Rear Deck Protector For Vert
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Rear Deck Protector For Vert
Anyone Have Any Experience With Rear Deck Protectors.i Have Some Scratches From The Top Being Up.this Seems Like The Best Way To Prevent It From Getting Any Worse.i Know Ecklers Has A Black One For 25.00.any Opinions On These.thanks
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Westminster MD
If you are talking about the clear/black plastic strips that go under the vert top, yes I had experience for abour an hour. I put it on as instructed and it blew off on first drive with top down. Instructions said don't drive with top down, but I wanted to see, and I guess I saw - in my rear view mirror. Too much trouble to take off/put on every time you put top down. Don't waste your money unless you want to deal with the trouble.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The top can be adjusted which may help. Theres a TSB on this topic. Take a look at this link 
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=220
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=220
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Wellington FL
Had the same problem. Adjusted the top and also bought one of the static cling ones a few years ago. Hated it and threw it away after the first time I used it. Then purchased some semi-gloss black trim tape at an auto parts store. Went to a body shop and had the tape trimmed to 1/2" wide.
Installed the tape just outside of the factory black plastic insert on the tonneau cover. It looks like a factory install with the top down and does not blow off. It can barely be seen with the top up.
Subsequently, GM came out with a TSB and if the car was still under warranty they would replace the rubber molding on the underside of the rear of the top. It is thicker than the original one and keeps the top fabric from rubbing on the paint. Had the dealer change mine to the thicker one before the warranty expired.
I never removed the black tape, but the thicker rubber must be working as there are no rub marks on the tape.
Installed the tape just outside of the factory black plastic insert on the tonneau cover. It looks like a factory install with the top down and does not blow off. It can barely be seen with the top up.
Subsequently, GM came out with a TSB and if the car was still under warranty they would replace the rubber molding on the underside of the rear of the top. It is thicker than the original one and keeps the top fabric from rubbing on the paint. Had the dealer change mine to the thicker one before the warranty expired.
I never removed the black tape, but the thicker rubber must be working as there are no rub marks on the tape.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 2
From: Havin' fun in Frederick, MD!!!
St. Jude Donor '05 '09
Wait a minute! I think you guys are talking about two different things. I think what JMO1 was referring to was the flap that folds out over the rear when the trunk is open. Did I musunderstand? If not, I think they would work great and am considering one.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Wellington FL
Big Atlanta:
I just checked my files. The TSB is for 1998-2001 Convertibles and is TSB # 02-08-111-001 "Convertible Top Paint Wear Through at Fifth Bow". The correction is to replace the 5th bow seal with the newer one.
As I understand it, later cars had the thicker rubber seal installed at ther factory. However, I am not sure exacly when GM started to use the new seal.
However, if your top rubs on the tonneau cover, check with your dealer. You can also adjust the top yourself by following the instructions in the Corvette Action Center site listed in DeeGee's post .
Good luck.
I just checked my files. The TSB is for 1998-2001 Convertibles and is TSB # 02-08-111-001 "Convertible Top Paint Wear Through at Fifth Bow". The correction is to replace the 5th bow seal with the newer one.
As I understand it, later cars had the thicker rubber seal installed at ther factory. However, I am not sure exacly when GM started to use the new seal.
However, if your top rubs on the tonneau cover, check with your dealer. You can also adjust the top yourself by following the instructions in the Corvette Action Center site listed in DeeGee's post .
Good luck.
