The Solstice will be my first convertible.
Question for all you convertible owners out there...
Does the top seal well enough that it won't leak while pressure washing or driving through a touch free carwash?
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First 1000 Solstice Owner (#430 SLY)
I won't say it "never" will. Chances are it won't. It shouldn't if all is perfect. However, when you put it up, if it doesn't seat just right, or if there is some dirt in it, you could get a little bit of water seeping in. On my Jeep, I generally stay water free inside, put if the pressure washer hits the right spot, at the right angle, and the top isn't perfectly alined on the header I do get a little bit. The Sol's top is going to be better engineered to that of my Jeep too. I wouldn't worry about it, but if it does leak a little, just bring goggles!
Thanks Fformula88.
I drove through a brand new one this morning and I was amazed at how much water pressure it had... Just made me wonder.
I just want to add this caveat. You never know. If you read new car reviews a lot, the reviewers usually take convertables through carwashes and report if they leak any water in from the high pressure. The last few years I have seen very few report leak problems, but some of them do. So anything is possible. I just think with a new design on a stout platform such as Kappa, chances are pretty small. We shall see.
Most convertibles will not like the high pressure of any car wash. Your water seals are designed to redirect falling water out and away from the interior. Direct water pressure from angles other than downward can allow water to creep into the interior. I had both targa top and soft top cars and made the mistake of trying it and it did leak. Better not to try this unless you really just can't get it done by hand. Both times the leaks where along the inside of the windows only.
My 2000 Miata will leak if I use a car wash power wand and have it at 90 degrees to the window. Under rain conditions, I have never had a leak.
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Just remember the article about the top "fit" problem they are currently having...hope it gets fixed and provides a nice seal but forcing water in at high pressure from weird angles might find some leaks, never know.
__________________ 2006 VIN #30, first 1000 series, black exterior, sand/steel interior
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I am sorry, I must be from the old school. I have owned 10 convertibles in my lifetime and I have never ran one of them in a carwash (touchless, waterless..). Hand washing and TLC is all convertibles deserve. If I can help it water will never see any top of mine - I just use a wet towel to clean off my tops.
I am sorry, I must be from the old school. I have owned 10 convertibles in my lifetime and I have never ran one of them in a carwash (touchless, waterless..). Hand washing and TLC is all convertibles deserve. If I can help it water will never see any top of mine - I just use a wet towel to clean off my tops.
Do you contition them with anything? Like leather conditioner?
I would like to able to hand wash only but the water at my home is extremely hard and leaves noticable residue. Will probably opt for the wand wash over high pressure automatic carwashes. Another concern for me (besides possible leaking issues) is the long term effect on the top material of strong soaps and liquid waxes used in most auto-washes.
__________________ Vin No. 23 - Deep with Steel/Sand "I'm sorry you don't like my ride, I didn't buy it for you"
Do you contition them with anything? Like leather conditioner?
Nine out the ten have all had vinyl tops. Surf the web and you will find tons of cleaners and conditioners for vinyl tops. With a black top I have found that dirt and deposits settle down into the texture of the top - a little elbow grease with a damp towel does the job. I use cleaners and conditioners only once or twice a year.
