Cascade Crew

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 1:09 pm Post subject: T-Top Seals

So is there a definitive answer or consensus on the best T-Top seals to use?

I know that Tony had posted a particular brand but subsequently posted frustration that he still had leaks. Has anyone replaced their T-Top seals and was leak free?

Real world experience is appreciated.

Thanks,

-Schultzy

blue89 · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 1:39 pm Post subject:

I don't have purchase advice, but I noticed a huge improvement by hitting my seals heavy with rubber conditioner. Mine are leaking bad right now, but the water is coming from the ceiling! I think the water is going AROUND the seal between it and the body. No where else it could be coming from.

Raiden · Member Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 193 Location: tacoma

I used to have a 4th gen Vette and I got a crack in my targa top. My warranty covered the top and replaced it. The new targa top came with new seals on it. Shortly after I replaced my top, I had a huge leak once I washed the car. This was because the old seals would not mate to the old worn surfaces on my windshield and other mating surfaces. I was lucky because the warranty company had to replace all of the seals. So to prevent leakage, you need to replace the seals on the car itself and the seals on the t tops. I"m sure that is what your gonna have to do. Good luck Cool

blue89 · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject:

We have seals on our ttops? Mine doesn't have any except where the side glass meets it. And that doesn't leak.

Al Hasse · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject:

The only ones I ever used were OEM purchased and installed through an auto glass shop. Had the hardest time finding one leak I had, finally figured out that it was leaking in the corner where the center bar meets the windshield, then it followed the top of the windshield and leaked onto my leg Shocked

should have removed the seal and cleaned up underneath, but it was a new enough job that I just had the leak filled with sealant from the corner all the way to the edge.

blue89 · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:20 pm Post subject:

Can you remove the center bar without damaging the seal? I pulled my rear seal by the bar away from the body, cleaned it, and used silicon to seal it up. Worked for a little bit.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:10 pm Post subject:

I had good luck with Soffseal.

I think even if you just went GM seal the key is like paint.... proper prep .......and proper distribution of glue.

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:12 pm Post subject:

You used soffseal and it got rid of the leaks? I will pick your brain on the prep next time we get together.

-Schultzy

Twilightoptics · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:14 pm Post subject:

Yeah. On an old friends car.

By prep I mean cleaning the old goo off like you're detailing a car.....and making sure you lay a consistant bead of weatherstrip adhesive. :O)

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:18 pm Post subject:

Ok Thanks for the replies so far.

Anyone else?

-Schultzy

Al Hasse · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:45 pm Post subject:

My 89 doesn't leak much now and the 92 only occasionally when it rains really hard. Here before long, I'll be replacing ALL of the weatherstripping, including the T-top seals on the 89 due to dry rot and a need to get in behind and clean it out. Haven't decided where to get the stuff yet, but Soffseal is high on the list...

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:55 pm Post subject:

Cool Al. I will probably be pulling the trigger pretty soon here. I will let you know how it goes.

-Schultzy

Xophertony · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:37 am Post subject:

just like paul says, the key is in the details, prep and proper gluing. i compensated for a lack of proper gluing with an over abundance of glue.

at this point i no longer have big leaks. i get the odd drop that runs down the I-pillar. but i drive around in the rain all day and night and only get one or two. and i'm not sure it's not from just opening the door. my leaks were between the seals and the car, the seals themselves were fine, it was GMs flawed design that was the problem. i used OEM seals.