GM Issues TechLink Article for C8 Convertible Top Water Leaks

Chevrolet struck gold with its hardtop convertibles for the C8 Corvette, boosting ownership over the previous soft top convertibles from under 20% to nearly 50% of all new Corvettes produced. So when GM issues a new TechLink article regarding a water leak in its HTCs, it’s an issue that is bound to affect a lot more owners.

Thanks to our friends at the MidEngineCorvetteForum, we have the document for service technicians that shows them how to diagnose and fix the issue.

Convertible Top Water Leak
https://gm-techlink.com/?p=18394
March 21, 2024

Some 2020-2024 Corvette convertible models may have a water leak around the side glass. The leak, which is found at approximately the middle rear of the side glass area (Fig. 11), may be noticed when the vehicle is exposed to a high-pressure car wash.


The side glass leak may be due to slight variations in sealing between the roof panel seals. To correct this condition, a piece of semi-closed EPDM foam should be installed at the edge of the top panel.

Partially retract the top to access both ends of the top panel and remove the front-side window weatherstrip as well as the three T-25 bolts securing the front-side window weatherstrip retainer. (Fig. 12)


Install a piece of semi-closed EPDM foam just inward of the rolled outboard edge of the top, but not on the edge itself so that the foam is less visible when the top is closed. Place the foam’s narrow edge just forward of the trailing edge of the top panel. (Fig. 13) Reposition the existing narrow foam strip slightly inboard to accommodate the size of the added foam.


After installing the foam, reinstall the front-side window weatherstrip retainer. The retainer should cover a portion of the new foam piece to help retain it.

Next, reinstall the weatherstrip. Weatherstrip installation is sensitive to position, so be sure to properly install the weatherstrip to prevent any additional leaks. Refer to Bulletin #24-NA-026 for a helpful video showing correct weatherstrip installation. (Fig. 14)


If there is a leak on both sides of the vehicle, repeat the foam installation procedure on the other side. If not, it may not be worth disturbing performance of the existing weatherstrip.

Once all repairs are complete, verify that the leak is corrected. If the leak persists, try adjusting the weatherstrip position again as shown in the video.

TIP: Remind customers about the recommended car wash guidelines covered in the Owner’s Manual. Avoid using high-pressure washers closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to the surface of the vehicle. Using power washers exceeding 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in damage or removal of paint and decals. Automatic car washes should not be used, as they can cause damage to the vehicle, wheels, ground effects and convertible top.

For more details, including parts information, refer to Bulletin #24-NA-026.

– Thanks to Lane Rezek

Source:
GM-TechLink.com via MidEngineCorvetteForum.com

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