Hello, Corvetteforum I am new to this site, and I am currently looking at a used 2003 Vette. It has the removable/glass roof panel, and when I was test driving the car it was leaking at the front edge of the panel at the top of the A-pillar. The dealership claimed they just washed the car, and some water must have got trapped down in the seal. Is this a typical problem? Does this area need to be dried with the panel removed everytime you wash it? Or is this a more serious problem? Thanks for any input. I was ready to buy my first Vette today, and now I am kind of scared.

 

If you use a high pressure wash then yes, water will leak into the cabin. First time that happened on me was after I washed my car. But if you don't use high pressure on the roof then it shouldn't happen. I never have rain or anything like that leak in. If it's been raining in your area then I'd be a little weary. If not then maybe do a test and bring a bottle of water and just let it loose on the area you saw leaks at.

 

It should not leak. Maybe just need some dielectric silicone grease applied to the rubber seal but I would be leary. Mine has never leaked at the front.

 

Also, make sure when you put the top on it does not pinch the water channels. If so, you'll get a lot of water in.

 

it should not leak...here is a guide on how to adjust...the dealership should perform this before they sell this Corvette:

DO THIS:
Both the front and rear latches can be made to clamp down the top tighter. In the front, you need to loosen the two bolts on each latch plate. These are 10 mm bolts located at the top of the windshield, behind the plastic trim.

Once the bolts are loosened, tap the whole plate down as far as you like, then tighten the bolts back up. The farther you tap the plate down, the tighter the top will be pressed down when latched. To tighten the rear latch, locate the set screw that holds the hook in place. Loosen it with allen wrench (can’t remember the size, but it was a small metric one). Once the set screw is loose, simply turn the hook (it is threaded) clockwise as many turns as you like. This makes the effective length of the hook smaller and therefore increases clamping force when engaged.

OR DO THIS:

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).

 

It happened to me.

 

It should not leak in this location at all. If the weatherstripping looks old or damaged, it should be replaced. If the top needs adjustment, have the dealer do this, and prove to you that the top is OK before you buy the car. Aside from that, it's a great year ( mine's an 03). BTW, I had a 93 with a glass roof, and it was like an oven in there. My 03 only has the painted roof, and it is MUCH COOLER. Does this car have a painted top too? It's something you might want to consider getting.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I am going to look at a Spiral Gray 03 tomorrow. I think I am going to let the leaky roof car go. I will let you guys know if this one works out?? Wish me LUCK...

 

I bought my first Vette today!!(YEAH)