34 replies to this topic

[Wolfstone]

When people are talking about the old ones do they mean the seal around the windscreen?
 
If so, how do I change that?

Yep, seal around the windscreen. Have a look here for tips on replacing:

 

http://www.vx220.org...emicals-to-use/

 

[drunknmunky]

You're not a million miles from me, and while I'm by no means a vx guru, I have just managed this weekend to stop mine leaking from the same place (also with old knakered na seals!). Could come take a look for you this Saturday if you like? (after lunch, morning is reserved for a hangover :-D !!) will say there's no guarantee of it working though, depends how shot the reals are!

[TheRealVXed]

100% the seal by the way.  My NA does this when it rains for long enough to soak into the soft top fabric and then it seeps through into the side bars and drips out of the front.

 

The only way you can decrease the effect (short of replacing the seal which has cups to catch the drips) is to regularly (and I mean after everytime it gets wet) seal the roof using a fabric roof protector.

 

Or buy a hard top.  Looks way better anyway

[siztenboots]

also adjust the door striker pins and move them inwards to pull door/window tighter against the rubber seals ( will also stop a lot of road clonk noises )

[Wolfstone]

Thanks, is it always £100 or does anyone no if Lotus etc have a cheaper one?

 

Lotus will be cheapest (and will fit).  £84.  Part 7 here.

 

http://www.deroure.c...C=0&PBID=232609

 

Any part number from Lotus that begins with '116' will fit a VX.

[ghand]

100% the seal by the way.  My NA does this when it rains for long enough to soak into the soft top fabric and then it seeps through into the side bars and drips out of the front.   The only way you can decrease the effect (short of replacing the seal which has cups to catch the drips) is to regularly (and I mean after everytime it gets wet) seal the roof using a fabric roof protector.   Or buy a hard top.  Looks way better anyway

I did mine in the stuff for training shoes, water pools well on it, seems to have done a reasonable job and I would think a lot cheaper than roof stuff.

[jonnyboy]

Hardtop and correctly adjusted windows will give almost total water tightness. I've never been able to jet wash one without a bit of a leak but normal rain shouldnt cause any leaks. Never had a car with the turbo seals but I can only assume they will help.

[xiodene]

This happened to mine last year when I first got it. A bit of tiger seal soon sorted it! A decent short term fix at least

[KevinB]

Cool that's a lot of information which I will try to summarise -

 

vxred - that is what mine is like it comes (in the main) from the side bars. I don't think this roof has ever had fabric roof protector used on it. Therefore my question to you is there a superior one I should buy, or any recommendations?

 

drunknmunky - mate loved the post (and sounds like a guy after my own heart regarding Sat morning.) I would love to take you up on your offer or meet you half way for a chat. However Saturday evening I'm out, it could involve the afternoon too, but I'm not sure yet. Should I try some sealant type stuff and roof protector first as this could reduce the problem.

 

sitzenboots - Where are the door striker pins? Happy to do this if it helps.

 

Either way guys, you have lifted my spirits after a bit of a naff week with the car. Is it so hard to get a warm dry VX?

 

 

[Goosenka]

Autoglym soft top. Two stage and works a treat

[iain3915]

What worked for me was checking that the front roof cable was not pinching the roof seal at the corners when I put the soft top on.

 

Mine had a bit of a leak when I first got it and the fix for me was just being careful when I put the roof on.  It no longer lets in a drop.  In fact, the rain was so heavy last night, I went out to check the car and was delighted to see it was completely dry inside.

 

Could be a free fix if you are an idiot like me?!

[FLD]

Thanks, is it always £100 or does anyone no if Lotus etc have a cheaper one?

Phone Chris Neils and speak to Paul McStein (he's on hol this week).  Tell him I sent you and you want his best price!

 

As said above, I have an NA and had the same problems.  I swapped the seal for the turbo one and adjusted the windows and I now have a dry car.  Its a high maintainance wagon so you have to tinker a bit but you'll get there.

[drunknmunky]

No worries pal, just let me know if you're free or not as and when you know. And you could do the autoglym stuff, I know its not cheap but every other of their products I've ever used have been really good. But please please please don't be tempted to superglue the seals onto the roof, I just had this with mine cos some tool who owned it before me thought it was a good idea. Its really really not!!

[KevinB]

OK chaps I will start with the cheapest option, Autoglym and door strike pins and work my up to the seal. I still need to new tyres, tie rod looking at and srvice. Not to mention the that the brakes have started to feel spongy.

 

[TheRealVXed]

If you drive it the rain doesn't come in