LAvetteman

I didn't want to believe him, but I am afraid he is pretty much right. I have recently done a poll in both the C-5 general and C-4 general sections. The polls ask "For those who dare to use car washes, ruleing out brush washes, only touchless. How well does your vette keep out water????" The results are proof. Even though the poll asked "For those who dare to use them" Majorty of the votes were to the effect of "NO CARWASH FOR MY VETTE" or "KEEP HIGH WATER PRESSURE AWAY" Although many said "I don't use touchless car washes because they damage vehicles" I have my own theory on why they don't use them. :rolleyes: I think the touchless car wash is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I run through them with vehicles under my care around 100 times a year, and have never had any damage from a touchless car wash.

As one poster mentioned "Any car with a removable top or a sunroof is bound to leak. So I guess it is true.

I didn't bother starting this poll in the C-3 section. I know how much sealing I had to do to get my 71 to keep water out when hand washed with low pressure. No need to worry about a car wash. :lol:

Please don't misunderstand me, I am not trying to bash Corvettes. I love them all. I am just a little disappointed GM couldn't have done a little more to keep the water out.

Here are the polls if you care to see them.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=600889
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=600702

VegasJen

your topic title is off somewhat. it should read, "it's not a real corvette if the tops don't leak, the dash doesn't creak, the doors don't rattle, the cowl doesn't shake and e-brake doesn't... well, brake!" :lol:
but i wouldn't have it any other way! :D :cheers:

68shark

I had an '86 Z28 with TTops (when it was about 6-7 years old). Took it through the high pressure car wash. Once. :cuss Suffice to say never did that again! As for my '68 vert? If I were stupid enough to do this, I would install a bilge pump first..... :lol:

68shark

Could add "it's not a real corvette if the clock works"! Apologies to those that have invested time/money to fix the f'n thing. Mine has the right time, twice per day! :lol:

Fevre

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Got caught in a heavy down pour once in my 73 ragtop, needless to say a shower was not needed upon my arrival home. :(

LAvetteman

:lolg:

Great replys !!!! Keep em comin.

Brettmc

I don't drive mine even if there's a threat of rain. And when I wash it, I'm quick quick quick when rinsing the top. :lol: :lol:

Brett :thumbs:

Skeets

my '79 doesn't leak at all.... i take it through the car wash regularly.


It also does 60mpg and seats four in comfort. :jester


Howdy Joey! ... the heater vent is giving sterling service :thumbs:

72GACRZR

I hand wash my '72 vert on a front up incline with the top down, windows up and get less water in it that way then if the tops up. :yesnod:

Andrew

Getting caught in rain with the vette isn't fun. I got soaked trying it.

But there is one thing worse.......getting caught in a rainstorm with the top in the garage at home!! :lol: I got all kinds of interesting looks on the drive home in the rain. All I can say is that rain hurts at 60 mph.

LAvetteman

Howdy Skeets, glad you are still enjoying a part of my 80. You are definelty the most long distance customer I ever had, glad I could help ya!!!! :thumbs: Hope things are well in England.

Skeets

Thanks Joey!

... things are good here in England... i'm off on a road trip to Somerset this weekend, the first long trip the vette's been on since i got her back on the road this month.... let's PRAY she give's me no trouble (apart from a horrendous fuel bill!) :D

SCVetteGuy

Well unlike you guys, since my vette is my DD, I'm forced to drive in the rain, and I must say, it ain't fun. Each top leaks in the same place, right in your lap. And some how the water pools under the top, and when you take a turn it all comes gushing out!!!! :nonod:

Crash Dummy

Look at Pg. 32 of your service manual(my vette used to be a coupe... remember?)... there's an interesting section about T-Top care and notes of NOT storing them in cold or humid climates as it will distort the seals. At least that's the page on the '74 manual I don't have.

Thanks to 68shark for adding on the famous C-3 *crock*.


Confusious says: Beware of Friday :jester

killain

I've had my 79 for twelve years and in that time I've done everything I can to limit the leaks, but they do leak a tiny bit so i just resigned myself to look at all the things that the Vette does god and not waste my time worring about things I can't fix. All Corvettes leak water from the T-tops period! :rolleyes:

shoptek

That was a wise man!!

I have chased down all but ONE elusive leak that plagues me. Even when I wash it by hand---there's the leak!

Now, doing 50 in the rain...........that's another story about driving with 1 hand, and holding a towel in the other.

theandies

Hardtop off, convertible frame out of car waiting for new top. I can't drive unless there are nooooooo clouds for 500 miles :lol: :lol:

SCVetteGuy

Hmmm... maybe all Vettes should come stock with towels!!!

A C

Also, it's not a true C3 if your feet aren't sweating.

If you can go 200 miles without stopping for gas, it's not a real C3 either. :D

rrent

Mine handles rain (the very rare times I end up driving in it) pretty good -- after a good bit of sealing of the tops and cowl area-- but I would never dare tempt fate by going through a high pressure car wash..........