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My Convertable top leaks


jayjay1313
10-21-2008, 10:27 PM
i have a 1998 Eclipse spyder with a brand new top. but for some reason it leaks in the corner above my passenger seat. if it rains overnight, nearly the entire passenger seat will be soaked. is there any thing i can do so help the seal of my convertible? especially since winter is coming :eek7:

thanks for any help

vanilla gorilla
10-21-2008, 10:41 PM
You can try adjusting the clamps (well, the two locking thingys that secure the top when up, located above the visors). They are adjustble, so you can try to tighten them, or just the passenger side, a little and see what happens. If that doesnt help, you probably need to replace the weather stripping that goes where the top butts to the window frame (if that wasnt replaced with the top).

jayjay1313
10-22-2008, 03:10 PM
i adjusted the latches and went for a car wash, it still seems to come in. as far as the weather striping, is there a place you recommend goin to get it? thanks for the help

vanilla gorilla
10-22-2008, 08:53 PM
The only place I know that you can get it is the dealership. I called for a quote and it was $300 for the 3 piece set that goes all the way around the windshield frame.

I have searched the internet numerous times and have to yet to find any place that sells it.

jayjay1313
10-22-2008, 11:14 PM
well it doesnt really leak from the frame. it only leaks in the corner where the convertible top connects with the car frame. just that very corner is where it leaks from. its hard to explain but if i remember tomorrow ill take a picture of it with my phone and post it here. cuz i dont need the the entire 3 piece strips for sure. ill try to remember as soon as i get outta work. if its cloudy tomorrow ill def remember easier

vanilla gorilla
10-22-2008, 11:39 PM
My car leaks at the same spot. But the corner its leaking from, seals at the weatherstripping around the windshield frame. And when I called the dealership, they only sell the weatherstripping in the 3 piece set, not individually.

Call your dealership and see what they say. It was probably 2 years ago when I checked on that part.

jayjay1313
10-23-2008, 01:59 PM
after a little bit of searching around for an alternate fix, i found someone who says this:

5th May 2003, 12:53 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/)

Another leaky top comment. In addition to using Scotchguard, if the top leaks because of the seal drying out where it meets the windshield - that is easily resolved by buying a roll of 1/4"x1" (1/4" thick, 1" wide) foam sealant strips. You can get this at any decent hardware store. It has adhesive on one side and it is black in color. The 1" wide strip fits perfectly along the original rubber seal on the top of the windshield and provides a very snug fit when the top is closed. If you do a nice job you can't even tell you added the strip! No trimming necessary. You keep up with both of these and you should be enjoying a leak-free ride without having to replace the top. Incidentally though, my rear window leaks also and I can't seem to find a fix for that. Granted it does not cause any problem other than a buildup of water behind the back seat - but it sure fogs up the windows because of the water when it gets warm and your windows are closed! I thought about silicone around the edge, but am concerned about causing more damage or if it would even stick. Any thoughts?




source:
http://www.carsurvey.org/viewmorecomments_review_12217_1.html






do you think its worth a try?

97GSTspyder
11-02-2008, 03:14 PM
I fixed my leaky convertible top...I bought a hardtop lol.

But anyway, when I had the Spyder it leaked too. A guy from the dealer told me that they did a recall on the seals for the 2nd gen Spyder. It's funny because that was the only source I've ever heared that from, and he seemed to be new. So I don't know, I'd call the dealer and see if there was a recall and to check the price for new seals like mentioned above. Seems like with these cars, if you don't use genuine parts for things like that, you're going to have problems forever. I got to the point of sticking napkins around the top when it rained outside because both sides leaked pretty bad lol. Not pretty.

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