Well thanks to Vetteman Jack, a forum member I now have a solution for stopping the damage that is being done by my top.For you guys and gals. that own a corvette convertible in the years of 98 to 2001 GM issued on 2/5/02 achevrolet dealer service bulletin with the subject:paint wear through at 5th bow[replace seal]The TBS says to replace the seal.The 5th bow is the one with the seal that rests on the tonneau and the damage appears to be more on the drivers side where the top seam makes contact with the tonneau.The seal is not cheap and there is olso labor involved.There is and I have found a remedy that can help stop this altogether for less than $30.00 with shipping.It is apiece of some kind of plastic that is magnetic,comes in clear or black and comes in two pieces.It is shaped so as to fit under the #5 bow and serves as protection for the paint on the car.I have ordered one as my vet has suffered damage already.I am sorry but I don't know how to put up links so this is where I orderd it from.Corvette Central.I don't have instuctions yet but I believe you put the strip down on the car when you put the top up and remove it when you put it down.Sorry about the length of this.I will post more[LESS] later.
Deck Lid Protector-Soft Top Part#545019 $24.95

 

A magnetic piece that sticks to plastic? Will wonders ever cease?

PS- couldn't be held on by surface tension could it--just wondering????

 

It's NOT magnetic, just cling plastic.

 

Interesting. Let us know if it does the trick or not.

 

They work fine, I've used them for years.

 

I guess I should not have said magnetic when in fact the protective strip is a static film that, according to the vender simply needs to be charged.Thanks for pointing this out to me.As I said in the thread I have ordered one but since then I have been thinking that I should be putting a new seal on instead as I am having a new top installed.