Leaking convertable tops!

[N2RACN74]

Hi folks,

I'm new to the forum and looked for this thread, but didn't find anything. I have a 1998 convertable that has a swimming pool in the back every time it rains. There are several other 'stangs in the parking lot where I work. All of them have the same problem. Anybody found out how to fix this?

[coloradotaco]

Originally Posted by N2RACN74

Hi folks,

I'm new to the forum and looked for this thread, but didn't find anything. I have a 1998 convertable that has a swimming pool in the back every time it rains. There are several other 'stangs in the parking lot where I work. All of them have the same problem. Anybody found out how to fix this?

There is a foam liner strip that attaches to the roof rails. After awhile it wears. You can get a new foam kit from Ford. The rear window may leak also.
Your top is probably about ready to be replaced. I had the convertible top replaced on my "95 with a Stayfast (canvass) type. It leaked before and after the replacement over the driver and passenger windows. The top shop guy adjusted the rails. (front hold downs were too tight). Now just passenger side leaks. He said that was due to the passenger window being out of alignment.
The Stayfast top is now about 5 years old and still looks pretty good.

[N2RACN74]

Thanks. Actually the top is still in great shape. The original owners were an older couple and it was still like new when I bought it 4 years ago. The top only leaks in the back window. Any help on that, or is a replacement the only option?

[coloradotaco]

You might be able to determine where the leak is with a hose.
If the well is filling up, you might have a tear in the top where it mounts to the body. There is a cable that goes around the back that holds the top in place. Put the top down partially and gently run your finger around the lip. If its ripped I don't think there is much you can do. Maybe a vinyl repair kit would work.
Check to see if the fabric that holds the top of the rear window in place is exposed. The rear window opening gets out of shape after awhile Mine did and the fabric deteriorated. The top shop guy fixed it for me by putting a strip across the last rib that holds the top in the proper position.
He told me not to leave the top in the well for extended periods. Various bad things happen: The vinyl will crack in the folds and the exposed interior pieces fade and deteriorate from the sun. The sun visors go first and they are very expensive and hard to find.
Good Luck, new tops run $400-$700 unless you're brave enough to try it yourself.

[N2RACN74]

Thanks. I'll check those things and see what I can find. A guy at the body shop has put 3-M glue on it a couple of times and that hasn't done anything. I'll print off your anser, take it to him and see what we can do.

Again, thanks bunches.

GO RUSTY - #2 MILLER LITE DODGE!

[Joshua83]

hi i have a 99 covert. mine also leaks alway behind driver seat is it fix able and how?

[gouldie1903]

i have an 01 gt convert and i noticed that the 2 driver side windows don't seal completly i traced it to the weather stripping on the top comming lose. to fix it just put up the back window first pulling it toward the front of the car

[bobintampa]

My 2000 has a leak on the driver's side next to the rear window (under the flap). It's a pin hole puncture from something that must have gotten trapped under the flap that covers the left edge of the window. I tried filling the hole with neoprene, rubber cement, and a bicycle patch. So far none of those ideas worked. Today I stuffed a small piece of dark terry cloth under the flap to see if that will stem the flow. If so, I'll try glueing it in place. Crude. Will let you know how it works.