I have a 1998 SS with T-Tops, and it's been exposed to the torrential downpours that have occurred in my area recently. The lower part of the trunk area, the deep part where the t-tops are stored, is filling with water. Can any of you suggest any trouble-shooting techniques to find the source of the leak and fix it?

Thanks a lot.

 

I had a leak under my dash in my 97 Camaro and the only way to find it was to wait until it rained really good and sit in the car with my head under the dash looking. Since I lived in N. Florida at the time, rain wasn't a problem. Good luck.

 

Have you checked the weather stripping around the hatch? Also inspect the welds between the body panels around the stripping.

 

Ok, this may well sound stupid, but I had a bad water leak much like yourselves. I posted a plea for help in this forum and got plenty of answers.

It appears that there is an inherent design flaw which on some, but not all cars, lets water leak in via the rear hatch if the car is parked facing downhill. I know it sounds ridiculous but after checking all the seals around the t-tops, doors and rear hatch several times without finding anything I gave it a try.

I bailed the water out and dried the inside with a hot air blower and started parking the car facing up my drive. Since then I've had no problem with water getting in - even with the persistent wet British weather. That was 12 months ago.

It seems that in the channel between the bodywork and the rear hatch door water can build up to such a level that it overflows into the car. If the car is pointing up hill any water just runs down the channel and at the rear of the hatch.

I hope this works for you.

Cheers

Gary


2001 SS, Black, M6, Leather, T-tops, 12CD, Hurst, SLP Airlid, K&N Filter, SLP MAF, SLP smooth bellows.

 

You are right Gary. I found that out about 3 weeks ago. I park on a pretty slanted downhill grade and the water does pool in the crack of the hatch and then fill in. Mine wouldn't go over the seal. I guess with constant water on it it ate under it. Now I park uphill when it rains and everythings fine.

I just hate the fact that a 02 SS lets water in. :-(

Pics at www.Spdkills02.freewebspace.com Just click on Photo Page

It's for sale...

~Jt

 

Great answers--I'll try the uphill/downhill thing. I keep it fairly level, but this is worth a try. Also, I'll get a good car cover soon.

Thanks.