Sun roof seal

[Sandman87]

So we have had a little bit of rain here recently and my sunroof leaks a little bit nothing crazy just a few drips here and there anybody got any ideas to remedy that is an 87 Fiero I was thinking about just running a small thin beat of rtv over top of the seal and letting it cure before closing it and see if that works as I am not able to find a replacement seal online and I've also heard it can be quite horrific to remove and replace any ideas will be greatly appreciated thank you.

[TopNotch]

Do you know if your car has weep holes. See this page.

[scottb]

I thought sun roof leaks were installed at the factory

[scottb]

sorry, left off the little smiley thingy....... I agree with Pat check the drain holes. You can also apply a coating of castor oil, that will make the seals swell a bit. Also check the hardware to ensure that it is pulling the glass tight. Almost forgot, you can replace the washers under the bolt heads with a neoprene washer from any good hardware store. If that doesn't work I believe the Fierostore sells them.

[pgackerman]

Read on Pennock's how someone put circular shoelaces, like the ones found on boots, under the seal to make the fit tighter. 

Might be a good, cheap second solution after the weep holes.

[Fierofool]

You can use Castor Oil from the drug store to treat the seal.  It will soften but not damage the rubber.  It should be applied  about 2 times in the first month, then once a month should be sufficient. 

Wipe it on and let it sit overnight or out in the sunlight.  Before installing the glass, wipe off the excess because it will smudge on the glass.  You could mix it with a little white vinegar to reduce the viscosity.  Use a soft sponge or maybe a microfiber cloth.  It will make the seal swell.

[Fierofool]

If you utilize a drill, hold it with both hands so that you can prevent it from punching into the metal below when it penetrates the roof panel. 

There are lots of recommendations for using a silicone spray.  I wouldn't recommend silicone around an automobile.  Silicone travels.  It's like wet paint that never dries and can wreak havoc if you should ever have the car painted.  It's a no-no in the engine bay if the car has a catalytic converter. 

[scottb]

If you utilize a drill, hold it with both hands so that you can prevent it from punching into the metal below when it penetrates the roof panel. 

There is a trick for that: obtain a hollow tube, a stiff material steel aluminum brass copper etc. Chuck up the bit and measure the length if the bit. Cut tubing 1/8-3/16 shorter than the bit. Slide the bit through the tube and begin drilling, the tube will then stop the drill from going further

[GTRS Fiero]

Some drills have a built-in, adjustable stop.

[scottb]

I never seen a hand drill with an adjustable stop....... can you show a picture?

[GTRS Fiero]

Hmmm.  I don't have one, myself, but it's just a simple collar with a stop.

Here is a pic of one I found online.

[GTRS Fiero]

Of course, if you don't like that, or that isn't compatible with your drill, you can use something like this:

[scottb]

Stop collars, have a lot of those...... in my experience those aren't so good with small drill bits. Usually when the collar hits the material the bit breaks. A guide tube will help to prevent the bit from breaking

[GTRS Fiero]

Very true.

There are better stops, however, that curve and are next to the drill bit.  Either way, they do not work well with small bits.

[TopNotch]

Or, you can just use an old blunt tip drill bit. It will still cut through SMC, but not metal.