Hey family! I'm working on my convertible top, the seal to the inside is solid but the top outside is not connected to the window on any side. After some inspection it seem the the top connects only to the BOTTOM of the window and not the sides or the top. I figure this because it seems like there was a clear (?) piece of double sided tape running across the bottom of the window that is missing on the does and top of the window. Here are a few pics. As you can see the seam almost all the way around has came loose (rotted thread). I'm using E6000 and some of my wife's hair pins to hold it in place while it sets.


convertible top seam, the window bottom is on the bottom.


I'm working my way around as the seam was really taut so the upper corners are gonna be a pain. so after the top portion sets i'll pull that edging up into that corner, set just the corner, then work my way down to complete. The E6000 seems to be doing the trick, I fixed the loose edging above both doors a few days ago and it looks great. My issue is at the bottom. As you can see, whoever had it before me just drive it even though the top had come loose from the window causing that buckling at the top of the bottom seam as you can see.



SO my question is (after all this) WHAT IS THE WATER FLOW COMING FROM OFF OF THE TOP AND WINDOW? It SEEMS that it was ONLY sealed at the bottom, not on the sides BUT that doesn't mean I'm right. it CERTAINLY LOOKS LIKE it wasn't sealed at the top (weird though because water could blow underneath it from the rear say in a car wash but what idiot runs his ragtop through a carwash??). So, can anyone help me with understanding how I should reseal the outside of the top to the window, I have no leaks internally but that pocket collects water when it rains although I try not to drive it in the rain or when the rain threatens but hey, crap happens... Anyone have any idea how the window seals to the top OUTSIDE? Thanks in advance !!!


THIS is the bottom of the window. it seems there was a shiny piece of something attaching it to the window but it's dry rotted out.

 

The convertible top is two separate pieces. The rear glass is attached to a panel that is underneath the white vinyl top cover and this panel is fastened to the last bow support of the top and the tack strip around the body at the bottom. The white vinyl top cover overlaps the panel with the glass to seal and the two should not be fastened together. The white vinyl material below the glass appears to have separated from the panel with the rear glass. You might try using a double sided carpet tape to reattach it, but I'm not sure how long the repair would last or seal. Otherwise you'll probably have to replace the panel with the glass. If you were to do that, I would go ahead and replace the complete top.

 

Thanks Peterpar! I picked up some 3M 5952 VHB double sided automotive tape from Amazon. The seams have been re glued all the way around the top piece so I'll try this tape tomorrow and send a pic. The E6000 worked miracles on that loose edging, looks almost new! Thanks again for the knowledge!!

 

That top is shot, The glass is original installed on a hot press, it tears off the glass as the top shrinks. There is no way fix that is as good as new. You may get to seal for a little while but if you are putting the top up and down and the car is in the sun don't expect any repair stay water proof long. I am not saying this just because its what a top installer will tell you, I am saying because I was told this then I spent the next 2 years trying to keep my top sealed only to give up and get a new top.

 

Hey Gorn! Man I know it. I was quoted $1500 new but the good thing is I only drive it when it's nice, cool, or I'm in goof off mode. Like last week, my wife's car was in the shop so she drove my daily while I drive the ragtop. It's hot here now so generally the top is up with the AC cranking. One of those days it decides to rain it's butt off so I know some water got back there. No leaks in the car thankfully (solid interior seal). So normally it's garage kept, driven for pleasure only on nice evenings, and rarely doing that overniter to the coast when the kids are gone. Hopefully this stuff will generally hold it still until I can afford to replace the top. It has cloth seats which I'm replacing with leather but that's also in that "gonna do when I have more cash" timeframe. I'll post a few pics when I finish so you can see what it looks like. Thanks for the info!

 

new guy here to the camaro forum. I have 2002 convertible that is leaking. I need help the back seat has water standing after rain. Any help would be appreciated