Way too much water...help

[dalvis]

While I did buy a convertible, I was hoping for a little less water on the floor. This week represents the 2nd time I had to leave the car in the rain. It also represents the 2nd time I’ve soaked up about half a gallon (ok that’s probable an exaggeration, but it was a lot) of water on both the driver and passenger sides. The top is older, but there are no tears holes. There is a small gap (1/16 in. round) where the top of the vent window and the windshield on the passenger’s side. I could see water the seeping in at the bottom on the door on that side. There was a similar gap on the driver’s side, but I was able to move the door gasket to fill it, but I still get water on the driver’s side. I’ve notice a ¼ in. gap between the trim and the side rear windows, but I don’t think that water would make it to the front.

Here are my options:

1. leave it parked in the garage unless it’s sunny (not always possible)
2. keep a car cover in the trunk (getting one today)
3. get a new top and replace all the rubber (can’t afford that right now)


Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Dwayne

[narfire]

Are the drains open in the cowling? Perhaps they drain too slowly and the water backs up and comes in the air vent. Remove a few screws and pop the cowling up and have a look/poke the drains.

[So Cal Mark]

a car cover won't keep the water out, unless you get plastic. If you go that route, make sure the car doesn't sit in the sun with the plastic cover on it. Car covers have to breathe, and that means water will get through. I'd pull the carpet out and dry it thoroughly, otherwise you'll get mold and rust

[mdrburchette]

I'm lucky all my cars have a dry place to stay, but one thing you want to do if you need to put a tarp or plastic over it is make sure the tarp stays off the ground and air can circulate around the car so moisture doesn't build up and cause rust.

[Tappy]

i've recently repainted my top after painting it needs a new sealant like this :



and some vaseline on the rubbers may help also waterproofing the top , along with the other suggestions

[dalvis]

Thanks for the suggestions. The car's in the garage with the windows down, and carpet out drying. It's going to be sunny and 70 this afternoon so hopfully everything will dry up today. I never thought of Vaseline. That should help on the existing rubber.

Thanks,

Dwayne

[mbouse]

california car covers... for under $200, you can getta form fitting cover for your spider. Let them know how many mirrors you have.

[kmac33]

Dwayne,
I highly recommend getting your cover from California Car Covers. I ordered mine from them. It fits the car perfectly and is designed to be extremely water repellent but breathable. On the occaisions my car has been out in the rain, the cover has kept her dry. You won't ever get a Spider completely rain proof...and with the rain we got last weekend, the inside of a submarine would have gotten wet!
We'll have to get together when I get my Spider back together since we're only about 15 minutes from each other.
Kevin

[kilrwail]

Just a word of caution on the custom-fitted car covers. I had one from Riverside since about 1980 and it shrank each time I washed it. That was no problem until I had the car repainted three years ago. Then I discovered that the snug fit was leaving microscopic scratches on the new paint. I don't use it any longer, but I don't need a waterproof cover either.