Convertible top drain system design and theory., Need some help stopping water. (56k naptime) Options

[ecaddiction]

Long story short, I replaced the old crappy top, with a new one. It leaks a small bit of water around the base of the top. I'm trying to understand how the water gets drained from around the base of the top. As far as I understand it this is how the water drains.

From the outside:



The water that does get inside is supposed to follow this little "drain rail"



All of this water is supposed to follow the rail and go into a little well inside the car, the same one that contains the quater panel window and components:


It the drains out a little hole and out the car. I think this is a rather bad design and this is my problem. Rain leaks from behind the little rail like this, and proceeds to make a big mess in my trunk and who knows where else.


These were in the bottom of the well thing (I'm pretty sure they're supposed to cover the rear window motor?):


When I pulled the old top off (leaking water anyway), there were these squishy tar strips covered by plastic on both sides, inbetween the top and the car. I pulled these out, they couldn't really do much as they didn't go all the way around the top. I am trying to figure out how I'm going to go about fixing my leaks. I appreciate you reading all the way to here, and I hope I can get some suggestions to fix this. My car is completely stripped out, carpet and everything, except for the driver's seat, and I'm eager to fix this.

[ecaddiction]

Gotcha. I started to take the top rails off (brake light pieces), and the first screw had a tar like sealing on it, so I didn't mess with it. Am I gonna need to buy some sealant before I take it off?

[njccmd2002]

Gotcha. I started to take the top rails off (brake light pieces), and the first screw had a tar like sealing on it, so I didn't mess with it. Am I gonna need to buy some sealant before I take it off?

my car has the lowe portion of the " Hoodie" coming of the glass, but until now no proble. I took all the tar screws you tal about, but its not enough to make it come out. you have to take the side pieces off too.