T-Top Leaks..Whole Car is gutted I found the problem!! - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

F.L.A.G · 11-08-2009, 03:22 PM

Ok guys, Everythign in my car is gutted out and had my car fully redone at a body shop about 3-4 years ago..The piece that connects the two t-tops in the centre beam (dont know the name of it) was replaced as well. When the body shop toke off the old centre piece..man major rust all underneath it. Same when we removed the old weather stripping. WATER underneath the weather stripping. All along the back end of the t-roofs and the front. As I just looked moments ago..all the rust is back and its all wet. (just did the garden hose test) and the water seems to go down the centre t-top beam and leak right on the rear seats (the *** section) Well I dont know what to do now.

I may bring this back to the body shop to get all the rust removed and find a way to seal this center pillar. There are tiny holes where the water gets into. The water travels down and collects in the read and that's how the leak happens there. Also found my passenger door is collecting water at the bottom. I don't know whats causing that one.

Any suggestions, Comments?

Aaron R. · 11-08-2009, 09:57 PM

I would tear the t-tops apart and coat everything with POR-15. Then seal up pin holes with silicone caulk.

The doors should have drain holes on the bottom. If they are plugged water running down the glass and inside the door will collect at the bottom.

F.L.A.G · 11-09-2009, 02:18 AM

Thanks Aaron..Ill try POR-15 as soon as I find out what that is

...and yes there are drain holes at the bottom, Ive left them open, but is it normal for water to collect in the door like that? does the mil-water shield prevent that from happening?..just a thought..

Best,

scottmoyer · 11-09-2009, 08:29 AM

The ttop bar needs to be sealed at the four corners and also at the front and rear of the center bar. Do a search for weatherstripping replacement and you'll find pictures of the areas to seal and what to seal them with. I used both 3M windshield rope caulk and 3M weatherstripping adhesive. If the areas are sealed correctly, you won't have water coming in anymore.

The reason for the door problem is the outer window sweeps aren't sealing against the glass so water is running inside the door. Replace the outer sweeps and adjust the windows correctly. All the plastic does is keep the moisture that does get into the door from damaging the door panels. Be sure the bottom holes are completely cleaned out and not blocked.