New Vert Top
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
The two pinch holes were caused by screw tips when the fabric folded the wrong way when you dropped the top. Same thing happened to me on the passenger side when I replaced mine last year. It was fine for the first couple of weeks, then while on a long road trip, I noticed the pinch holes and figured out what had happened.
I suppose I should have gone back to the installer and complained but I just worked on training the top to fold properly, put a patch of Gorilla Tape on the backside to make sure it is still watertight, and I glued rounded plastic tips on the offending screws. I still usually fold the top down from that side so I can make sure the fabric folds properly. Yes, the holes do bother me when I look at them but I prefer the top down so I usually have the top down.
K9Leader
Red cars are faster. They did a study on it.
I suppose I should have gone back to the installer and complained but I just worked on training the top to fold properly, put a patch of Gorilla Tape on the backside to make sure it is still watertight, and I glued rounded plastic tips on the offending screws. I still usually fold the top down from that side so I can make sure the fabric folds properly. Yes, the holes do bother me when I look at them but I prefer the top down so I usually have the top down.
K9Leader
Red cars are faster. They did a study on it.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Dunn-Benson North Carolina
Important update: After the first dropping of the new top I pulled it up and fastened it in place and see 2 small poke holes about 2" apart just behind the drivers window. Something from the frame side has made the holes (looks like just the tips of screws may be at fault). I took pictures and sent the pics to Auto Tops and Interiors and said I would bring the car for them to look. I dropped the car off and 4 days later I call back and asked what they found. Sure enough, frame screws caused the damage. They can't understand why though since the OEM screws were re-used. Yeah, I don't know why either but my new top has 2 holes Two more days later the shop manager calls and says, you know the top isn't structurally damaged and would last a long time, or the owner says he will take half off of a new top install. What? I said. I bring you my car because you are professionals and due to your workmanship my top is damaged and now you offer to replace the top with me paying you more? Naw. Have the owner call me as that is unacceptable. This doesn't sound like good business practice to me - I did my part paying for a professional job, I chose not to put the top on in my driveway, you guys need to stand up. Have the owner call. So, I'm waiting on that call.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
Pics of damage
This is what I saw the morning after I took my first top down ride. These holes would have been staring me in the face every day. The shop said they've never seen this before and he told me he called around to other, plus the fabric manufacturer, who hadn't seen OEM screws do this. I told him you need a process where the tech runs gloves over the areas with screws so you confirm nothing will poke.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
The screw problem appears to be a factory defect.
Important update: After the first dropping of the new top I pulled it up and fastened it in place and see 2 small poke holes about 2" apart just behind the drivers window. Something from the frame side has made the holes (looks like just the tips of screws may be at fault). I took pictures and sent the pics to Auto Tops and Interiors and said I would bring the car for them to look. I dropped the car off and 4 days later I call back and asked what they found. Sure enough, frame screws caused the damage. They can't understand why though since the OEM screws were re-used. Yeah, I don't know why either but my new top has 2 holes Two more days later the shop manager calls and says, you know the top isn't structurally damaged and would last a long time, or the owner says he will take half off of a new top install. What? I said. I bring you my car because you are professionals and due to your workmanship my top is damaged and now you offer to replace the top with me paying you more? Naw. Have the owner call me as that is unacceptable. This doesn't sound like good business practice to me - I did my part paying for a professional job, I chose not to put the top on in my driveway, you guys need to stand up. Have the owner call. So, I'm waiting on that call.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
It looks like the installer is not at fault after all and it is a factory defect. I was detailing my 01 today which is original with only 19k. miles and original top . I noticed that there is impressions on my top at the same location but not yet holes. I felt behind and there is definately something sharp trying to poke through. I am going to check it out tomorrow and find a cure but I suggest anyone having a new top installed , tell the installer so he can correct the problem before it ruins another top.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Cause - Weather strip screws and sharp rivet head.
I had a chance to check out my convertible top today and found that the problem is that the factory used screws for the rear weather strip behind the door that are way too long and a very sharp point on the ends. And there is also a rivet head that protrudes too far with a sharp edge. The original screws were 1/2 inch long , not counting the sharp point. I pulled the weatherstrip back , removed the screws and cut them down to 3/16 inch and ground the point flat with no sharp edges and tapped the soft aluminum rivet flat and smooth. A small dab of silicone sealer on each point and the problem was solved in about twenty minutes. The problem was sometimes when the top was going down , the fabric would fold back against the sharp edges. If you don't already have the problem , twenty minutes might prevent it.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Dunn-Benson North Carolina
I had a chance to check out my convertible top today and found that the problem is that the factory used screws for the rear weather strip behind the door that are way too long and a very sharp point on the ends. And there is also a rivet head that protrudes too far with a sharp edge. The original screws were 1/2 inch long , not counting the sharp point. I pulled the weatherstrip back , removed the screws and cut them down to 3/16 inch and ground the point flat with no sharp edges and tapped the soft aluminum rivet flat and smooth. A small dab of silicone sealer on each point and the problem was solved in about twenty minutes. The problem was sometimes when the top was going down , the fabric would fold back against the sharp edges. If you don't already have the problem , twenty minutes might prevent it.
which as far as I know is original top. Ive had the car for seven yrs.
The car is a very early C5 Vert with Sept 97 Build date, so again I felt this was a defect ( the long screws) that got past quality control
guys.....
SEEMS to ME.. that GM should 'assist' those of us with original tops with replacement or at least a pro rated one. To my knowledge, cannot find where a recall or a 'policy' was ever issued by Chev.
