C2 Door Sealsq

[Bruce Boatner]

First of all, thanks to everyone for their advice and wisdom on this site---it has been unbelievable. I am a "rookie" Corvette owner and I apologize for wasting time with what may be "rookie" questions, but I gots to know.

The first time I washed my 1964 coupe, I did not realize that I was washing the inside of the car as well as the outside of the car. Quite a bit of water made its way inside despite my efforts to avoid a direct stream of water toward the door seals. The doors appear to be aligned properly and the seals were definitely replaced recently.

Are leaky door seals just a quirk of the car, or is there something I can do to tighten things up a bit? I have not driven the car in rain yet, but I imagine I will get a little damp when the inevitable happens. I have no clue as to what the proper seals should look like--shop manual is not much help.

Thanks to all you old pros for helping out the rookie.

[Joe Ciaravino (32899)]

Re: C2 Door Sealsq

Bruce:

I have heard that the reproduction seals are softer, and slightly thinner than the originals. I can tell you this much, however, that during restoration of my '65 'vert, I replaced all the original seals, which were practically fossilized, with all new pieces from Corvette Rubber (purchased a complete "body kit", "convertible top kit", and "hardtop kit"). During the installation, I paid very close attention to detail. I then subjected the car to the rain test, as delineated in the AIM. No leaks. I then raised the bar, by directing a straighter stream into all the seams. The only place that has a minor leak is where the trailing edge of the door glass meets the leading edge of the deck lid.

So, all that being said, it is possible to build a tight car using the currently available parts. As you must already know, these cars were NEVER exactly watertight.

So, tell us exactly where the leaks are and we can try to help.

Joe

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: C2 Door Seals

Joe,

The better question is, "Where does it NOT leak?". (Is it possible that convertibles are more watertight than coupes?) After I wash the car, there is almost a "water line" on the seats and floorboard underneath the top of the door openings. The leaking appears to be consisent on both sides of the car. My car is 1964 coupe. Since the top of the door "overlaps" the roofline it looks as though this may be an inherent leak area. It looks as though the body is designed to channel away water that may leak past the seal, but this is not happening in my case.

It would really help if I had another car to compare mine to, but right now I'm clueless. The overall restoration work appears solid all other areas, but maybe it stopped at the door seals.

[Joe Ciaravino (32899)]

Re: C2 Door Seals

Bruce:

I am fairly sure, and I would lay 2:1 that verts are harder to seal than coupes. My gut just tells me that, by comparing the 2 configs.

I would suggest, as a starting point, that you get inside your car, and have an assistant lightly spray the car, while you observe. Note any leaks, then increase the strength of the stream, and check again.

This will be a long process, but there really is no easy way unless you start from scratch.

Good luck, and have patience.

Joe