It seems that whenever I go through the car wash or have the car out in the rain recently, I hear a 'sloshing' sound coming from behind (when braking hard or on an incline and braking). First I thought it was the gas tank, but last time in the car wash the tank was full. Obviously I checked the back and the trunk, but I didn't find anything. It looks like the fabric in the roof may have a tear in it deep in the side... Where would the water go? Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks

 

Make sure the channel drains are not clogged. There is a little channel drain (or there should be one) along the rear and sides. This is how the water drains from the rear slope. This drain can clog with leaves / pine straw / small bugs if not cleaned regularly. I am not entirely sure where the drain is located on the S2k, but in the Miata, it was just rear of the latch of the door (on the convertible deck). If you take it to a convertible shop, they can blow it out with compressed air.

If this is indeed the problem, if it backs up above a certain level, it will flood the carpet (mildew smell is a dead give away).

Other than that, just re-treat the vinyl material. "Ragg-Top" makes a good vinyl treatment. I think you are supposed to treat every year or so (depending on rain / wash conditions).

John

 

Are you going through an auto car wash? Your manual specifically says not to do this.

Anytime high pressure water gets at your convertible top, it'll find a way inside the car.

You can use high pressure water, but you need to use a wash wand and make sure that you don't direct the water directly at the seals around the windows and windshield frame.

 

<<Are you going through an auto car wash? Your manual specifically says not to do this.<<

I have not seen this warning in my manual. The only warning I see has to do with chemical solvents. Not using a car wash (not sure what 'auto' means now a days) seems important enough not to be buried in a manual?!

 

By auto car wash I mean a car wash that you drive though, it has various machines/devices that clean your car automatically, without you having to do anything.

 

auto car wash=

 

 

I 2nd.. big no no.