Convertible Top issue - Suggestions?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Convertible Top issue - Suggestions?
I received my convertible with this issue and am wondering if anyone has any ideas for a fix, short of replacing the whole top. Not sure if a window regulator adjustment would fix it without creating a new water leak or noise problem. Used a flashlight to illuminate the driver's side, so it's not discolored, just the light shining on it. The corners of the windows are rubbing these spots down. Open to suggestions for a fix as always. Thanks!
Last edited by Pintoblades; Nov 27, 2013 at 12:26 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,824
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
I'm far from an expert, but you might check this thread to see if it's just a matter of adjusting the top, itself.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-and-tips.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-and-tips.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I'm far from an expert, but you might check this thread to see if it's just a matter of adjusting the top, itself.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-and-tips.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-and-tips.html
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
I received my convertible with this issue and am wondering if anyone has any ideas for a fix, short of replacing the whole top. Not sure if a window regulator adjustment would fix it without creating a new water leak or noise problem. Used a flashlight to illuminate the driver's side, so it's not discolored, just the light shining on it. The corners of the windows are rubbing these spots down. Open to suggestions for a fix as always. Thanks!
Does your top latch up front lock really easy or do you wind coming in over the top W/S. I have never ever seen a top this close like that befor..Robert
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Buddy your black top needs to be raised that is it plus moved back just a hair also. Don't do nothing to the window adjustment at all. Does your top latch up front lock really easy or do you wind coming in over the top W/S. I have never ever seen a top this close like that befor..Robert
Does your top latch up front lock really easy or do you wind coming in over the top W/S. I have never ever seen a top this close like that befor..Robert
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I'm far from an expert, but you might check this thread to see if it's just a matter of adjusting the top, itself.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-and-tips.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-and-tips.html
Thanks again for that link...totally solved my rubbing problem!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,824
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
Thank you so much for that post!! I read how to raise the corners so that the windows didn't rub against the top when closing the doors. Adjustment worked like a charm!! Now I have no more rubbing. Only problem I have now is trying to repair the damage that was done because none of the previous owners tried to fix the rub. I'm thinking maybe design a black triangular reinforcement patch to cover and protect the previous damage. I have some heavy canvas, I'll just have to dye it black, stitch the edges and sew it on to the bad spots.
Thanks again for that link...totally solved my rubbing problem!!
Thanks again for that link...totally solved my rubbing problem!!
It's possible that the POs didn't know the top could be adjusted, so they just lived with the poor fit and wrote it off to lack of quality control on the part of GM.
You might check a craft store like Michael's or Joann or even a boat shop to see if they have some sort of piping or edging that would work.
If the piece you start with already has a finished edge, it would be a lot easier to make a patch.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I'm glad it worked. This is what I really like about this forum. There are dozens of fixes to our cars like this one that cost nothing but a little time and effort.
It's possible that the POs didn't know the top could be adjusted, so they just lived with the poor fit and wrote it off to lack of quality control on the part of GM.
You might check a craft store like Michael's or Joann or even a boat shop to see if they have some sort of piping or edging that would work.
If the piece you start with already has a finished edge, it would be a lot easier to make a patch.
It's possible that the POs didn't know the top could be adjusted, so they just lived with the poor fit and wrote it off to lack of quality control on the part of GM.
You might check a craft store like Michael's or Joann or even a boat shop to see if they have some sort of piping or edging that would work.
If the piece you start with already has a finished edge, it would be a lot easier to make a patch.
Yeah, I'll find some material that will work and make the damage less noticeable.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,824
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
I know what you mean. I just got my 03 AE vert a few months ago and it had the infamous floppy ear sun visor and dim HVAC. I was able to fix both at no cost due to the tutorials on this site.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Convertible top repair
I have the same "window rub" issue on my driver's side rag top and have been to 3 local shops and none of them want to touch the 'repair'.
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
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Last edited by Pintoblades; Jul 18, 2014 at 06:52 PM. Reason: video not showing up.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I have the same "window rub" issue on my driver's side rag top and have been to 3 local shops and none of them want to touch the 'repair'.
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I have the same "window rub" issue on my driver's side rag top and have been to 3 local shops and none of them want to touch the 'repair'.
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I have the same "window rub" issue on my driver's side rag top and have been to 3 local shops and none of them want to touch the 'repair'.
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
Interestingly, not really, each has offered to install a new top for me at between $1200-$1500.
My issue is, other than this one small rub issue, the top is in great shape; I would be fine with a nice repair job, but if I try to hack into it and make a 'functional' repair job - my eyes will be drawn to it every time I walk by it and will never be pleased.
Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or aware of any repair threads in this forum or others on how to repair 'piping' on convertible tops?
Thanks very much in advance...
This is the result after these steps:
1. Singed the perimeter to prevent any additional fraying,
2. Bought thick twill patch material from JoAnn fabric,
3. Bought "Tear Mender" fabric adhesive,
4. Cut the Twill patch to as close to exacting measurement to gap,
5. Glued together...
6. Touched up off black areas with black Sharpie,
7. Applied RaggTop Protectant.
Before:
After:
Last edited by Kariblay; Jul 19, 2014 at 09:11 PM.
