1957 top sealing

[Theodore K.]

I have had my 1957 for 29 years now. It is no secret that sealing a 57 for rain intrusion is nearly impossible but getting leaks reduced is a doable chore. On troublesome spot for me is the seal between the top and the top of the windshield. I have replaced the seal a couple of times but the joint between the top and the windshield chrome piece always leaks some. It is not hard to imagine why. Sealing a pressure joint of rubber and metal from a wind driven rain storm is pretty difficult. I have tried foam secondary seals and they don't do much either. Trips in the car through rain pretty well keeps my wife busy stuffing paper towels or kleenex in the gap to absorb water for a bit, but then they leak again. Have any members deveoped a trick at getting the seal to work so that one does not have to constantly compensate for that? There are lots of other leak spots and I need to address them as well. It also comes under the windshield rubber gasket as well as some other places.

Help, comments, suggestions are welcome.
Ted von Kampen

[Robert S.]

Re: 1957 top sealing

Vinyl electrical tape. Start on the top and half lap until you reach the glass. Also works on other spots. If you forget and leave the tape on for a few months, the adhesive does not transfer. This is not what you were looking for, but it works. Just tape up before you hit the rain and all is relatively well.

Bob

[Steven B.]

Re: 1957 top sealing

Ted, is it a hardtop or spoft top?

Steve

[Theodore K.]

Re: 1957 top sealing

It is a soft top.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1957 top sealing

It is a soft top.

Ted, after installing a new soft top on my '57 the header leaked in an area that did not leak before. I went through a total adjustment from front to back and side windows. Result, no more leaks when washing. I won't try hard sprays with a hose because I know I can make it leak by spraying between the top material and pads. Normal washing not problem now.

Steve