Why are there no good threads about convertible tops and sealing?

[GToddyT5]

I have a convertible top leak in multiple spots. It doesn't seal well near the back of the driver's side window and somewhere back near the rear glass. I get a decent amount of water in the basket behind the seat. I've done a lot of searching and can't find any good threads related to convertible leaks. I know there are a lot of you guys out there.

My top looks like it's in very good shape. I think the solution to my first leak is to realign the window, but the second one I'm not so sure. Where do these tops normally fail? Is it the seal around the rear glass or is it the stripping at the bottom? I feel like we could really use a convertible top FAQ or sticky.

 

[00'Saleen]

I have a convertible with only 20K miles and I get the puddle of water in the basket in the back as well. The only solution i have found to fix is a car cover when it rains. These tops were just not made well i guess.

 

[vega7891]

mine too, it collects water in the back and iv noticed seems to somehow get in the weatherstrip above where the window glass resses against.

 

[joshheat25]

There are some good articles just not on Stangnet.com Go do a search on Google or Yahoo!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Well, the rear window is suspended by elastic and once the seal is compromised there is really no way to fix other than replacing the rear window. The cost is usually around $350. Sorry about that man...

Do not go through automated car washes that use blowers to dry the car. These blowers put extreme stress on the rear window and IMHO lead to premature failure.

The best way to get tops repaired is to contact your Lincoln Mercury stealership and ask them who is the best trim shop in town, the one that they themselves use...

Sadly, verts are more expensive to maintain due to these kinds of problems.

 

[DropTopPony]

Mine started leaking in the same area...i tried clear silicone etc but i had to eventually replace it.

 

[GToddyT5]

Well, the rear window is suspended by elastic and once the seal is compromised there is really no way to fix other than replacing the rear window. The cost is usually around $350. Sorry about that man...

Do not go through automated car washes that use blowers to dry the car. These blowers put extreme stress on the rear window and IMHO lead to premature failure.

The best way to get tops repaired is to contact your Lincoln Mercury stealership and ask them who is the best trim shop in town, the one that they themselves use...

Sadly, verts are more expensive to maintain due to these kinds of problems.

I know a local place that did a ragtop on my friend's Chevelle, just haven't taken it there yet. I know it's gonna hurt. I'll do it soon because I used to hate my other friend's 94 GT, which sounded like he had Shamu in the back.

 

[04DarkShadowGT]

I was getting some work done to another car at a shop in town here, I asked how much a new top was. If the rear window is still good and the headliner part is good. It was $600 installed for a brand new top.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I was getting some work done to another car at a shop in town here, I asked how much a new top was. If the rear window is still good and the headliner part is good. It was $600 installed for a brand new top.

That is true, vinyl tops typically run $600 and cloth runs $1200 installed (approx prices) but that is assuming the headliner and rear window can be re-used. His problem is with the rear window assembly and this is not part of the top. His rear window assembly needs replaced probably due to blowers in a drive through car wash.

 

[04DarkShadowGT]

That is true, vinyl tops typically run $600 and cloth runs $1200 installed (approx prices) but that is assuming the headliner and rear window can be re-used. His problem is with the rear window assembly and this is not part of the top. His rear window assembly needs replaced probably due to blowers in a drive through car wash.

Fabinis said $800 for a cloth cobra top.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Fabinis said $800 for a cloth cobra top.

You should do it man! That would really make the car look nicer. Would you go with tan or switch to black? I would switch to black personally...

 

[1992 2.3LX]

my solution was simple i went to Walmart and bought a black towel and just place it in the bottom of the basket. works just fine and you can even put the top down with the towel in there.
it cost me $3.79

 

[MarcoCapone]

now there is one!!!!!!! (A thread about convertible top...)

 

[GToddyT5]

my solution was simple i went to Walmart and bought a black towel and just place it in the bottom of the basket. works just fine and you can even put the top down with the towel in there.
it cost me $3.79

I wouldn't really call that a solution. The only thing you solved was finding a way to absorb the water.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The towel method would be a temporary solution at best. It creates other issues with corrosion, humidity, and odor...

 

[1992 2.3LX]

The towel method would be a temporary solution at best. It creates other issues with corrosion, humidity, and odor...

you don't leave the towel in the forever. once the rain is done you throw it in the wash and dry it. i have no problems at all.
Much easier than spending $600 on a new top install when the top looks great just leaks a little around the window.

 

[GToddyT5]

I'd rather fix mine because I don't want to have to deal with my car filling up with water and water dripping on my arm.

 

[1992 2.3LX]

I'd rather fix mine because I don't want to have to deal with my car filling up with water and water dripping on my arm.

well if it's dripping on your arm you have much larger problem than myself

 

[GToddyT5]

Like I said, it leaks on the driver's side right about the cup on the inside of the door, right where the seam on the seal is.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Oh sorry man I misunderstood your description of the leak area...