Part 3: How am I getting water in my Miata trunk?

Some possible reasons for water entering the trunk are:
-Blocked soft top drains.
-Damaged “Rain Rail” (the gutter that catches water that drains to the bottom edge of the soft top).
-incorrectly installed “Rain Rail”.
-Damaged soft top or back window.
-Torn trunk seal / weatherstripping.
-Cracked or damaged tail lights.
-Degraded tail light gaskets.
-Degraded 3rd brake light gasket.
-Antenna mast seal.
-Frankenstein bolt seals.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of MiataMan, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. MiataMan assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. MiataMan recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of MiataMan, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not MiataMan.

[@apexseeker3821]

OMG!!! I cannot thank you enough for all your videos but especially this one because it’s solved my problem. That last bit with the rubber flap has to overlap that piece of plastic on the sides? That was it. All I had to do is run my hand around there and flip it to the right side and the problem is gone. I tested it before and after with water. Thank you so very very much Miata man you definitely the man!

[@MiataMan]

I’m so happy it helped 😊 Thank you 🙏

[@spencerpieters5502]

I fitted a new cloth soft top to my NB a few months ago and found a nice puddle of water in my trunk as well after a week of intense rain. Came from the exact screw retainer that was mentioned in this video. Still have to look at the cause. I'm 100% the rain rail isn't cracked or broken. Checking the torque specs on the nuts was my first job, but seeing how that inner lip has to go over the rain rail is definitely something I did *not* check during the install. People always resort to "broken rain rail" when responding to water in the trunk but it can be so much more than that. Thanks Miata Man, for covering all the bases on this. 🍻

[@matthewkercheval5279]

I got this same leak and I tried what you recommended but it didn't go away... I ended up just pulling the whole rain rail out and found it was cracked/disintegrating. I was able to get it out without removing the soft top thankfully so putting in a replacement should be too much of a problem, thanks for the vid! really helped me narrow down the source of the leak!

[@antoineboutier8837]

Super helpful, thanks a lot. I have the same leak on the rain rail as I said previously, so I'm going to check everything you said tomorrow. You rock Miata Man!

[@neilthommesen4059]

Thank you very much, I always find your videos interesting. I have an Import Eunos Roadster NA 1993 over in England. It’s in very good shape with a long history file. I’ve always loved the Mazda MX 5, especially the NA. I remember a work colleague buying one brand new back in 1990, I thought ‘WOW’. I retired last March 2020 and bought mine in September, due to the time of year it’s in the garage tucked away until the spring arrives. I subscribed to your channel and watch each episode with interest as you explain everything so clear. Thank you very much 👍

[@MiataMan]

Hi Neil, thanks for the great message 😊

[@claudearthur4532]

Thank you!

[@thecherrybombs2577]

Good info

[@thetruthserum2816]

Miata = Mandatory car cover... Besides, it keeps the top out of the sun. Best get two so you can swap them out if one gets soaked. Also you can treat them with waterproofing spray to make them even more hydrophobic... (use sawhorses while treating, not on car!) Just make sure that your car is clean before applying the cover.

[@xninpo]

Youre THE man. Wow thanks g. :-)

[@harshpatel3342]

Love your videos man, can you pls do a video on how to clean your grounds for a na miata

[@MiataMan]

Thanks 🙏 I will add the Grounding Points and cleaning video to the list 👍

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

This a problem I've been trying to figure out myself for some time with my na

[@camerondailey8834]

Great video! Very informative :) I have a question although, I was wondering if you could help me out? I have a 93' Miata and the headlights shake like crazy! Makes it looks scared! During the night when waiting at a stop light, the headlights shaking cause the projected like to go crazy and I'm sure the surrounding cars don't either. If you have a fix for this please let me know! Keep up the vids :)

[@MiataMan]

Hi Cameron, there are adjustable bump stops on the headlight. One for the down position and one for the up position. I just made a quick video for you and will post it today. 😎

[@TimTam770]

How do you take off and replace the Frankenstein bolts

[@backwoodsp.n.w]

Hey awesome channel! 👌Are you in Washington State by chance? If you are I have miata that needs work. Thank you 😊

[@MiataMan]

Thanks 😊 I am just over the border in Vancouver, BC.

[@RevoDSM]

Those posts that the hardtop attaches to. Could those be a source of a leak? I’m getting water beside my fuel tank on both sides in the trunk with my hardtop installed.

[@codwizard7526]

Im having this problem right now

[@rebeccam5797]

Hi Miata man. Thanks to you I think I may have found my source of water in the trunk. I hope. On an unrelated issue, have you ever done a video on a clutch that clicks upon release? It seems it may have been the little rubber stop button but, upon finally getting it in the hole, the little white pin fell out. The little plastic pin that hits the rubber button when the clutch is depressed. What is this pin and is it absolutely necessary that it be in there? I have no idea how to get it to stay when it’s pushed back in the hole. Not sure if it’s broken or what. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you. I have a 95 Miata mx5.

[@MiataMan]

Sorry for the delayed response. It sounds like you are referring to the clutch switch. When the clutch and white pin is depressed, it allows the car to start. It’s a safety feature to prevent lurching if the car is started in gear. I’m surprised that it still allows you to start it with a faulty switch. New ones can be purchased at you Mazda dealer.

[@rebeccam5797]

Thank you. @@MiataMan

[@xJaccckx]

Hi Miata man, I have a leak that seems to be coming from the inside of the trunk lid itself as it is covered in condensation and I can’t seem to locate where the water is getting in

[@MiataMan]

Hi Jack, any water that gets in to the trunk will create a lot of condensation on the trunk lid. This happens easily on Miatas due to the hot muffler box being right under the trunk well.

[@zander69]

hi there i have a question when taking off the roof of my soft top the middle stud snapped off while taking it off is there a way to replace the stud for it?

[@MiataMan]

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to replace the stud. You should be fine 👍

[@aZeddPrattFilm]

Hey Miata Man! My name is Zedd and I hope this gets to you. I have a trunk issue that I can’t figure out. So I have moisture on top of the trunk lid. The wall of the car on the left side being wet but not past the mounting plate for the hose lines. I replaced the 3 tail light gaskets so I know there isnt water coming from there. My rain rails are clear. I have a hardtop on this time of year but recently my trunk carpet has been absolutely soaked. Luckily no wetness near battery and nothing coming from antenna or the mounting bolt thingy for the hardtop. I’m at a loss and would love some guidance. I’ve had this car for 2 years and havent had this big of a problem till now. I would get some slight trunk lid moisture before but nothing this bad. Any thoughts?

[@MiataMan]

Hi Zedd, thanks for the detailed description of what you have checked/replaced so far. The next thing I would look at is the trunk seal. It may be torn. Also, the metal inside the groove that makes it grip on to the car could have stretched. Just squeeze it with your fingers to make it tight again. Other than that, I would check to see if there has been any collision repair in the rear. I’ve seen repairs where they forgot to apply seam sealer (or just done a poor job). Good luck 🤞

[@aZeddPrattFilm]

@@MiataMan Squeeze to make tight again? Sorry what exactly are you talking about? The trunk seal looks good actually. The car was tap’d but no major structural damage. Bumpers were replaced and Basically the tail light lines are say gape-y-er on the left side. I went ahead and cranked that side tight while putting a piece of old gasket to fill in that gape. Thing is since I’ve had the car this minor gap difference hasn’t brought this much more moisture before. I’ll report back if what I did helps. If you could explain what you mean that would be great though!