mark 1 mx-5 softops

[japgt]

hi guys, bit of a newbie question, bought an old mark 1 last week, and after being assured that the tatty roof doesnt leak, it leaks like a seive at the first sniff of a rain drop, so my question is this, will a soft top leak whether its new or old, someone said to me that therir mark 2 leaks and thats a much newer car and roof than mine, or is it simply a case of mine needs a roof and a good looking at, rain seems to be getting in right at the front where the roof catches attach to the top of the windscreen, and also half way along the top of the door?? there is a soft foam type seal, which seems to be split in half, is it supposed to be like that or is it in need of replacement along with the roof??

any help appreciated

[Oldandslow]

I've a 93 with a 8 year old roof and it never leaks. I tell a lie, once there was dirt in the passenger side door front gutter and it overflowed a little, nothing a matchstick couldn't sort.

Short answer is that with a well fitted roof and door rubbers it shouldn't leak any more than a tin top. It will be colder and noisier though.

Just to add, yes the top door rubbers split in the middle because the roof folds at that point. The positions can be adjusted so water doesn't run in and a thin coat of silicone grease or even vaseline helps the rubbers seal.

Edited by Oldandslow on Wednesday 4th July 22:35

[vdubbin]

Mine leaked there as well, patched it with Sugru, it's been fine even since.

[Eighteeteewhy]

I've a 91 but with a Mohair roof which doesn't leak at all.

There is some adjustment in the catches, maybe it's worth having a mess with them?

[japgt]

cheers guys, i'll have a look when it comes back from garage at weekend

[Riknos]

Unless the roof has split or got holes in it, it wont be leaking in through the roof, it will be the rubber seals.

For the front leak, you need to adjust the catches that clamp the roof closed. Fold the roof back and you will see inside the catches there is a little cover you flip open and a nut to tighten, get it nice and tight (I used to like hearing my vinyl creak) when securing it. This will probably stretch it slightly though.

For the sides, it will be the rubbers. Take these off and inspect. Mine were cut open and filled with sponge, which was too soft. I then cut these open, filled them full of polystyrene to stretch them out, sealed the cuts with gutter sealant, then re-fitted. They need to be tight to the seal of the glass to stop water getting in.

You can also adjust the metal runner these sit on, with a couple of screws and adjust it sideways a few mm. I then sealed under these too to stop water ingress.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Riknos said:

Unless the roof has split or got holes in it, it wont be leaking in through the roof, it will be the rubber seals.

Partly true. An old vinyl roof is likely to have shrunk and will expose the rubber seals to the elements more than they were designed to cope with. A new roof should almost completely protect the rubber seal. I've seen plenty of old vinyl roofs that are in good condition with no cracks but which still leak due to shrinkage.

[D4SH]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Partly true. An old vinyl roof is likely to have shrunk and will expose the rubber seals to the elements more than they were designed to cope with. A new roof should almost completely protect the rubber seal. I've seen plenty of old vinyl roofs that are in good condition with no cracks but which still leak due to shrinkage.

I have this exact problem. Should you replace the seals at the same time as the roof? The seal gets full of water until you move and then it lands in my lap!

[hms]

Don't forget the tensioner wires in the hood.
You can tell if they are gone by being able to lift the hood fabric off the window seals on the hood.
h