Leaking roof on V8S

[eng622]

I guess this is a coommmon problem with all S cars but more so perhaps in my case as the S is left in the drive and not covered. No leaks for for several weeks since I bought the car (kept in the dry before I bought it), then with temperatures falling and some rainy days noticed pools of water in the foot wells behind the rear seats. Is it the targa panel seals that are the cause or just the roof fabric wanting some waterproofing or combination of both There are some mould spots on the inner quater parts of the soft top and I am thinking that the fabric has become saturated through lack of waterproofing.

[GreenV8S]

It needs to be waterproofed every year or so.

[FAT MATT]

youl see an advert for Renovo at the top of the screen,

Dont bother! its over priced. The dye is handy for replacing a bit of colour but for water proofing its no good. I used Fablon, from Halfrauds. Alot cheaper and you get more of it. The laquer is clear and doesnt alter the colour of the hood.

[SLB]

Had the same problem so badly that under braking the water used to slosh forward soaking my trousers. Found out, during a thunder storm, that water was dripping through the interior light and also down the rollover hoop, past the pivot bolts and filling the areas behind the seats. I realised that when removing / fittng the roof, the weight of the targa panel left in the air whilst you get the other one ( or not being careful and holding them properly), had split the fibre glass under the rubber roof seal and also loosened the rubber seal. It was only when the seal was removed I could see how water sits in the gulley and makes it's way inside the car. Some arreldite plus G clamps on the fiberglass, and a tighter fitting seal later, the car was much much better.

[FAT MATT]

Also look at the grommet between the steering column and the bulk head. Its a nylon item that pops out under prolonged static steering. Believe it can be replaced with a bearing version from David Geralds.

[roy c]

Another leak point is where the wiper spindles pass through the bulkhead. These indentations collect water, so if the sealant has dried out water will leak in.

I agree about Renovo's waterproofer. Not the best on the market.
Fabsil Universal Protector is good and Thompsons is popular.

[FAT MATT]

Fabsil, thats the stuff, fablons great if youve got a kitchen surface instead of a parcel shelf and want to turn it into a mock marble nightmare!

[tubbystu]

I disagree with the Renovo comments.

The softtop reviver followed by the water proofer Spring & Autumn keeps my black roof waterproof and looking tidy. The softtop cleaner is a bit of a waste of money though.

Before Renovo it did used to leak through the rear hood under the window due to saturation etc.

Renovo window polish is also good if your rear window is looking a little tired.

[SLB]

I've heard about the grommet and wiper hole leakage issues before, but my car was left outside and was always dry as bone in the front footwells, with puddles behind. This was on a 2-3 year old car where the roof material was obviously in good condition.

[Wildfire]

Check the fit of the door/door seal as the water could be leaking down the door and over the seal. Most of the water issues can be sorted out by a bit of silicone and some waterproofing of the roof.

Renovo Fabric Roof Kit

www.pistonheads.com/reviews/reviews.asp?c=73&id=332&r=914

Renovo products all is good, bar the waterproofer which is not bad. Thompson's Waterseal and Fabsil is better though.

[Psychobert]

Roof? Whats that then?

Another place I found that leaked was where the alarm was bolted to the bulkhead; always used to get a wet left foot when it rained hard. Quick blob of silicone sealant did the trick..