Likes: 3,307
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
It should be mentioned that you should never take a convertible C5 through a commercial carwash. Honestly, I would avoid taking ANY C5 through a commercial carwash since it's bad for your paint. Even "touch less" carwashes will blast your paint with small particles that came off the cars that went through before you.
I'm getting off topic though. It is counter indicated to take ANY cloth top through a commercial carwash. It has nothing to do with leaking in the wash. It puts undo wear on the top and over time will actively damage it.
I'm getting off topic though. It is counter indicated to take ANY cloth top through a commercial carwash. It has nothing to do with leaking in the wash. It puts undo wear on the top and over time will actively damage it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,566
Likes: 3,307
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I'll admit I'm not a pressure washing expert. However, I would generally avoid using any high pressure applications on the top. I hand wash mine, and use a garden hose to rinse it when done. There are a variety of cloth top cleaning and protecting products out there. Just follow the directions on the container.
Also don't store the car with the top down, or put the top down when wet
Also don't store the car with the top down, or put the top down when wet
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,918
Likes: 1,675
From: North Coast
To be honest you should never car wash a Vette. The tracks can catch on some lowered cars. The mirrors can be damaged as C5 mirrors are not the strongest.
touch-less is not hood as they use harsh cleaners that strip wax. Most used recycled water.
best thing to do it park it in the rain and sit inside or get someone to hose it around windows and seal.
The factory puts all cars in a water booth and dumps a ton of water on each car to check windows and seals.
touch-less is not hood as they use harsh cleaners that strip wax. Most used recycled water.
best thing to do it park it in the rain and sit inside or get someone to hose it around windows and seal.
The factory puts all cars in a water booth and dumps a ton of water on each car to check windows and seals.