Condensation

[kensmith]

I have never owned a convertible before so maybe condensation is normal on the interior and trunk. Or is this a poor weatherstrip issue? The back plastic window of the top gets quite a bit of condensation along with the top bows. The trunk inner lid also. It's been cold and wet and the car is parked outside. Maybe I need a car cover? If so, which keeps the rain out?

[azruss]

ragtops are classic for dripping like a cave in the cold and wet. Having a damp interior in the winter may be something you'll have to live with. that kind of moisture in the trunk seems excessive. sounds like it would be worthwhile to look at all your weather seals.

[kensmith]

I didn't know that. Maybe I should lay towels over the seats and carpet and then once ever couple of weeks put fresh one in place of the old ones to keep the interior dry. Let the towels absorb the moisture and not the interior. I just worry of possible mold or mildew if the carpet stays damp during the winter.

[narfire]

If there is a boat place nearby there is a product called Dry-Z-Air. Customers used put that in their boats over the winter and it seemed to help with the moisture issue.
Chris

[azruss]

after 3 years in the wet winter, i gave up and installed a hard top. the difference is night or day, or dry and wet in this case.

[dantye]

I have never owned a convertible before so maybe condensation is normal on the interior and trunk. Or is this a poor weatherstrip issue? The back plastic window of the top gets quite a bit of condensation along with the top bows. The trunk inner lid also. It's been cold and wet and the car is parked outside. Maybe I need a car cover? If so, which keeps the rain out?

After installing a new top, you will notice within several miles of driving with the top down that the condensation seems to collect in a vertical stripe pattern on the plastic window. Unfortunately, the condensation often collects in this pattern due to abraiding of the interior surface from rubbing against the "rear seat back" vinyl upholstery when the top is down. THIS IS WHAT IS RUINING YOUR PLASTIC WINDOW - NOT CONDENSATION: Condensation can be wiped off. You will see that the abraided areas match the pleats on the rear seat back exactly. I learned this too late, but to prevent further damage, I tucked piece of soft blanket behind the top of the back seat (held in with round foam weatherstripping) so it covers all the pleats. Hopefully this will help others prevent the same problem. This is in addition to the blanket you want to insert in the OUTER side of the window when putting the top down, to keep it from abraiding itself while closed.
Of course, avoiding continuous sun exposure and always keeping the top up in long term storage are also important.

[manoa matt]

I basically live in a rain forest and excessive moisture can be an issue for the gauges, carpet, seat foam, and well damn near the whole car. I use desiccant boxes that you can buy at Walmart or similar store. It's in the closet section and called "keep it dry". One on the cabin, and one in the trunk.