Back to T-Tops Leaking

[1977 Transam]

Hi.

It's been quite some time since I've posted issues regarding the leaking of my t-tops.

I re-read my last post about needing sub-frame connectors which is still on the agenda.

The problem is my car leaks even whilst standing still when washing it so it's not just the need for the frame to be stiffened.

I've been searching for someone to assess and repair my t-tops from leaking for a while.  

Ralph Moores couldn't help me with them even though he did fix my windscreen issue.

Each automotive glass repairer I ask tell me to speak to a sunroof specialist but I'm struggling to find one especially with knowledge of American cars.

If anyone knows of someone good I'd be willing to listen.  

The t-tops are leaking from where the latches lock in place.  

The water just runs down the latches and flows quite quickly into the car making a nice drive into a disaster.

The rubbers are not cracked or damaged.  They actually look quite new.  The doors are worse for wear in some areas and still don't leak.

[Gene]

I'll be interested to compare both our Targa glasses - I've got a '74 but the glass is out of a different year model - changed before I bought the car  - basically not leaking - so it would be interesting to go over the two and see if there are any differences - are you going to Francesco's this Sunday?

[1977 Transam]

It would be very interesting.

I wish I could get out this weekend with the car but I'm dismantling an above ground pool on the weekend.

By the sounds of it it's not all Transams that have t-tops that leak.

We'll have to compare another time Gene.

[68 GTO]

Having experienced this with a mates Camaro and Tracy's Firebird, even if the rubbers look good, the probably aren't.

Once changed for new rubbers, both stopped leaking (ok the firebird needed new centre piece as well).

[1977 Transam]

I spoke to South Side Kustom about it.  Figured he could look at helping me out with some trim work and replace the rubbers on the car at the same time.  What I hadn't  noticed until Sunday was that the rubbers on the roof of the car look fine but if you flip the t-tops over there are areas where the rubbers are stripped.  

Definitely need to replace them.

Was thinking about doing the whole car but since the car's getting a paint job in roughly 12 months time I figured the other rubbers in the car should wait till then.  No point doing them twice.

[LeighP]

Have a google search on "Hogshead Firebird and Trans Am"...this site has a section dealing with T-tops roof panels and seals.
i'm assuming your T-tops are hurst Hatches, but the ycould also be American Tops or C&C Tops (Cars &Concepts).
The later two are difficult to get the correct seals for, the Hurst hatch seals are being repro'd these days...both the early 1st series, and the later 2nd series are supposed to be available.

Be aware that even new, these Hurst hatches leaked..hence the redesign from 1st to 2nd series, which helped a bit. You'll need to look at the above website to correctly ID your tops and get the right seals.