I've researched this for some time, I hate my fellow tarheel Vette owner had this same thing happen and with a new top! I am curious though.... did the old top show any sign of the same wear?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I have the same ' holes' poked on both sides for my top on the '98
which as far as I know is original top. Ive had the car for seven yrs.
The car is a very early C5 Vert with Sept 97 Build date, so again I felt this was a defect ( the long screws) that got past quality control
guys.....
SEEMS to ME.. that GM should 'assist' those of us with original tops with replacement or at least a pro rated one. To my knowledge, cannot find where a recall or a 'policy' was ever issued by Chev.
I've researched this for some time, I hate my fellow tarheel Vette owner had this same thing happen and with a new top! I am curious though.... did the old top show any sign of the same wear?
which as far as I know is original top. Ive had the car for seven yrs.
The car is a very early C5 Vert with Sept 97 Build date, so again I felt this was a defect ( the long screws) that got past quality control
guys.....
SEEMS to ME.. that GM should 'assist' those of us with original tops with replacement or at least a pro rated one. To my knowledge, cannot find where a recall or a 'policy' was ever issued by Chev.
I've researched this for some time, I hate my fellow tarheel Vette owner had this same thing happen and with a new top! I am curious though.... did the old top show any sign of the same wear?
Last edited by bj1k; Apr 28, 2013 at 11:03 PM. Reason: Add information.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Dunn-Benson North Carolina
BJ
Thanks - again your post is very very helpful. Going to make sure problem is cured prior to Top replacement. Still, think the General should contribute . Have a friend who is shop foreman @ local Chev stealership.... may have him approach zone personel in Charlotte...... can't hurt ... nothing to lose ....
Thanks - again your post is very very helpful. Going to make sure problem is cured prior to Top replacement. Still, think the General should contribute . Have a friend who is shop foreman @ local Chev stealership.... may have him approach zone personel in Charlotte...... can't hurt ... nothing to lose ....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
I have the same ' holes' poked on both sides for my top on the '98
which as far as I know is original top. Ive had the car for seven yrs.
The car is a very early C5 Vert with Sept 97 Build date, so again I felt this was a defect ( the long screws) that got past quality control
guys.....
SEEMS to ME.. that GM should 'assist' those of us with original tops with replacement or at least a pro rated one. To my knowledge, cannot find where a recall or a 'policy' was ever issued by Chev.
I've researched this for some time, I hate my fellow tarheel Vette owner had this same thing happen and with a new top! I am curious though.... did the old top show any sign of the same wear?
which as far as I know is original top. Ive had the car for seven yrs.
The car is a very early C5 Vert with Sept 97 Build date, so again I felt this was a defect ( the long screws) that got past quality control
guys.....
SEEMS to ME.. that GM should 'assist' those of us with original tops with replacement or at least a pro rated one. To my knowledge, cannot find where a recall or a 'policy' was ever issued by Chev.
I've researched this for some time, I hate my fellow tarheel Vette owner had this same thing happen and with a new top! I am curious though.... did the old top show any sign of the same wear?
looks good
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I didn't notice anything on mine either for a while but apparently it only takes one time for the top to fold the wrong way and with the new top it might be the stiffness.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
BJ
Thanks - again your post is very very helpful. Going to make sure problem is cured prior to Top replacement. Still, think the General should contribute . Have a friend who is shop foreman @ local Chev stealership.... may have him approach zone personel in Charlotte...... can't hurt ... nothing to lose ....
Thanks - again your post is very very helpful. Going to make sure problem is cured prior to Top replacement. Still, think the General should contribute . Have a friend who is shop foreman @ local Chev stealership.... may have him approach zone personel in Charlotte...... can't hurt ... nothing to lose ....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
I might be mistaken, but I believe when assembled there was a foam like piece that was stuck over the screws to prevent them from poking the Top. What happens over time is the sticky backing on the Foam loses its adhesion, and falls off. Leaving the screws uncovered.
When I had my Top replaced I had the installer use short Rivets instead of the Screws. No problem since.
When I had my Top replaced I had the installer use short Rivets instead of the Screws. No problem since.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,755
Likes: 3,688
From: The Sunshine State
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I might be mistaken, but I believe when assembled there was a foam like piece that was stuck over the screws to prevent them from poking the Top. What happens over time is the sticky backing on the Foam loses its adhesion, and falls off. Leaving the screws uncovered.
When I had my Top replaced I had the installer use short Rivets instead of the Screws. No problem since.
When I had my Top replaced I had the installer use short Rivets instead of the Screws. No problem since.
I would thing rivets, plastic tabs or even machine screws would have been a better choice.I have a 2004 and have not noticed any holes and and type of screw pressure point on my top. However after reviewing this thread, I am going to check it out a little closer.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
The installing company told me they were grinding the screws down to an acceptable length, while maintaining enough length for clamp load, then sticking some velcro like tape over the tips of the screws for additional safety to the top. I told them about the sharp rivet that may be present as mentioned in an earlier post and they said they would look for that rivet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
Here are pics of the ones on my passenger side. This thread motivated me to go out and pull the offending screws (on both sides just in case driver side ever folds the wrong way), hacksaw off the sharp tips and permanently solve the problem. Ah, well, my top is usually down anyway.
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K9Leader
Red cars are faster. They did a study on it.
[/URL][/URL]K9Leader
Red cars are faster. They did a study on it.