Convertible Soft Top Sealing to Rear Window Glass

[Jim Burd]

I am having problems with my '90 TC convertible top.  The lower fabric 'rubber strip' on the outside bottom no longer seals against the rear window glass, allowing water to build up along the rear window.  It doesn't leak into the storage area, but unless it dries out, when I put the top down, the water splashes into the rear compartment.

 

What can I do to restore the 'sticky' to the fabric rubber strip to keep the water from building up along the bottom of the convertible top?

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

[marty14]

can you take a picture of it?

[Jim Burd]

Conveniently? we had a torrential downpour last night.  Attached photo shows where the fabric no longer seals to the window, allowing water to accumulate in the pocket of the soft top.

[4 Peaks]

The top is not sealed to the window there, the water should drain out.

[Reaper1]

Might be best to take it to an upholstery shop that does convertibles. Window sealant might be the solution, but I don't know how well that stuff will cure to the vinyl/cloth of the top.

[Jim Burd]

This is the place where when I drop the top, the glass folds away from the top.  When I first bought the car 3 years ago, the fabric would seal to the glass when I put the top up, don't know if it was a residue on the fabric, static cling, etc.  Just that it stopped doing that.  I can't glue to fabric to the glass, as that would prevent the top from folding and could not drop it.

[Reaper1]

I suppose I'm confused, then. That back panel is separate from the top. Yes, the window is held up with 2 brackets and Velcro, but that part I could swear is supposed to be sealed/attached to the glass.

[Jim Burd]

I relooked my issue and I agree, it should be sealed to the glass.  Guess I'll take it to a shop that specializes in convertibles, let them deal with it.

 

Thanks,

[4 Peaks]

There is a piece of the top that runs across the lower part of the rear window, that we can see in the picture. There is also an almost matching piece on the inside. The inside piece is attached to the inside of the window, the outside piece is not attached to the window.

[Jim Burd]

I decided to try some double backed tape to adhere to the fabric to the glass.  I did a little research, got Gorilla Tape, Double Sided, Weatherproof, 30 lb test.  Seems to work, I tested it today at the car wash with a high pressure spray and it help well.  Moves well with the window when I put the top up or down.  Have to see how it holds up over the summer heat.