Convertible top drain system design and theory., Need some help stopping water. (56k naptime) Options

[ecaddiction]

Long story short, I replaced the old crappy top, with a new one. It leaks a small bit of water around the base of the top. I'm trying to understand how the water gets drained from around the base of the top. As far as I understand it this is how the water drains.

From the outside:



The water that does get inside is supposed to follow this little "drain rail"



All of this water is supposed to follow the rail and go into a little well inside the car, the same one that contains the quater panel window and components:


It the drains out a little hole and out the car. I think this is a rather bad design and this is my problem. Rain leaks from behind the little rail like this, and proceeds to make a big mess in my trunk and who knows where else.


These were in the bottom of the well thing (I'm pretty sure they're supposed to cover the rear window motor?):


When I pulled the old top off (leaking water anyway), there were these squishy tar strips covered by plastic on both sides, inbetween the top and the car. I pulled these out, they couldn't really do much as they didn't go all the way around the top. I am trying to figure out how I'm going to go about fixing my leaks. I appreciate you reading all the way to here, and I hope I can get some suggestions to fix this. My car is completely stripped out, carpet and everything, except for the driver's seat, and I'm eager to fix this.

[topshed]

well I had a new hood fitted about 6 month's ago, no leaks, those pieces stick to the panel at end of drain strip there should also be the extentions of the hood well that go into the wing panel. Take the top rails off( thats the ones with the brake light in), those are alloy castings so be carefull and you can see the fit of the hood better.
Am at work till sunday so can't show any photo's yet. keith

This post has been edited by topshed: Oct 9, 2007 - 11:30 AM