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Leaking convertible, common problem on Spyder?

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Tuomas

Probationary Member
22
5
Jun 5, 2019
Norrköping, Europe
Hello!

First of all, sorry for my bad english. :)

I recently bought a -97 Eclipse Spyder and I have noticed that there is rainwater gathering behind the backseat in a "bag" where the convertible “contracts“ (is that right?) in to. I suspect the leakage is below the back window where the convertible meets the trunk, witch is seperetad by a metal "list". Anyone else having this problem? There are no leaks elsewhere and a new top is about 700 dollar here in sweden + 75 dollar an hour for the job, so I hope there is another solution. :p

Thanks.
 
I had that problem, but replaced the top and it went away. I suspect mine was leaking in from the glass window, so look there for loose threads or separation of top and window. I'm surprised you didn't ask about the corner leaking where the a pillar and top meet. That's the usual suspect for leaks.

Your English is just fine.
 
Yes it’s very common, currently I keep a towel in that area, but must remember to remove towel when opening top and remove and replace towel after it rains. Mine leaks down the sides of the passenger compartments as well and the rear floors and under the rear seats are prone to accumulate water. Therefore I keep towels lining those areas as well and check them and change them if they become wet. So far this has worked well to prevent rust or moldy rugs.
 
The top must be replaced, its common not only on the Eclipse Spyder, but any car with a 30 year old convertible top, mine used to fill that bag up too, until the bag rotted out about two inches up and then the water would just pour from it anytime the brakes were applied, it was a very discouraging mess, the water leaked in from everywhere, the fabric was just not waterproof in any area anymore.
 
Thank for quick answers!

As I said, no leaks elsewhere and a pillar holds tight :) the back glass window is sealed with some kind of silicone by the previous owner. There where some broken peaces of black thin fabric back there, could that be a part from the inner roof? I guess the Coilovers and new wheels I had planed for the car has to wait then and buy a new roof.
 
I bought this for my gfs Spyder. Her top leaked in the same spot and would cause a puddle and water wooshing everywhere in the back LOL. You can buy it at WalMart. It works wonders and is cheap. The water literally just beads up and slides right off. We put it on every other month or so depending on weather and rain of course. The can will last us a few months. This works great until we can afford to replace the top. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

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Thank for quick answers!

As I said, no leaks elsewhere and a pillar holds tight :) the back glass window is sealed with some kind of silicone by the previous owner. There where some broken peaces of black thin fabric back there, could that be a part from the inner roof? I guess the Coilovers and new wheels I had planed for the car has to wait then and buy a new roof.
Yes, thats the roof falling apart from rotting out.
 
I’m not sure if you’ve figured anything out yet or not but I’ve have had 4 of these 2g spyders and almost all of them leak from the pillars and around the rear window. Mitsubishi made what is called a Top Drain Guide (part number: MR375453) which is the “bladder” that is installed inside the compartment where the top retracts and it redirects the rain out of the car instead of into your trunk or back seat. However, that part has been discontinued so I am currently looking for a roll of waterproof rubber that I can cut to fit but you have to take the entire top out to access everywhere the drain guide installs, It’s not too hard to do if your mechanically inclined.
 
I’m not sure if you’ve figured anything out yet or not but I’ve have had 4 of these 2g spyders and almost all of them leak from the pillars and around the rear window. Mitsubishi made what is called a Top Drain Guide
 
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