Leaky, leaky convertible top

Aftrbrnr said:

I've put up for it for about a year, but I don't think I can take it any more. Yes, my convertible leaks, but only around the weatherstriping, all over. Another huge problem is that at high speeds, wind seems to seep in between the top and the windshield header, thus making a really annoying whistling sound that not even the radio can drown out. It also makes a large gap between the header and top, so water gets in a lot easier.

My question is do I need a new top or do I just need new weatherstripping? The top itself is cracked, but doesn't leak any water, I also wonder if the worn top is a reason for the reason the top and header don't seat right, thus causing the whistling.

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If the weatherstripping is messed up badly then it will cause bad leaks. That said, My weatherstripping had some decent size slashes when I replaced my top but I reused it anyway. As long as there arent any peices of rubber missing it usually can be fixed (although new weatherstrip is prolly much better). I used some clear waterproof sealer stuff out of a tube and just glued it back together. No leaks for the past 2 or 3 years anyway. Of course mine only leaked because it had some slashes on the window seals. If it's badly messed up, you'll just need to replace it.

If there's a gap between the header and the top, tightening the latches up a few turns may help -- assuming you have decent weatherstrip on the header bow. There's a small stop bolt in the latch, I believe it's a small allen key bolt, that you have to loosen. Then you just turn the hook part of the latch a turn or two till it seals tighter, and then tighten the stop bolt back in. Hope that helps ya.

....If your top is beginning to crack, I would venture to try the J-hook adjustment on it first...at least until you decide to replace the top. I just replaced mine and upholsterers tend to use glue to hold things in place until they can get the staples and header metal attached. Chances are that you would end up needing to replace the new rubber with newer rubber when you redo the old rag because you will probably tear it up removing it.
Oh yeah, if you decide to do the top yourself, don't feel intimidated. It just looks real hard. Did mine by myself in 3 days working a few hours at a time. Good Luck and in the meantime.....buy a COOL looking slicker.......lol

Cant be worse than mine, I dont even have a top on right now, Just a frame!!!