Ragtop replaced?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,758
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Ragtop replaced?
How many have had thier ragtop replaced under warranty due to the window rubbing it when it shuts?
How extensive was the damage and what kind of grief did you get from the dealer?
Were you pleased with the results fit and finish?
How difficult or is it possible to replace just that outer stitched piece, and mabey trim back some of the top material before stitching a new one on, where the window rubs, and still look oem regarding the fabric?
thanks
How extensive was the damage and what kind of grief did you get from the dealer?
Were you pleased with the results fit and finish?
How difficult or is it possible to replace just that outer stitched piece, and mabey trim back some of the top material before stitching a new one on, where the window rubs, and still look oem regarding the fabric?
thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 965
Likes: 74
From: Fayetteville N.C
Re: Ragtop replaced? (fcjmfs)
Had mine replaced last year before the
warranty ran out. I wanted to get the improved
`01 top, but had to settle for a replacement
of what i originally had.
Dealer gave me no problems! They were going
to try to fix the problem by re-stiching, but
that wouldn`t work.
Good-Luck!
John
warranty ran out. I wanted to get the improved
`01 top, but had to settle for a replacement
of what i originally had.
Dealer gave me no problems! They were going
to try to fix the problem by re-stiching, but
that wouldn`t work.
Good-Luck!
John
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
Re: Ragtop replaced? (JohnNC)
I'm in the same situation. My ragtop has worn thru at the driver's side top corner edge and the back rubs onto the tonneau cover lid too. I'm planning to bring the vette to the dealer for service under warranty near the end of the month (time is too hard to find). From what I was able to read on past threads, it seems most dealers are willing to do the replacement. I also read it should take about 6 hrs to replace the ragtop and a couple of adjustments shortly after to get it where it should be.
What is not well know is the ragtop needs periodic adjustments, once every 6 months. Hope this helps.
What is not well know is the ragtop needs periodic adjustments, once every 6 months. Hope this helps.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Ragtop replaced? (kewlbrz)
We have had at least 10 replaced for the same condition.We sublet them to an upholstery shop (GM will pay me 2.0 hours,I dont think so)...Replacing the top involves gluing up front and stapling in the back,and removall of the side weatherstrips.The appearance is excellent,but I always have to do some fine tuning when they return from the upholstery shop...Hopefully,the dealer that you deal with has experience replacing them,or deals with a good upholstery shop :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
Re: Ragtop replaced? (C-5 TECH)
C-5 TECH,
Where are you located? If you are within a good drivin distance of Panama City Beach, I think you just found yourself another customer. Would the repair be done within the day or is it a turnaround of a few days/weeks?
I know this is a different issue, but how difficult would it be for the shop to flush the hydraulic clutch fluid and replace with a dot 4 aftermarket product?
Where are you located? If you are within a good drivin distance of Panama City Beach, I think you just found yourself another customer. Would the repair be done within the day or is it a turnaround of a few days/weeks?
I know this is a different issue, but how difficult would it be for the shop to flush the hydraulic clutch fluid and replace with a dot 4 aftermarket product?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,499
Likes: 0
Re: Ragtop replaced? (kewlbrz)
I was able to get mine replaced on my 98 at Huffines in Plano while under warranty. They put the new style top on. Talk to Keith Overturf.
This was after exhausting all of the other remedies such as adjusting the top, the windows, trimming and re-piping the top (which was a real disaster) at Huffines in Lewisville.
BTW the new top is over $3000 :eek:
This was after exhausting all of the other remedies such as adjusting the top, the windows, trimming and re-piping the top (which was a real disaster) at Huffines in Lewisville.
BTW the new top is over $3000 :eek:
Racer
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Re: Ragtop replaced? (kewlbrz)
I had the top on my '99 replaced a few months ago, due to the driver side window rubbing at the top rear corner. I insisted on a new top, and that was what was installed. I didn't have any luck getting the improved-for-2001 top, but as long, but they did a good job so I won't complain. Everything is adjusted perfectly, so far, with no leaks, no rubbing, and no additional wind noise.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Lone Oak Texas
Re: Ragtop replaced? (Vette XP)
I had my top replaced just last week at Huffhines in Plano, no hassle about doing it but now I have a leak at the back seal. I'll take it back next week to get them to adjust it (I hope).
PS They sent it out to Dee Trim in East Plano - good shop I've used them personally before.
Jerry
PS They sent it out to Dee Trim in East Plano - good shop I've used them personally before.
Jerry
Instructor
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Hermitage TN
Re: Ragtop replaced?
Have you ever replaced one due to black marks?
My tan top has had black marks on it since new - and is only getting worse. Cleaning does not good, it appears the marks are coming from under the top - the frame.
No problem with leaking or the weatherstrip, just ugly dirty looking marks on my tan top.
My tan top has had black marks on it since new - and is only getting worse. Cleaning does not good, it appears the marks are coming from under the top - the frame.
No problem with leaking or the weatherstrip, just ugly dirty looking marks on my tan top.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Ragtop replaced? (MMarquez)
BTW the new top is over $3000 :eek:
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro AR
Re: Ragtop replaced? (kewlbrz)
Had my wife's 98 replaced earlier this year before the warrenty ran out. The dealer gave us no problem. The top was worn through in the corner where the window hit when opening and closing. They got the top and sublet to a local shop. They did an execllent job. Also, hat the driver's seat cover replaced under warranty. It had tore apart at the seams lower left side. :D
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,758
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Ragtop replaced? (C-5 TECH)
C5 Tech, could you describe any adjustment points besides the left and right bows in the rear of the top?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Ragtop replaced? (kewlbrz)
kewlbrz.........On the very last day of my GM 3yr/36K warrantee, I brought my car into the dealer to look at the top. Like most everyone else, 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. 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. 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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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Ragtop replaced? (C-5 TECH)
We have had at least 10 replaced for the same condition.We sublet them to an upholstery shop (GM will pay me 2.0 hours,I dont think so)...Replacing the top involves gluing up front and stapling in the back,and removall of the side weatherstrips.The appearance is excellent,but I always have to do some fine tuning when they return from the upholstery shop...Hopefully,the dealer that you deal with has experience replacing them,or deals with a good upholstery shop :yesnod:
