Waht about leaking canvas tops???

I am wondering about the canvas top on my VS---it's one layer of canvas.

I have never driven my Speedster in the rain and wonder if this top will leak? (I know everywhere else leaks---I'm just talking about the top here!)

Should I Scotchgard the top? Any other ideas for making the top rainproof---if it's needed? Any experience will be appreciated.

--Just getting ready for Carlisle! Thanks---Jack

When you say Canvas --- assume you mean Haartz Stay Fast (or similiar) Cloth vice the vinyl?

http://forums.mg-rover.org/archive/index.php/t-130612.html

Mine has been in the rain once, and it didn't leak. It's the same sort of material that tents used to be made of, so I think you can trust it.

The material actually swells, slightly, when it gets wet and seals out further moisture. I have driven through a downpour only once and, while I had plenty of leaks from just about everywhere else, the top material was leak-free.

Now.......expect plenty of other leaks; around the side windows, along the side window-to-windshield-post, along the top of the windshield, places like that. I honestly have never even been in the rain in a VS, but others on here have and can much better comment than me. I'm just repeating what I've heard. VS's are generally better than CMC's, but carry a towel, just in case.

gn

I should have said that I've driven in a downpour only once, but I've trailered my car through downpours of several hour durations half a dozen times.

First couple of times, the seats, carpets and anything else in the cockpit got soaked. After that, I followed Stan Galat's suggestions and tightened everything up, as well as installed a real, 356 windshield header sealer and THAT made the top weather-tight.

Now when I drive or trailer through heavy rains the seats and carpets stay (mostly) dry, except for maybe a damp spot at the bottom of the doors at the front which will be fixed before the next trip.

gn

A soap on a rope hanging from the rear view mirror is always a plus too !

Gordon---what is a real 356 header-sealer??? Sounds like somethimg all of could use! Where do you buy this?----Thanks---Jack

Haartz canvas tops are very good; the top itself will not leak; it's just the areas where it attaches to the car that don't seal properly but that's part of the package. I use a Ragg Top kit consisting of two products to clean and impermeabilize the top (I use it once every 6 months approximately). It's made specifically for canvas tops and it's recommended by Haartz; it uses some sort of a parafin that gets into the fabric.

Jack: Yes, that is a real 356A Speedster header sealer. Depending on how your current header is set up it may need some minor tinkering to get it fitted correctly, but it will fit and not leak.

P/N: M37 ($20)from:

International Mercantile 800-356-0012

They're in Del Mar California (near San Diego) so use West Coast time when calling.

Gordon---I just ordered one-Terry Someboby who I spoke with told me he has a real '58 Speedster and he drives it to work 25 miles one way 3x/week. Very proud of his car and I almost got the impression that he was sorry I called! He felt the seal wouldn't fit my car and I was wasting my money!! I told him that some of my Speedster friends were using them and that yes, they did work fine.I told him to get it going to me plus a catalog!

He was semi-friendly when we finished. He was clear that they wouldn't take a return if it didn't fit. Whatever.

I am excited about this "fix" for my car and it will be real helpful on the drive to Carlisle. Thanks again---Jack

"Semi-friendly" is the best you'll get from him. He's kind of a crusty sort, but a decent enough fellow.