roof panel separation
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
roof panel separation
Ok I just bought my first vette its an 85 and needs work but i got it cheap i feel (3,000) so the first thing i notice is the roof panel is lifting when i drive the car it seems to be coming off the metal framing is there away to fix this or is the frame part of the faberglass top ???
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
You're about to become a member of the "flying roof club". Because of liabilities I wouldn't drive the car until it is corrected. I tried re-attaching my roof 3 different times with no luck, others have claimed success but I don't know what they used. If you go for a new one stay away from Astro tops, they have a bad rep here on the forum. I have a Melrose and couldn't be happier, they are a forum sponsor too. If you want to see about a used one call Vette2Vette, 815-673-6200 and talk to Jay, if he has one he will do you right.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Well thanks for all the info Im glad you said something about the astro top Im going right now to look up the melsrose and will call Jay Monday morning as this seems to be the first thing i need to get fixed on this car dont need to be part of any fling roof club ...
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
If the roof is fiberglass, and not the plastic (glass top). You can get the two part epoxy at any body and paint store that will reglue the top to the frame permanently. They will be able to tell you which one will do the job. It should cost about $30. You need to remove the adhesive that has come loose, and sand and clean both surfaces.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,957
Likes: 706
From: WI
Mine was separating and I also tried gluing it with poor results. I'm replacing the clear skin with a solid one now. I wondered about the flying roof club but it never happened. I had to use a hammer and wedge to separate the rest of the top. The glue that was left was still working extremely well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
I was on a road trip to LA when I could feel the rush of air coming through the roof panel. I was in the middle of no where and pulled into a small town to a Autozone store (only one I could find in town). Looking over what they had available, I ended up buying the RIGHT STUFF (Permitex product) and used this to seal up the clear roof panel to the frame. I held it in place for about 10 minutes before hitting the road again. Within a half hour I hit a rain storm that was unbelievable, I pull off on a off ramp and waited for half an hour until it let up. The panel was sealed without a leak and is still holding after three years! 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Methuen MA
Congratulations onthe new ride and welcome to the addiction. We have a black 85 with the 4+3 transmission. You'll find a lot af great help here as you've already experienced.
Tom Hargreaves
Tom Hargreaves
Last edited by Tom Hargreaves; Nov 6, 2009 at 11:43 AM. Reason: corrections
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