Convertible Top Question. It leaks, Halp!

[AeFox88]

Hey, the passenger side on my vert leaks pretty good. I first thought it was the clamp, but that's fine. Then I thought it was the dowel pin. All good. From messing with it I now think that the top isn't even. Basically, the passenger side looks like its pulling back a couple millimeters. Hard to explain, but when I push the passenger side top forward and then clamp it, it fits better, but still leaks.

When it's clamped down, I can't get my finger in to touch the dowel on the driver's side. I can on the passengers side and run it towards the drivers side until it gets too tight. Drivers side is good.

I'm thinking that because the passengers side is a couple mms off to the rear, it's not lining up properly with the top of the windshield and is hitting a piece of it so it doesn't close fully. I can see the marks of where the top was and where it is now. It needs to be adjusted forward...I think.

So, I'd like to know, how can I fix this? Or can I take it to a shop to have them adjust it?

I'll post pics in a couple.

 

[AeFox88]

First picture is the little rust where the top used to be. See, it's off to the back a bit.

Second is the passenger side windshield thing (durr) It looks like it's not pushed down all the way and is keeping the top from closing totally.

 

[AeFox88]

Maybe I can push that piece on the passenger side down and give it more room to close, who knows.

I really don't want to take it a top place and spend hundred to get it adjusted, but if I can't fix it, I'll just have to.

 

[JungleJoe]

I just looked on my brothers 92, his is just like yours(trim piece) and it doesnt leak. . . .

 

[bwguardian]

The leaks typically occur where the door glass meets the windshield frame at the weather seal for the vert top...in that corner area. Is your leaking under the top weather seal between the windshield frame? I would first look at the weather seal front bow and see if you have any buldging from rusted staples since you are getting some rust on the windshield frame.

 

[AeFox88]

It leaks just a little bit on the passenger side corner. Nothing new weatherstripping can't fix. It's not the windshield, that's fine. It's basically the area where my finger is pointing in that picture. I know what's causing it, just need to know how to adjust it.

Damn 'verts :-(

 

[JungleJoe]

So whats causing it?

 

[AeFox88]

The leaks? It seems like the top needs to be pulled forward on the passenger side so it matches up correctly with the windshield. I know where are some adjustment points on the top, but what's what? How would I just be able to move the passenger side up say...1/4 a inch?

 

[Onefine88]

Try readjusting the "J" hook on that side and run it in a couple rounds. That should snug it up tighter to the windshield frame. If that doesn't do it you need to replace the weatherstripping on the underside of the top.

Late Model Restoration sells a 5 piece weatherstrip kit for that top that will seal it off. You probably only need the header piece "which contacts the windshield" but I recommend buying the whole kit.

Most all the top adjustments are behind the interior quarter panel. You can move things around there although I don't recommend going there. It won't be possible to move the top forward as it will affect the fit on the rear quarter windows.

Replacing your weather strip will most likely solve your leak problems.

I've been there.

 

[AeFox88]

Weatherstripping is fine. It just doesn't close tight enough for the the weatherstripping to seal right. Jhooks don't do anything. Just rips up the receptacle. Basically, the windshield is in the way. Need to get it over the "hump"

Probably just going to take it to a shop if I can't adjust it. I was worried that one adjustment would throw something else off. Oh well

 

[JungleJoe]

Like said above, those J-hooks move around a bit. . .

 

[AeFox88]

Oh yeah, I know. I took the whole clamp and dowel out and closed it without it. Same problem. :-(