Severe rear window leak?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Windsor, Ontario
Severe rear window leak?
2000 frc
Just purchased the car on Friday and slowly finding issues. Washed her and the water is pouring in from the bottom outer corners of the rear hatch window I believe. Same spot on both sides from behind the plastic corners. Anyone have any insight or fixes?
Just purchased the car on Friday and slowly finding issues. Washed her and the water is pouring in from the bottom outer corners of the rear hatch window I believe. Same spot on both sides from behind the plastic corners. Anyone have any insight or fixes?
Last edited by Ghostmoon; Aug 31, 2022 at 07:15 AM. Reason: Described the problem better
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 520
From: Da U.P.
There's an adjustment procedure for the front windows. They can be canted about to either seal up properly or suck. Requires door card removal. It's been eons since I did mine but since it came back from the body shop I need to reinvestigate myself.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
Linking you to existing threads on the topic:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4363299-frc-leak-can-someone-check-my-hw-2.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4383134-how-to-fix-frc-z06-roof-leak.html#post1601183834
The material within the top rails/gutters deteriorates over time due to poor materials used, so even a replacement will eventually fail again. I filled my rails (as well as under the top windshield seal) with GE Silicone 2 clear caulk which is a 50+ year product and has good flexibility. Held up during car washes I just haven't had a chance to test it in pouring rain yet. And you can't even tell it's there/can't see it. They also sell a black version of this caulk if you don't want clear. Much less labor than replacing the rails as well.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4363299-frc-leak-can-someone-check-my-hw-2.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4383134-how-to-fix-frc-z06-roof-leak.html#post1601183834
The material within the top rails/gutters deteriorates over time due to poor materials used, so even a replacement will eventually fail again. I filled my rails (as well as under the top windshield seal) with GE Silicone 2 clear caulk which is a 50+ year product and has good flexibility. Held up during car washes I just haven't had a chance to test it in pouring rain yet. And you can't even tell it's there/can't see it. They also sell a black version of this caulk if you don't want clear. Much less labor than replacing the rails as well.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Aug 31, 2022 at 11:25 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Calgary Alberta
Linking you to existing threads on the topic:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4363299-frc-leak-can-someone-check-my-hw-2.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4383134-how-to-fix-frc-z06-roof-leak.html#post1601183834
The material within the top rails/gutters deteriorates over time due to poor materials used, so even a replacement will eventually fail again. I filled my rails (as well as under the top windshield seal) with GE Silicone 2 clear caulk which is a 50+ year product and has good flexibility. Held up during car washes I just haven't had a chance to test it in pouring rain yet. And you can't even tell it's there/can't see it. They also sell a black version of this caulk if you don't want clear. Much less labor than replacing the rails as well.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4363299-frc-leak-can-someone-check-my-hw-2.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/4383134-how-to-fix-frc-z06-roof-leak.html#post1601183834
The material within the top rails/gutters deteriorates over time due to poor materials used, so even a replacement will eventually fail again. I filled my rails (as well as under the top windshield seal) with GE Silicone 2 clear caulk which is a 50+ year product and has good flexibility. Held up during car washes I just haven't had a chance to test it in pouring rain yet. And you can't even tell it's there/can't see it. They also sell a black version of this caulk if you don't want clear. Much less labor than replacing the rails as well.
Hey man, I have been trying to figure out a water leak with my 2000 FRC, I took the headliner, B pillar and carpet etc all out of the car to diagnose... It is coming through the same part you guys describe (The top and bottom of the rear gutter), It looks like it is exactly what you said and the sealing material used is deteriorating and no longer sealing. So I plan to cut out as much of the extra cocking as possible and fully recock it all on both sides of the window frame.
So my question to you is, you stated it held up during car washes but haven't tested it in rain... So after all this time what is the conclusion? Has it fixed the water leaks 100% with no more issues or?
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