Leaking T-bar!

[Happy]

Hi all.

I've just aquired my first MR2 MK1 . It's fantastic to drive and just to sit in!

However, it's rained hard today down in Cornwall and there's water getting in from the roof, near the window .

The seals all look good to me, no ware, cracks or holes. I've cleaned any muck off that I could see but still a constant slow drip.

Is there somethingsimple I'm missing?

Need a manual pronto.

Cheers all & thanks in advance.

[cartledge_uk]

Is there somethingsimple I'm missing?

you didnt buy a sunroof model

Welcome to the club

There are various ways to improve the T-bar seals, have a search and you will find a few options/ideas

[ppre89]

Yeah I found that out when i got mine, Common problem with the t-bar, loads of different ways people have sorted it. Welcome any who

[Noneil]

I use silicone spray to help get a better seal, I only get leaks from where the passenger window meets the t-top afeter very havy rain.

Neil

[mr2mk1chick]

Hiya and welcome

It's no surprise yours is leaking, as nearly all do

use something to look after the rubber (autoglym vynil and rubber spray)
also you can turn the locating holes around so the tbar is clamped in tighter (loosen the 2 screws and turn offset hole around a bit).

new rubbers once everything else is tried.

Also check that the seals/rubbers are sited correctly and not coming away from the car. check that there are no holes or tears.

Some people use vaselene or silicone spray to help maintain a seal.
If your car is sored in a garage you can leave the tbars off at night to let the rubber plump up and restore a better shape maybe...

If stuck, invest in waterproof seat covers and plasic trousers

[mk1 envy]

Some very sound advice there from jo! although i would save up for some new seals if your planning to keep the car if i were you

My last mk1 had a leaking T-bar and some days it nearly had me in tears - i would get to work with a soggy lap and come home with a soggy bum!

After trying everything excluding changing the seals (including gaffer tape lol) i eventually sold it and managed to find one of the only mk1's with a T-bar that doesnt leak! - im holding onto this one i tell ya!

[Superfly]

I've had that problem and tried the silicone spray which didn't work. Bought 2 offset guides off ebay and they hardly made any difference. Would not reccommend them. For what they are, they're pricey! Then i found a fix on here using silicone sealant and so far that has worked. Bit untidy though. I just have to sort the leak through the bulkhead now!

[jimi]

use something to look after the rubber (autoglym vynil and rubber spray)
also you can turn the locating holes around so the tbar is clamped in tighter (loosen the 2 screws and turn offset hole around a bit).

Not quite. The offset guides ( if fitted ) only fit in 4 positions ( the outside is square) At least 2 positions will probably make things worse, the other 2 positions can improve things, a lot depends on the state of the seals.
This is what I do, treat a the seals with silicon spray, I wouldn't spray it on (better to avoid getting it on the bodywork) what I do is spray it into the cap then use a finger to rub it into the seals, do every bit of the seal you can get to, including the ends on the T-bars themselves, leave the T-bars off, wait 20mins or so and repeat, then leave as long as possible (overnight if you can ) before refitting the t-bars. You will see that the seals plump up as mentioned. Fit the offset guides with the offset downwards at approx 6 o'clock or can try 1 position round at approx 4 o'clock.
I re-treat mine at least once a year. Another tip is when fitting the T-bars don't just slap them on and tighten the clip, sit them in position and give them a little wiggle side to side before tightening the clip.
hth
Jimi

[Happy]

Cheers for all the info. Great help.
I'm gonna go and buy some silicon spray now and give it a try first.
Don't wanna buy all new seals unless I really have to.

[monkeymax]

Don't use vaseline on the seals - as this is petroleum based, it'll do the seals no good over time.

I tend to use the silicon lubricant method as Jimi described... though I do it whenever I wash the car (maybe a bit over-enthusiastic! But, eh, my T-bars don't leak... )...

[Bazzbiggles]

Which type of silicon lubricant do you use on your seals? Are any better than others? I seem to remember reading of a silicone gel or grease that gives a better seal. Has anybody else heard of that?

[widster]

Which type of silicon lubricant do you use on your seals? Are any better than others? I seem to remember reading of a silicone gel or grease that gives a better seal. Has anybody else heard of that?

I bought mine from Halfrauds. Yellow can.