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Old Sep 26, 2015 | 12:33 PM
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Default Convertible Leaks

So I bought a new convertible and I finally got around to washing it and noticed that it leaks a good amount. I was wondering how I would go about fixing this? New seals? If so where would I get them from? Do I need to have it fixed by a shop? I posted a picture of where it leaks. It's right under the convertible top where I circled it. Also just had the top replaced I don't know if that had something to do with messing up the weather strip or something.

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Old Sep 26, 2015 | 04:14 PM
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The top seems to be done well with the correct fit. I'm thinking the rubber seal has shrunk a bit or dried too much. Before you make an expensive purchase for a new rubber seal I'd suggest 'conditioning' the rubber a few times to see if it expands a bit to alleviate the leak. If the rubber is too dry, or just worn out, this won't work.
Clean the rubber thoroughly until no black remains on a clean white sheet (towel). Use 409 or any cleaner for this. With your fingers, massage the rubber with Armorall or any protectant (not detailer). Get it real greasy and let it sit for a day. Repeat it again. The rubber should be moist and supple (soft). If the rubber feels greasy afterwards, just use a detail spray to make it feel 'normal'. The spray won't remove the protectant. This is the process I use every season for all the rubber seals on both my 'verts. No leaks. I'm still on the original tops for both rides.
Good luck! If it doesn't work, try Steele Rubber products out of Denver, NC. I don't think we are allowed to give a link but you can find it with an internet search.
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Old Sep 26, 2015 | 05:19 PM
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The thing is it leaks a good amount no just a couple drops. Will that little bit of expansion really help?
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Old Sep 27, 2015 | 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by SSV8
The thing is it leaks a good amount no just a couple drops. Will that little bit of expansion really help?
If it's that bad, no. Certainly no harm in trying though before spending good $$$. I wonder if the window is fully closing? Looks OK in the picture. Small leaks are common in all verts unless meticulously maintained but excessive leaking isn't the norm for most 1990's and up cars. They are so much better than the 60's and 70's versions which literally could flood the floor area after a heavy rain.
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Old Sep 27, 2015 | 03:56 PM
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I've used a product called Gummi Phluge on my weatherstripping successfully for years, and have no leaks on a 99 with original top and outside 100% of the time. I've also read that silicone grease works, but I haven't tried it.

Is the window loose?
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Old Sep 27, 2015 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by xny1989
I've used a product called Gummi Phluge on my weatherstripping successfully for years, and have no leaks on a 99 with original top and outside 100% of the time. I've also read that silicone grease works, but I haven't tried it.

Is the window loose?
Concur this stuff works great...
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