So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

[Wayne W.]

I got a `65 soft top job in today. It happens to have the original cover still on, and while is is not in great shape, it is original. So I decided to photo document it while I take it apart to install the new one. I have a very nice original `66, but I wont be taking that apart, so this is a good opportunity. More on that later, but I thought I would compare the front weatherstrip that is supplied with modern kits, vs the original. We all have trouble with these things leaking across the front.

Here is a cross sectional view. Notice the original has a different cross section shape. The original is 7/8 inch wide on the sealing surface while the repro is only 3/4 inch. The original is much thicker which also will make it seal better. The original has closed cell rubber with much more rigidity and has a reinforcement strip of hard plastic. The reproduction has a very open cell construction and also has an open chamber which makes it very flimsy.

No wonder the thing leaks.

[Dick W.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

Wayne, you can go to Lowe's and get latex tubing to fill that void in the weatherstrip. I am not sure what size you would need, but it definitely will firm the weatherstrip up. I did my pickup doors this way and you would not believe how it quitened the truck down.

[Steven B.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

Wayne, are all the repro like that one? Are there any repros "as original" available?

Thanks!

Steve

[Joseph M.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

amazing comparison, Wayne. I wonder if you could fill the void with a latex caulk? Once it "Dries", it would remain pliable...

[Wayne W.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

Wayne, are all the repro like that one? Are there any repros "as original" available?

Thanks!

Steve

amazing comparison, Wayne. I wonder if you could fill the void with a latex caulk? Once it "Dries", it would remain pliable...

I have not seen a correct reproduction. There are a few door, trunk etc. weatherstrips that may be used. I think you could inject, fill the voids with urethane window sealer and let that set up. That will not however solve the size and thickness problem.

[Chuck S.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

I have not seen a correct reproduction. There are a few door, trunk etc. weatherstrips that may be used. I think you could inject, fill the voids with urethane window sealer and let that set up. That will not however solve the size and thickness problem.

What junk. Open cell foam for sealing?...WTH? Absolute junk.

I've never had a C2/C3 convertible. If the original weatherstrips are still in good shape, is it possible to recover the old weatherstrips from the top being replaced, and reuse them on the new? Or, would they be destroyed in the process? I would think about that if I were replacing my well sealed original top.

[Harry S.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

Wayne, what color is the top and what color is the interior side of the top.

Thanks

[Wayne W.]

Re: So You Wonder Why Your Soft Top Leaks

Wayne, what color is the top and what color is the interior side of the top.

Thanks

It is a white with black inside. Sorry, not a tan one.