Body / Glass: Wagonaire roof

[lynn fletcher]

Is there a proven system to seal a wagonair roof? I've looked at a couple and can see day light past the slider. I'm thinking water can see this too? Thanx

[gordr]

Duct tape works wonders!

Seriously, though, if new seals are available from the vendors, buy and install them. Also make certain that the drain tubes from the gutters are clear. The front drain tubes end inside the rocker panels, and the rear drain tubes end inside the rear quarter panels (what were they thinking?), so I like to cut holes in the inward-facing walls of these areas and fish the end of the rubber tube out so it can drain on the ground.

You can use compressed air to blow the crud out of the drain tubes, but be gentle, as too much pressure might blow the tube off the end of the metal pipe to which it attaches, and replacing it would be hard!

[skyway]

Turning wheels covered this perhaps 20-25 years ago. Do not know if remanufactured seals are now available, but they were not when I had mine, and the methods in that article worked for me.

The article did include Gord's suggestion about getting those drain lines to the outside. Also, I was able to fish my front lines thru existing holes/spaces in each inner rockers just behind a frame (which also protected the lines) bracket, but did have to drill thru the inner quarters.

You have not lived until you've hit the brakes in a cold downpour and had an entire gutter full pour on you left shoulder.

[Andy R.]

In my Wagonaire-as-daily-driver days, I tired of having to always park nose-up on rainy days. I never had a problem with anything getting in through the roof panel itself - only the gutters. One solution might is to route a forward drain tube through the B-pillar.

[Bullet]

While you are in the rear drain pockets of the wagonaire, pull all the dirt and junk out of there. I was totally amazed by how much I found in there. It was rock hard, but I slowly worked it out. My inner and outer fenders thanked me for it.

Mark

[Chris Pile]

Keep the channels and drain clean, and the roof locked when it rains - no problem.

[stude1964]

I bought new weatherstrip from Automotive Restoration Supplies in Windber,PA. I also replaced the drain tubes w/vinyl hose & made sure they exited the rockers at the B post & through the rear 1/4's. I've had no problems since on my '64. Rob

[Bullet]

It is still a surprise when you have your left shoulder get the first drenching. Then you get a smile on your face, because you know you are a real wagonaire owner. Puts a smile on my face just remembering.

Mark

[Son O Lark]

It is still a surprise when you have your left shoulder get the first drenching. Then you get a smile on your face, because you know you are a real wagonaire owner. Puts a smile on my face just remembering.

Mark

It usually happens when you forget about it happening and have nice clothes on.

[warrlaw1]

Happens on brandX, too. First time I hit the brakes with the sunroof still open I had a lap full.

[lynn fletcher]

Thanx for the cold shower tips. I can hardly wait. I'm still deciding on which car to buy.
I had heard stories of such leaks and had to ask those who know !

[Nahart the Balding]

New to the site. Just bought a '65 wagonaire. I know the sliding roof leaks. Previous owner was upfront with me. This will be the first issue I address. Has anyone found or is there a difference between the weather stripping from automotive restoration supplies and/or Studebaker International, does one work better than the other? Are there any kind of diagrams on the drainage tubes or any tutorial on replacing them? Thanks.

[RadioRoy]

I cannot speak to this specific issue, never being lucky enough to own a wagonaire. But I will suggest that the materials sold by bonafide Studebaker parts dealers are much more likely to be high quality, and engineered to fit by people who know what is required, than would be universal-fit materials sold by restoration supply companies.

Just think of how many 55-57 GM cars are being restored and compare that to how many Wagonaires, and you will have an idea what market the restoration supply shops serve.

In other words, the Studebaker dealers will have weatherstripping specifically designed for the exact Studebaker application. The best the other guys can do is some sort of universal fit stuff.

[Nahart the Balding]

RadioRoy,
Thanks for the advice. After making two calls today I came to the same conclusion. Ordered new weather stripping from Studebaker International. Still looking for ideas/advice to change drain tubes. thanks

[kmac530]

Nahart,
I am NO Wagonaire expert and do not own one, but from what I have read and understand, I am sure someone will come on and correct me, the biggest issue with leaking on these roofs is the lack of drainage. The seals do not actually stop water from getting in from the roof, they may slow it down and or divert it, but the system is designed with the troughs to catch the water that comes in and then drain it out thru the rear fenders. So most leaking into the vehicle is less from the seals than it is from clogged drains or rotted out troughs....as usually I will corrected, but maybe the correction will help...lol