Bummer 
Removable roof panel problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
Removable roof panel problem
It seems on my removable roof that the painted part is separating from its frame. This is on the back part of the panel. Does anyone know how this panel is attached to the frame?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 662
Likes: 41
From: LI NY
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by antoniopaolo
No problems here. But if it were me I would get that sucker top into the dealship and exchanged under warranty ASAP.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
From: Palm beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by jojo26
It seems on my removable roof that the painted part is separating from its frame. This is on the back part of the panel. Does anyone know how this panel is attached to the frame?
Last edited by BIGGGIE; Jul 31, 2005 at 10:54 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
This happened to mine after 1200 miles. Only removed the top once. Dropped the top off about 2 weeks ago, they said they'd replace, but I haven't received my new one yet. I've heard of C4 vettes having this problem, and a friend of mine that ran a body shop had told me they were glued on. But I have no direct experience with this occurring before. My C5 never had this problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,457
Likes: 144
From: NC
I think they have an issue with these tops. Mine creaks like hell. Not at the weatherstripping either. You can take it off and set in on edge on your shoe and lightly press on it and it creaks. REALLY annoying. Of course it only does it under certain conditions and the weather makes or breaks those conditions. Seems there is styrofoam in between the top and the liner that has come loose or something.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by cerino2000
I think they have an issue with these tops. Mine creaks like hell. Not at the weatherstripping either. You can take it off and set in on edge on your shoe and lightly press on it and it creaks. REALLY annoying. Of course it only does it under certain conditions and the weather makes or breaks those conditions. Seems there is styrofoam in between the top and the liner that has come loose or something.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: Seguin Texas
Very timely post. I was washing and waxing my coupe yesterday and noticed that the center portion at the rear of the roof panel was raised a bit. I could gently push it back down flush but it would come back up. I took the panel off and noticed that the painted composite protion was not firmly attached to the frame at that point. First issue with the car in over 5 months and 4000 miles. I will be off to the dealer for a "fix". I'll follow up after I hear what they have to say.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: Seguin Texas
Let me add a post script to my previous post. I left the roof panel off last night and lubricated the rubber seal that is on the rear mounting surface with armor all. this morining I put the top panel back in and the fit was perfect. additionally the top panel is solid. My thoughts the frame of the top panel and the painted composit panel are not susposed to be completely bonded. The problem lies with the rear seal. If you don't malke sure the top seals properly the rear seal will be crimped and thus push the composite painted protion of the panel up. I still want ot take it to the dealer and have it checked but I am more inclined to find the fault lies with the rubber seal, which if bad, should be covered under warranty. comments.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: Seguin Texas
Third installment:
I thought the above technique was a fix. The car was in the sun for less than an hour today and the roof panel bulged up again in the rear. I took it to the local dealer (afraid of what they would say) and was most pleasently surprised. After the service writer told me I would have to leave it etc. When i balked at that he did say that I could see if the body shop manager was in. I found him and after the normal greetings he said" this is the thrid one we have seen with the problem. We will order you a new top, our paint guy will take your paint code now and we will call you when we have the new top painted and ready for installation" Now that is service. He said the problem is the bonding of the inner frame and the outside painted composite panel. Now before we all get up in arms that Chevy should be able to do better remember the space shuttle also has a bonding issue with composites. Bottom line is it appears Chevy is aware of the problem and is 'up front" correcting it. I am so far very impressed with the dealer and the attitude.
I thought the above technique was a fix. The car was in the sun for less than an hour today and the roof panel bulged up again in the rear. I took it to the local dealer (afraid of what they would say) and was most pleasently surprised. After the service writer told me I would have to leave it etc. When i balked at that he did say that I could see if the body shop manager was in. I found him and after the normal greetings he said" this is the thrid one we have seen with the problem. We will order you a new top, our paint guy will take your paint code now and we will call you when we have the new top painted and ready for installation" Now that is service. He said the problem is the bonding of the inner frame and the outside painted composite panel. Now before we all get up in arms that Chevy should be able to do better remember the space shuttle also has a bonding issue with composites. Bottom line is it appears Chevy is aware of the problem and is 'up front" correcting it. I am so far very impressed with the dealer and the attitude.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 662
Likes: 41
From: LI NY
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Check 6
Third installment:
I thought the above technique was a fix. The car was in the sun for less than an hour today and the roof panel bulged up again in the rear. I took it to the local dealer (afraid of what they would say) and was most pleasently surprised. After the service writer told me I would have to leave it etc. When i balked at that he did say that I could see if the body shop manager was in. I found him and after the normal greetings he said" this is the thrid one we have seen with the problem. We will order you a new top, our paint guy will take your paint code now and we will call you when we have the new top painted and ready for installation" Now that is service. He said the problem is the bonding of the inner frame and the outside painted composite panel. Now before we all get up in arms that Chevy should be able to do better remember the space shuttle also has a bonding issue with composites. Bottom line is it appears Chevy is aware of the problem and is 'up front" correcting it. I am so far very impressed with the dealer and the attitude.
I thought the above technique was a fix. The car was in the sun for less than an hour today and the roof panel bulged up again in the rear. I took it to the local dealer (afraid of what they would say) and was most pleasently surprised. After the service writer told me I would have to leave it etc. When i balked at that he did say that I could see if the body shop manager was in. I found him and after the normal greetings he said" this is the thrid one we have seen with the problem. We will order you a new top, our paint guy will take your paint code now and we will call you when we have the new top painted and ready for installation" Now that is service. He said the problem is the bonding of the inner frame and the outside painted composite panel. Now before we all get up in arms that Chevy should be able to do better remember the space shuttle also has a bonding issue with composites. Bottom line is it appears Chevy is aware of the problem and is 'up front" correcting it. I am so far very impressed with the dealer and the attitude.
I do not want any non factory painted panels. Make sure you are really satisfied with the color match.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Mineral Virginia
Originally Posted by Check 6
Third installment:
Now before we all get up in arms that Chevy should be able to do better remember the space shuttle also has a bonding issue with composites.
Now before we all get up in arms that Chevy should be able to do better remember the space shuttle also has a bonding issue with composites.
What he said