Convertible top problems
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
Convertible top problems
Are the 99s ragtops defective in the sense they stretch out of shape easily? I've noticed on my car the top back corner of the driver's side glass area has rubbed thru the canvas material and the back has pressed down on the paint surface. Fortunately, my car is under warranty and it will get fixed but I need answers to a few questions:
1) who has their ragtop replaced? did it slide out of adjustment quickly after replacement?
2) what factors affect the ragtop getting out of adjustment? if it is heat and humidity, would it be better to keep the ragtop folded down in the storage comparment when the car is kept in the garage? there would be creases in the fabric but this would be a better alternative to the top wearing down
3) if this is a chronic problem with the 99s, can a later year's ragtop fit the 99, supposing the later years ragtops are not affected with this problem?
Thanks for the help!
1) who has their ragtop replaced? did it slide out of adjustment quickly after replacement?
2) what factors affect the ragtop getting out of adjustment? if it is heat and humidity, would it be better to keep the ragtop folded down in the storage comparment when the car is kept in the garage? there would be creases in the fabric but this would be a better alternative to the top wearing down
3) if this is a chronic problem with the 99s, can a later year's ragtop fit the 99, supposing the later years ragtops are not affected with this problem?
Thanks for the help!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: St. Louis MO
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Re: Convertible top problems (luvinc5)
Don't think that the frame work on 98-02 is any different. The fabric on 2000-2001 I believe are 5 layers and the 98-99 are 3 layer??? (someone will correct if wrong)
Here is a how to adjust the top http://www.wahatchee.com/C5FAQ/
[Modified by Black_Magic, 8:30 PM 11/30/2001]
Here is a how to adjust the top http://www.wahatchee.com/C5FAQ/
[Modified by Black_Magic, 8:30 PM 11/30/2001]
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 532
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From: Lone Oak Texas
Re: Convertible top problems (Black_Magic)
I think the fabric change was in 2001. The interference with the window glass is a common problem after a while, mine just started it a couple months ago for the first time after two years. It needs adjusted.
Night Race Blue 427
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,794
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From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
Re: Convertible top problems (luvinc5)
It's a common problem with 98 and 99 convertibles. 2000 they cut those corners of the top different. You might want to see you can get a 2001 top installed for the added sound insulation of the five layers.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,289
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From: the West is the best
Re: Convertible top problems (luvinc5)
I know what you are talking about as far the rubbing on the paint in the vacuum seal aree near the trunk. A little annoying perhaps, but I didn't think it was a flaw. I always chalked it up to the benefits of a vacuum seal versus the gyrations required on a C4 convertible.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Convertible top problems (luvinc5)
luvinc5.........On the very last day of my GM 3yr/36K warrantee, I brought my car into the dealer to look at the top. Like you, the driver's side window was catching the top at the upper right corner. It wasn't bad, but a few of the fibers were beginning to tear. Well, the dealer (Village Chevrolet in Wayzata, MN) took one look at it and replaced the entire top under warrantee.
I don't know if the dealer put on a '00 top or not, but the glass dose not catch on the new top. The top does feel tighter, however. In other words, I now have to push down on the top to get the latches to catch. In any case, I am very pleased with the great customer service for Village Chevrolet.
If I remember correctly, GM’s Major Guard warrantee (which I bought from Ken Fitchner Chev) does not cover convertible tops. So, if you are getting near the end of the 3yr/36K warrantee, I'd definitely have the dealer look at it in document the problem.
Oh, my old top was leaving rub marks on the back cover. The new top, thankfully, is not leaving any rub marks.
I don't know if the dealer put on a '00 top or not, but the glass dose not catch on the new top. The top does feel tighter, however. In other words, I now have to push down on the top to get the latches to catch. In any case, I am very pleased with the great customer service for Village Chevrolet.
If I remember correctly, GM’s Major Guard warrantee (which I bought from Ken Fitchner Chev) does not cover convertible tops. So, if you are getting near the end of the 3yr/36K warrantee, I'd definitely have the dealer look at it in document the problem.
Oh, my old top was leaving rub marks on the back cover. The new top, thankfully, is not leaving any rub marks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: D*ck ina Box
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Re: Convertible top problems (98-C5)
^^^ that's good news to hear, I hope I can find a dealer so accomodating :D
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 569
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From: Foresthill CA
Re: Convertible top problems (luvinc5)
Thanks for the adjustment info for the rear of the top. How do I adjust the top to get it to clear the top-rear of the side windows? Is it in the Service Manual?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: North Salem in
Re: Convertible top problems (Stu in CA)
I had this problem on my 99, on both sides (glass rubbing on top). So I went to Dan Young Chevrolet (indianapolis) and they installed a new top and adjusted the windows(lowered the rear). works perfect now!!!!!! I also noticed that the top seems tighter, needed to pull down to latch top.i was still under the 3yr/36000. good luck! :flag :cheers:
