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Bad Targas from GM?

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Old Jul 10, 2008 | 06:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Bad Targas from GM?

I just had my Lexan Targa Top replaced with a new GM replacement (insurance claim) and the back left edge started separating from the frame in the sunlight.

So, I had them order me another replacement and it has the same problem out of the box, but this time the lexan is not affixed to the structure all across the front (that would have been bad news for sure had I not seen it - about a 12" gap to catch wind).

So, now I do not know what to do? Keep ordering defective tops and waiting 3 weeks for each one (because of the Insurance Company having to send the old one back first)... or maybe try to have a local body shop try to perform the fix on this like they had to the C6 recalls?
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 03:56 AM
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Just "me" - huh?

I called the local Chevy Dealer Body Shop today to see if they had experienced any success with re-bonding them. They said they too have had lots of issues with the new GM Replacement C5 tops and all their attempts to repair the frame/top separation has failed. They said they just keep reordering and replacing them - sometimes they are DOA and sometimes they fail after a few weeks/months.

Guess I will just have to drive around my with old damaged top - at least it is still stuck to the frame at all points!
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 09:01 AM
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I know they had trouble with the C6 tops, but hadn't heard that the C5ones were having trouble too. I would keep ordering them until you get one that is OK, rather than having someone try to fix one - for the price they charge, I would want one with a full warranty from GM. .
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 11:42 AM
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This is the first I've heard about C5 tops with that problem.
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 12:53 PM
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I've seen imperfect tops in the past with my C4. My C5 is a vert so that doesn't help. However, defective parts from GM seems more common then not. The latest I've experienced with the C5 has been HUD replacement windshields three times they come in through a local Chevy parts house, then installed by Safelite. Three of them, including the current one has some defects in there. From scratches to warping. I gave up and kept the latest even though it had minor defects.

My guess is there lots of parts rejected by the factory inspection but sent on to the parts departments for unsuspecting customers to be installed by the service dept. No one cares at that point and GM will try to pass those parts off so they try to salvage the garbage that doesn't make the cut on assembly line. Keeps their cost lowered.

So I believe that what you are experiencing is just one of those things. Keep having them replace it until you get a good part.
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
I've seen imperfect tops in the past with my C4. My C5 is a vert so that doesn't help. However, defective parts from GM seems more common then not. The latest I've experienced with the C5 has been HUD replacement windshields three times they come in through a local Chevy parts house, then installed by Safelite. Three of them, including the current one has some defects in there. From scratches to warping. I gave up and kept the latest even though it had minor defects.

My guess is there lots of parts rejected by the factory inspection but sent on to the parts departments for unsuspecting customers to be installed by the service dept. No one cares at that point and GM will try to pass those parts off so they try to salvage the garbage that doesn't make the cut on assembly line. Keeps their cost lowered.

So I believe that what you are experiencing is just one of those things. Keep having them replace it until you get a good part.
Now that you mention it, just about every part the have replaced under warranty has had to be reordered or replaced - mostly due to shipping damage, but I have had trouble with their rebuilt Steering Gears failing.
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 05:50 PM
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I bought a used one off of a CF member. No two seem to fit the same. I actually found that the length of the weatherstripping on the replacement top is 14 inch short than my original. Leaves a nice gap for rainwater in the back. In the process of replacing the weatherstripping.

Good luck.
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Old Jul 15, 2008 | 10:55 PM
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Never heard of this problem on C5s, but I'd keep ordering them until you got one that held up.
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