Does the AP Eng 3 piece hard top leak?

[Tim]

I am looking at buying one of these 3 piece hard tops from Ap Engineering for a 2001 RT10.

For me it seems to be the ultimate answer to deal with our hot, cold and rainy summers that we get here in Canada.

I have heard that there have been some problems with them leaking in the rain. Can anyone confirm where these tops were leaking and just how much rain was actually getting into the car? Has this problem been eliminated or at least reduced? As well is the car as quiet with this as to what it is with the factory hard top?

Any other feed back would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

 

[SylvanSRT]

you are looking for the "trunk top" do a search and you will find several posts, some with pics i have seen it in person it is a really nice looking piece if i still had my RT-10's i would own one. they are also a site sponsor there is a link to their web site somewhere on this site.

 

[Jeff Lemke]

Tim,

The leaking problem was greatly reduced when the top panels were re-engineered in late October. However, because of the design of this top, some tops still may drip a bit, while others seal up 100% due to the variences in the cars themselves. Distance from windshield frame to sport bar is critical for this top, and this dimension can change up to 1/2" frmo car to car (the top will adjust for this to a certain extent).

When it comes right down to it, APE will refund your purchase if you get the top and don't like it. It is a risk free purchase if you are concerned that it will not meet expectations.

Jeff

 

[ViperJoe]

Jeff,
Please check your email.
I sent you a couple of emails and have not heard back from you.

Drive in the RAIN.........? Heaven forbid!

 

[Jeff Lemke]

Joe,

Your AOL will not allow me to respond as it has some sort of blocker. I've tried to respond every time you e-mail me.

Jeff

 

[Schulmann]

Just use your fabric roof.
That one is 100% waterproof.
You can easily store it in the trunc while having some luggage.

I don't think that you will have heating issues.
The Viper's heater is good up to -40F.
Your tires will freeze before.

During summer the AC is not doing really much.
I have an ACR without AC and I toured the entire south US without issue.
Just get used to the heat ... it worth.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Just use your fabric roof.
That one is 100% waterproof.
You can easily store it in the trunc while having some luggage.

I don't think that you will have heating issues.
The Viper's heater is good up to -40F.
Your tires will freeze before.

During summer the AC is not doing really much.
I have an ACR without AC and I toured the entire south US without issue.
Just get used to the heat ... it worth.

I thought you were actually serious until I got to the part about "heater". I have found out the "heater" is actually controlled by putting the top on and windows in/up. It can be -40F outside and with the top on and windows in, it gets toasty (I guess engine heat does serve a purpose), but somehow the 1 time I got caught in heavy rain, the top still leaked like a balloon with a hole in it around the windshield pillar. Its airtight until the air includes rain.

JUST TO CLARIFY: I'm talking about the FACTORY fabric top. NOT Jeff's 3 piece top

 

[ViperJoe]

Jeff,
Sorry, you're good to go now.