We're thinking of getting some plastic and shaping it to the curve of the end of the T-top, putting some magents on both sides. It would be a plastic cover that would overlap the length of the T-top and probably be about 6-7 inches wide. We would put magnets on the end to let it attach to the body. My T-tops leak pretty bad on the end when it rains. Wouldn't leave it on all the time, just when its about to rain or is raining - which happens pretty much EVERDAY during the summer in FL.

Anyone done anything like this?

Poured for about 9 hours straight here today. Not fun driving.

 

I think most people just replace the seals...

 

i think its a good cheap idea especially if you can make it look good and unique to the body lines.

 

be sure and post some pics. of final product . i am curious how this will turn out . good luck .

 

lol... yup.
reminds me of the red tape you can buy to "fix" your busted taillight lens.

 

True, replacing the seals would be the 'good' way to go...But they sure are expensive for new ones. I talked to one guy, too, who said even after replacing his he still got leaks.

So I guess we're just going for a cheaper alternative.

Today I went out and layed two towels over the end of the t-tops so once the towels were soaked the water would just run off the ends of them.

 

I can tell you why they leak on the ends ..... That black metal strip on top of the t-tops by the window is what causes it. pour water so it runs into that gap and you will see your drip start.when I had my 84 it leaked like hell after a few years so a friend peeled all my weatherstripping off, wire brushed to bare metal applied adhesive the new seals. Car still had the annoying drip. Now I never saw what he did to this metal strip but I know he removed it and re-sealed it after that they never dripped again.Also I do know if they are over tight meaning they clamp down to much they leak.

 

my t-tops leak.. i'm gonna take all of it off and silicone the crap outta it.. i dont take the tops off anyway so no big deal for me..

 

What happens when the seals are brand new and they still leak?? This is the problem I have... I still need to adjust the tops and silicone the seals on there good. I will be borrowing a smoke machine to find where it is coming from. I cannot move ahead on my project till the leaks are fixed. I do not want to put in my new interior before the leak is fixed. Right now the car is stripped down to bare metal on the inside and luckly not much rust was found.

 

Yea, you musta done something wrong if new seals leak. Re-do, new adhesive, etc. A band-aid "umbrella" over the t-top seals is exactly that - a band-aid.

 

I didnt install the seals fyi... I will be redoing them soon. PITA

 

Isn't there a drain hole somewhere that gets clogged? I've heard of this on an IROC before. My friend said he cleaned it out and the T-tops didn't leak anymore.

 

The "shields" you describe are an interesting aproach. If you do (or already have) replace the seals and they still leak, you may want to consider adjusting the clamps on the ends of the tops. If you remove the plastic cover under the tops and the plastic covers where the pins go through on the body, you'll see how to adjust them. Mine didn't leak water but they had a bit of wind noise and that's what I did. Now if your covers could stop the t-tops from dripping water on my lap when I roll the windows down at the drive thru... I'd be interested in that!

 

Simple solution is to not eat in your car !!! Although I do agree with you whenever having to drive my car in the rain. Opening the door sucks sometimes lol

 

im gonn ahave to check into the ttop clamps, i no the dealer installed 3 swets when dad bought the car brand new in 89. and it still leaks to this day. yet my 87 wont leak a drop.

 

my hardtop doesnt leak . Boo to ttops . I know my father did new seals on a project 88 firebird and they seals are expensive but the way to go . get new seals .

 

instead of fabing up something to just cover the t-tops buy a water proof car cover car will stay clean and it protects it from the sun too so paint wont fade so fast...can get a cheap decent one for 50bucks that will keep water out...if it says water resistant though its not water proof...try to find one that has a filament of plastic weaved in it...then u dont have to worry about the rain or ur car getting water spots

 

go to a junkyard for the seal... i picked my t=top seal up for a buck at my junkyard.. it was like brand new