72 t-top weatherstrip question.

[ERIC FAIRCLOUGH]

I have one more question that pertanes to my roadtrip down to N.C. post. I almost forgot that my t-tops leaked when i was caught in a heavy rain storm. I had a constant flow from the driver side t top. It was pouring in at the sunvisor. It did it when the car was parked and driving. The weathersrip now is the orginal and it is mashed pretty flat the drivers side is in decent shape other than that and the passenger side is ripped in a couple places. The birdcage on the car is in perfect condition with not a spot of rust so i don't think it has anything to do with window piller leaks. I am going to buy reproduction weatherstrip from ecklers. Do i just need the adhesive to put it on or anything else? Thanks Eric

[Harmon C.]

Re: 72 t-top weatherstrip question.

Eric All you should need is the adhesive. If you don't get the weatherstrip installed before your trip or it still leaks as they may with todays wearherstrip you can use clear packaging tape between the chrome-S/S edge of the T/T and down to the windshield glass. Make sure to put it on before it rains and it will last the whole trip and can be removed easy as it is not on any paint. Lyle

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 t-top weatherstrip question.

Eric,

See which brand Eckler's sells. If they sell the Metro Moulded parts, they are not as "correct" as the Corvette Rubber parts, if you car is being judged. Neither is entirely like original.

You will need adhesive, adhesive remover, and the correct tool to remove the little buttons that hold the weatherstrip onto the fiberglass. You will also need a screwdriver.

If you have old Vette Magazines, I did an article on it in mid 1995 (I think).

I think you will save $ by buying the T-top weatherstrips of Corvete Rubber through The Last Detail.

Patrick

[Edward M.]

Re: 72 t-top weatherstrip question.

I have the same problem with my 72. I thought it was the T-Top weatherstrip, but later found out that the problem is the seal between the glass and the windshield frame. My birdcage is also very nice, but apparently the years do take their toll on the windshield frame in this area. I also had the very same problem on a 73 convertible a few years ago. Removing the windshield, cleaning and preping the frame, and reinstalling the windshield solved the problem.

Pretty easy to diagnose for sure by just removing the header trim panel and spraying water on the area. If it leaks between the T-Top and the windshield frame, probably weatherstrip. If it leaks under the windshield frame, probably windshield seal. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: 72 t-top weatherstrip question.

Lyle, I tried that with black electrical tape when i had to drive it once and it rained a bit. I put it all around the t-tops. It was a little cold out and the tape ripped a some of the paint off near the back of the t-top but it kept dry inside. I might try that just in the front if i can't get the seals by then. Thanks Eric