Why do my Pontiac Firebird T-tops leak?

Short answer: Fourth-generation Firebird T-tops leak as the seals age. Owners find water coming in at the T-top-to-B-pillar joint or where the side window meets the T-top. Two cheap fixes work for many: resealing the T-top with RTV and adjusting the window stops so the glass sits higher against the seal.

Symptom: Water drips in at the edge of the T-top, down the seat belt, or puddles in the footwells after rain.

What to check first

1. Find where the water comes in. Roofline, window glass, A-pillar or B-pillar each have different fixes.
2. Check the drains in the tray where the T-tops sit, and clear them.
3. Look at the seals for tears or flattened sections.
4. Check the window gap. If the glass sits low, raise the upper window stop inside the door.

Likely causes

1. Torn or shrunken T-top seal.
2. Side window not closing high enough.
3. Clogged drains or old sealer.

What it usually costs

One owner fixed it with a tube of black RTV in about 20 minutes instead of buying new seals for a few hundred dollars.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Yes. Water can rot carpets and cause electrical problems if left. Verify with a mechanic if wiring gets wet.

DIY or shop?

DIY. Owners do this in a driveway.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for T-top leaks on the Pontiac Firebird in the model years we could check on 2026-10-22 (the recall lookup returned an error for 3 model-year queries). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 55 keyword-matched complaints for Pontiac Firebird 1993–2002 (of 507 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-22; keywords: T-top, roof, leak, water). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Fixed my T-top leak on LS1Tech, a Trans Am owner's leak at the T-top and B-pillar was fixed by resealing the T-top with black RTV. They were still leak-free years later.
• In Fix for leaking T-top? on LS1Tech, members said to clear the drains, redo the old sealer and check the weatherstrip. Others fixed leaks by raising the window stops.

Quick tip

Check the window stops before buying seals.

Vehicle focus: 1993–2002 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am (fourth generation) with T-tops. The Camaro of these years is the same.

Safety / mechanic note

Water near wiring can cause faults. Verify with a mechanic.