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I have replaced the weather stripping in the trunk and my trunk gets crazy amount of water leaks when I wash the car. Are there any tricks or am missing weather stripping somewere? It looks installed correct from all the images I have seen..Thank you all for the help!
Last edited by delta254; Oct 15, 2022 at 08:53 AM.
Can you tell where the water is coming into the trunk? There is a rain gutter (a plastic U shaped channel) that runs around the perimeter of the top opening, and the water is then drained to the front of the rear wheel well area. If the edges of the top material aren't hanging down properly, they can allow the water to drip outside the rain gutter. And if your rain gutter is cracked or missing, that would be a big water leak as well.
Can you tell where the water is coming into the trunk? There is a rain gutter (a plastic U shaped channel) that runs around the perimeter of the top opening, and the water is then drained to the front of the rear wheel well area. If the edges of the top material aren't hanging down properly, they can allow the water to drip outside the rain gutter. And if your rain gutter is cracked or missing, that would be a big water leak as well.
Oh I wil have to check were its coming from. Is the piece on the top itsself? Or on the chrome molding?
I have a friend stopping by next week with same issue on 72 442 convertible. Good chance it’s the gutter but gotta check.
For starters, with car dry, climb in the trunk, lay dollar bills around the the trunk w-strip like you’re at the club, laying down an “incentive” perimeter. GENTLY close the trunk so as not to blow them all away, have a friend with the key or you with screwdriver close you in. Pull the dollar bills out, they should be firmly pinched between lid & gasket, showing firm resistance or possibly not pullable. If any slide out easily, that would be an area of interest.
The gutter is roughly the shape of the convertible opening, catches water that runs down the roof and dumps it into the front quarter panel cavity. From there, the water drains through holes in the bottom and exits the quarter/rocker onto the ground. They can be broken around the mounting holes, otherwise dislodged, or just plain missing.
Lastly, though not likely your problem, is to check the quarter panel extensions. The mounting holes require a gasket or ring if butyl sealer.
I have a friend stopping by next week with same issue on 72 442 convertible. Good chance it’s the gutter but gotta check.
For starters, with car dry, climb in the trunk, lay dollar bills around the the trunk w-strip like you’re at the club, laying down an “incentive” perimeter. GENTLY close the trunk so as not to blow them all away, have a friend with the key or you with screwdriver close you in. Pull the dollar bills out, they should be firmly pinched between lid & gasket, showing firm resistance or possibly not pullable. If any slide out easily, that would be an area of interest.
The gutter is roughly the shape of the convertible opening, catches water that runs down the roof and dumps it into the front quarter panel cavity. From there, the water drains through holes in the bottom and exits the quarter/rocker onto the ground. They can be broken around the mounting holes, otherwise dislodged, or just plain missing.
Lastly, though not likely your problem, is to check the quarter panel extensions. The mounting holes require a gasket or ring if butyl sealer.
….
I love your analogys..lol..I will do that after I got off work today..thank you all for the help and will keep you posted,
Last edited by delta254; Oct 15, 2022 at 08:57 AM.
Definitely coming from the gutter.Mine looks good and intact.Water does come out the qtr on both sides but also leaks in the trunk. Could the gutter be cracked possibly?
Last edited by delta254; Oct 15, 2022 at 03:06 PM.
Reason: Spelling
The top material fabric itself has to be tight against the chrome molding all around the rear of the roof. If it's getting old & sagging away it will allow lots more water into that channel than it can hold. You said it occurs when washing the car. Don't aim the hose w/ any water pressure near that molding joint w/ the top. Don't ask me why I know this.
The top material fabric itself has to be tight against the chrome molding all around the rear of the roof. If it's getting old & sagging away it will allow lots more water into that channel than it can hold. You said it occurs when washing the car. Don't aim the hose w/ any water pressure near that molding joint w/ the top. Don't ask me why I know this.
Oh I see I think that's the problem.My top is extremely loose from the chrome. My gutter appears to be in good shape after inspecting it thoughly.
Well after getting the car back from a face lift..stil have a leak my gutter was cracked and fixed now so it leaks way less, But the leak is on the curve area both side same spot from the fabric of the convertible top..should it be on a certain way?
Does any one have any pics of what the top material should look like underneath above the rain gutter? Looks like the water leaks onto the top material over the gutter and does not make into the gutter, I dont want to just wack the material off. So if anyone has some pics of the underside of the gutter and were the top materials ends would be great...thanks
