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Author
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Topic: Convert probs/questions
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MidLifCrisis
Gearhead Posts: 194
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 03-18-2002 07:26 PM
   
Had my '67 convert on a rainy road trip this weekend and found it raining inside the car. It seems that the leading edge of the roof lifts from the top of the windshield. It starts around 55mph and at 70mph it gets real wide (approx 1/8") Now the backseat was occupied and the trunk was loaded, so the car definately had a slight nose up attitude which may have contributed to the lift of the top.
#1) Does any one else have this problem? This is my first convertible, and this experience was an eye opener. Beside wet, it was really drafty. The wind noise was tremendous.
#2) Is there a fix to get the lid to stay down?
Thanks for any and all help, Charlie
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70SportsRoof
Gearhead Posts: 471
From: Mesa, AZ...for now....
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 03-18-2002 07:57 PM
I had a similar problem in my '86 Mustang convert. On the highway the top lifts just enough to let in water and air. I think it is either the gasket has gotten old and has become compressed, I think you should be able to tighten the hooks from the top to the windshield a little that may help. Otherwise i think it's time for some new rubber on that part. Or go the cheap way and get some foam weatherstrip gasket stuff from the auto parts store and use that the help build up the area. I did that and it worked for a while.------------------
1970 Deluxe SportsRoof (63B),(2)46 Ford trucks, 47 Ford truck, 57 Ford Fairlane 500 4dr, '72 Olds Vista Cruiser(for sale), '88 Bronco II(for sale)...running out of room, selling some of my projects
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SuperDave
Gearhead Posts: 123
From: Tacoma, WA USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 03-18-2002 08:39 PM
Welcome to the world of thirty+ plus year old weatherstrip and SHAME on you for driving your convertible in the RAIN!A new header seal(weatherstrip)is in order. Unlikely that adjusting the latches will help much. My ragtop is fairly free of wind noise but I don't know if it leaks. (Guess why?)
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5456
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 03-18-2002 08:49 PM
Got a shop manual?? If not better get one. The cv part is about the same from 65-8 W/strips might be worn out. Try slowly tightening the eccentric on the side arm on each side. a slight turn on the nut should get the frontt down. Is this a new situation. I have had a lot of cvs and they all leak to some degree. my 65 has a very slight one on driver side corner. Solution-I don't drive in rain unless I get caught! An 1/8" is a large gap. Look for any bends in the rear folding arm. over 1/4 window. I just got out shop manual for 65. The eccentric WILL be a factor in header to w/shield adjustment.You need the manual.
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PonyDoc
Journeyman Posts: 81
From: Ft. Lauderdale
Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 03-18-2002 10:08 PM
Another trick we do on new & old weather strip- Cut a small slit in the end of the gasket, as close to the end as you can. Get some window washer hose and put WD-40 on it. Then slide it completely across the w/strip, until it gets to the other end. The w/strip tends to smash down, especially if the top stays up. This keeps it from collapsing and helps keep the seal, and noone can ever tell you've done it. Also adjust the iop as suggested. Between the adjustment and keeping the front gasket with some thickness, it will help quite a bit. Also, try opening a 1/4 window slightly to let the pressure out while driving. High speeds put pressure inside the car and pushes up on the top. You can see a lot of convt's that are no longer attached to the bows billowing up at speed.
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MidLifCrisis
Gearhead Posts: 194
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 03-18-2002 10:23 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by SuperDave:
[B]Welcome to the world of thirty+ plus year old weatherstrip and SHAME on you for driving your convertible in the RAIN! I should have seen that coming! 
I was returning from the Myrtle Beach, SC street rod show. It was the first time I have had the car out for anything other than a trip around my neighborhood. Rain or not, I had to get to work on Monday.
I have only had the car since last September 2001, and I refuse to let it spend more time in the garage than on the road. I had a '68 fastback, bought in 1980, wrecked in 1981, and sold unrestored May 2001. I had attemped to find finish the car a couple of times, but kids, house, daily transportation and lack of funds always got in the way. Finally in 1998 I searched to find a reliable shop, but the economy was always too good for the guys to just hang a quarter and a battery apron. They had complete restorations they were doing. So I sold it and put restoration cash with sold car cash and bought the convertible I've wanted since 1982. This is a driver not a trailer queen.  Thanks to all for the input. Charlie
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