I wish I could ask a more educated question, but I do not know enuff.... If someone could break the question down to be more "fitting" that would be awesome!!! By fitting, would mean best results possible, give or take...?
------------------ Me, I sell engines, the cars are for free, I need something to crate the engines in.... Enzo Ferrari....
Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines.... Enzo Ferrari...
Today they are called garage's, yesterday, they were stable's! Eric Jacobsen.... An advancement, of other voices I came across.
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Ive had literally dozens of convertibles, from VW to Mercedes. As a general rule, they all will leak wind and water under certain circumstances, no matter what. Its part of owning one. Used to be the same with sunroofs and t tops, but those seem to have improved. You just have to set your mind if you own one, at some point its going to leak. I had a Corvette targa top and you actually got wetter with the top in than out in a good rain. In the rain you just got hit with the drops. With it in, it would pool up and pour in by cupfulls when you stopped, started or turned. I even spent nearly $1000 replacing all the window and roof seals (new OEM) and barely slowed it down. Left outside with the top in during a heavy rain meant 4" of water on the floorboards. I even drilled 1" holes in the corners to let it drain.
I view all convertibles as sunny day cars. I am finishing a Fiero convertible right now with a California Convertible./ LA Machine/Brisa kit . It looks like the weatherstripping will hold back rain but the kit was produced in California where it hardly rains. Looking at the kit construction carefully, it looks like it has good seals, but it will surely leak. Like Roger said its just the cost of owning a rag top.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Which kit or conversion do you have? I got mine to be very water tight, but it took some trial and error. I had a Holland Pontiac conversion. I drove mine all summer, rain and sun.
[This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 12-08-2015).]
Which kit or conversion do you have? I got mine to be very water tight, but it took some trial and error. I had a Holland Pontiac conversion. I drove mine all summer, rain and sun.
As above I have the California Convertible / LA Machine / Brisa Fiero Convertible kit. That is the kit that has the one piece retractable top and it fits only on the notchback. Its very different than the two piece Intermoda design. The car for my install is an 85GT. The problem is that the alignment of the windshield header piece and the top are not precise. This will require a very soft weatherstrip. I just have little confidence that it will not leak.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
As above I have the California Convertible / LA Machine / Brisa Fiero Convertible kit. That is the kit that has the one piece retractable top and it fits only on the notchback. Its very different than the two piece Intermoda design. The car for my install is an 85GT. The problem is that the alignment of the windshield header piece and the top are not precise. This will require a very soft weatherstrip. I just have little confidence that it will not leak.
I was asking the OP
The other kit is "Automoda". For the LA Machine, take a look at the convertible tops used on 80s camaros/firebirds (at junkyards, if possible), otherwise sunbirds and such. I am familiar with the LA Machines, but have not owned one. That may help you come up with something that is flexible enough.