Leaking 79 "T" Tops

[JohnnyJ]

I need to replace the weather stripping on my 79 "T" Tops. I know that I can get a set from mid america and other catalogs. However, I was wondering if there is other weather stripping that will do the job without the high cost. Anyone out there try anything other than the made to order kits?? Did it work??

 

[78SilvAnniv]

You want it to stop leaking?

I'd recommend using a Corvette year specific weatherstripping. The Corvette suppliers will provide you with the PROPER w/s that you need.

I feel that anything else would be inferior as the vette t-top w/s has some specific shapes that need to be correct, otherwise you'd have spent good money and still have a leaky t-top problem.

I feel the high cost is a bit of an investment, since with the proper w/s it will prevent leaks that could damage the interior, and should last (with care) many years.
Heidi

 

[jon79flavette]

Ditto, Heidi, W/S is very application specific. Relativly speaking the cost of proper W/S is little compared to potential water damage. Just picture it raining cats & dogs and you look out the window at your beloved C-3. I think you would feel a whole lot better (every time) spending the bucks for the right fit!

*****Almost ready to have the courage to send some pics after my first vette restro, man, it's been FUN, frustrating, and yes ......... costly!!! Jon

 

[widewhites]

Speaking of leaks, I have a leak in my 79 also, on what seems to be the top part of the windshield frame, right underneath the chrome. I have removed the chrome and have sealed up the frame with sealer. Still leaks. Somehow water seeps into the creaveses and runs along the edge and drips into the "cockpit".

Anyone have the smae problem? Suggestions?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

That is where mine leaked, too.

I discovered it by placing duct tape (silver, same color as the 78 so it blended well) across the chrome trim, connecting the trim and windshield with the tape to make a water barrier. Also try placing the tape over the two areas where the 3 chrome header pieces connect. This could help you narrow down your search for the cause.
I had the windshield re-set and it still didn't solve the problem.
New w/s, still leaked.
It appeared that the water would come in under the chrome trim and get into the interior molding pieces, where it would run along the center header piece and leak out at either side onto the driver and passenger laps.

Replaced the windshield when I had 78 painted, and that appeared to solve the leak.
Heidi

*I don't think this problem is typical, it is just what I experienced.
*In retrospect, most of my vette's problems and their fixes have been atypical.

 

[widewhites]

Heidi,

Thank you, actually that is my exact problem. I think my windshield was also replaced when I got the car so that may be causing the leak?. I will try the tape suggestion. I never take the tops off so exposure is not a problem. Thanks again!!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Tops off

Sometimes taking the tops off is a good thing. The w/s gets compressed over time, and I feel it is a good idea to take them off and let them de-compress, stretch and breathe. It is also a great time to apply di-electric grease to preserve their life. I'd recommend doing this about twice a year at least.
Heidi

 

[smurfvet]

I have a leak right over the driver's side sun visor. It drips on my leg- rather distracting. I have sealed the visible (upper) seam on the stainless pieces with RTV clear silicone, and it didn't work. I then looked at the space under the stainless steel where it appears to be pop rivited to the windshield frame. There seemed to be the possiblity of a gap here, so I squirted more silicone in that area. I haven't tried the car in the rain yet, but it doesn't leak with the hose test.


I just purchased a book on restoring your 68 to 82 Vette. The book has a blue 68 convertible on the cover. Anyways, the author said that the older cars came, and I quote "with a liberal amount of silicone grease on the T-top weatherstrips to get them to seal". Anybody out there buy one new back then that can verify that comment?

If that is the case, I can refer some silicone greases I use on control valves to seal the T-tops. The only problem is that it would be messy every time you took the tops off.

 

[mmvette80]

The leaks are most likely from rot in the window frame.
My temporary fix: Dont drive in the rain and dont wash the top of the car with water. My new interior hasn't gotten wet yet.
Corvettes, you got to love them to have them.

 

[JohnnyJ]

79 T Top leaks

Thanks for all the good thoughts. Is all w/s the same, or does one of the catalogs have better ones???

 

[resto75]

Sometimes taking the tops off is a good thing

Yeah I agree with that. I keep telling the woman that. Ya just got to get some air circulation