Hi All, I know this has been posted before but can’t find a post that helps explane what i have done wrong or missed.
Just picked up my 1999 1.8 MX-5 Last night.
Great drive home. So after a quick drive this morning thought I would have a go at the small leak the seller told me about.
Removed the carpet as under the technical FAQ questions hosed car and found leak which seemd to be from Rain Rail.
I tryed tighting nuts but no good.
I drilled out rivits. over half the way round as leak was just behind the first nut just behind the drivers side drain for the rain rail.
The sealer round the stud holes is badly worn. So I cleaned and dryied the inside of the rain rain and taped over them with duct tape and punching a hole in it for the stud.
I also taped up rivit holes.
I put the hood back into the center of the rain rail and bolted up as per post.
Tested again and leaking more than ever! 
I didnt remove hood ot rain rail. Do I have to? If so how do I as rain rail seems well into place.
The soft top is also leaking at the passager side of the rear window. were the vinyl folds under itself. just above the bar that holds the rain rail/soft top in place.
Didnt notice that leak before I started so take it i have caused it?
What have I done wrong or missed? And What do I do too fix it?
Any Information would be great help.
Thanks.
Tam.
Hoods are designed to keep out rain, not a deluge from a hose. You will get it overtopping the rainrail and leaking, spray water from a sprinkler end at a distance whilst you are inside the car. You will have a chance of finding the leak then.
Thanks for tip.
I had go with a finer spray. And standing back wile I was inside.
Still leaking. So took apart again still can’t see any cracks etc. Only thing is hole round the studs is elongated. And original seal pretty much gone.
Would think about sealing round them with a sealant but would be messy. Is there seals you can get? Or has anyone made them from rubber or something like that?
Good news is managed to get it undercover mean time so will take pressure off.
I’ve recently repaired my rain rail after finding out about a leak onto the parcel shelf in my mk1.
Couple of things that spring to mind:
-
check that the inner edge of the rain rail (the side that touches the car bodywork) is tucked up under the rubber lip of the inside of he belt line moulding - you my have disturbed it when you repaired that section.
-
ensure that you tighten the bolts for the metal strips in the correct sequence. There’s a post on the forum somewhere giving you a diagram. I didn’t thnk that this would be necessary but it is!!
I agree with the other reply about the amount of water to use when checking for leaks - I initially used a watering can without a rose & then realised that it quickly overflowed the rain rail.
Have you removed the entire rain rail & taped up all the rivets & cracks? You will probably need to do this - my rain rail looked immaculate from the inside of the car when bolted in but when I took it out it was cracked all over the inside. If you do take it out be careful as the plastic can be extremely brittle & doesn’t like being flexed…
Ok I didnt take the rain rail right out.
Will try that and see if I can find something.
Thanks colsspec and richardn for your help.
Will report back once I have a go at it.
Take it right out and check for splits and cracks… this may help…
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/24103/168173.aspx#168173
M-m
Thanks Mazda mender,
Will bite the bullet and take hood off. and get proper look at the rain rail, Will also give me good chance to inspect and treat inside of sills.
There is no need to remove the full frame to get to the rain rail, just remove the back deck carpet and the 3 bars which are held with the 10mm nuts, pillor caps 10mm and phillips screw and the plastic lugs on either side that hold it in place,remove the edge trim piece,and you should then be able to leave it in place and un sandwich the hood from the rain rail and get it out on the floor to have a nosey.
M-m
Thanks m-m
Good too know I don’t need to remove full frame. Will have a go next couple of evenings. And let you know how I get on.
Least I will not need a hose to check for leaks after.
If you get stuck, give me a shout buddy.
M-m
Thanks for your advice.
Managed to get the rain rail out once i got the rivits drilled out.
It is in quite bad shape as you can see in photos.
Will clean it up tomorrow evening and see about patching it together.
Think some of the splits is from me getting it out. funny thing is were i seen the leak looks ok.
Take it was running round before running off.
Get some silver alloy tape to patch/seal it back up,but you most make sure it is clean and dry so the tape will stick.
M-m
Ok looks like the roof rail is fixed. only had a quick spray with hose and it seems ok.
Thanks for all the information on the Rain rail.
the is some water coming in at the seams on the folded bit on both side of the rear window.
Will Renovo Vinyl Hood Ultra Proofer cure this? or was thinking of sealing seams with a sealant?