GentleBen

I know that the Mods have closed a lot of the Roof Recall threads but none that I have searched provided the answer to the question I have. I have also checked the NHTSA site as well as the GM site on the recall and neither lists how the recall is to occur, or for that matter the serial numbers involved.

I am in the beginning stages of a significant body modification - new Caravaggio front fascia, GS front fenders, and Lingenfelter rear fascia to go with the previously installed Caravaggio rear wide body. With so many pieces being replaced I intend to have the entire car sanded down and repainted. This includes, of course, the removable painted top.

QUESTION: Does the GM body shop need the entire car to work from to perform the swap or can I just take them the top? I would rather not hold up the modifications at this point but need to consider the alternative of not taking the top in during the recall and having to have it (possibly) look a different shade of LMB later.

talon90

In the past, the replacement top will arrive at your dealership, unpainted and without hardware (handles, trim and gaskets). The dealership will paint the new top when it arrives and transfer the hardware from your old roof to the new roof.

They will only require the top to transfer the hardware. Some body shops may request that the whole car be left and I would guess mostly for paint matching.

GentleBen

Based upon your answer then all they should need, at least initially, is the old top as I want to have it painted at the same time as the rest of the car by the same shop. All they would need to do is to add the handles trim and gasket and not paint it.

I could need to take it back to the dealership later to have the tension checked but they should be able to handle that quickly.

Is my thinking correct?

mksz51

I would think they could use the old top for paint matching. NO way will I leave the entire car when I can leave the top only.

Bandit1

You will probably have to leave the car with the dealership and/or the body shop when the top is finished (minimum). They will need it to 'fit' (adjust) the new top to 'your' C6 to ensure you have no air or water leaks.

turmat

Leaving the car was not a big deal for me as mine is not a DD. They kept my car in the service area for all of the time they had it and it was in fine shape when I picked it up. I had specified that they NOT wash the car and they did not.

They offered to do the change out it and use the old top to match but I wanted to see the top matched to the rest of the car.

Your call really. I was very happy with the results as mine had separated (all this happened over a year ago) and really needed the repair. Good luck....

mksz51

The thing I worry about most is the local dealer's overall LACK of experience with Vettes (or picky Vette owners). Dealership has changed hands multiple times recently and just changed ownership again in the last month. In 2007 they had 1 new Corvette that finally sold in early 2008. NO 2008 or 2009 Vettes sold by that dealer. I had service work performed by them once in the past on a new Tahoe I had purchased (recall work installing a gas tank shield) and when I picked the vehicle up there was grease all over the door panel on the inside. Sure - could have been a fluke - but I don't trust them at all. I'd leave the roof but that's about it. I'm almost tempted to ignore the recall because I have zero problems with the existing top (mine's an 05) and the vehicle spends minimal time in the sun to delaminate the original glue.

hot1

Plus the dealer will want to match the paint and verify the VIN. Fit should only take about 1/2 a day.

AFVETTE

In fact I asked to keep the old painted panel as a souvenir, but was told they needed to return it to GM.

Dealer had my car two full days, but the paint match was FLAWLESS and I could find nothing to complain about, and lord knows I tried but was back in 06 when the parts were hard to find. I'm hoping dealers will some new panels in stock before folks are asked to bring in their cars.

Tom

TommyV

I'm using a transparent top now, but my solid one was foam injected during the first recall or TSB. Will they still replace it?

trivette

I just brought my old top in the trunk of my CTS and picked up the replacement painted top with hardware transferred the next day. The dealership never required the car itself. Top fit was excellent, and I've not had it back since. Being a black car, I was not worried about color match; had it been silver, blue, or orange there might have been some concern. It has been noted that the replacement tops are a bit heavier than the originals.

Bandit1

If it falls within the VIN and year range, probably. However, most dealers will want to visually verify the top has seperated and is included in the criteria. As Tom said, depending on what their local process is, you will be without the top when the newly unpainted part arrives and will not see it again, as they return ship it to GM. Ultimately, the sub-supplier will have to 'make good' on the rejected/defective part escape.....that is, if they are still in business.

GOLD72

I think most dealers are going to spray the new top to match the roof bow color rather than the old top color and therefore are going to want the car itself. JMHO.

mracer

I'm hearing on some of the finicky colors, dealers are painting halo's too?
Mike

VinC6

What about trasparent roofs???

AFVETTE

They are not part of the recall. The Lexan top was NEVER a problem.

Tom

jpgolf14

called my dealer in NE Pa about the recall yesterday, and they knew nothing about it. certainly gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling...

VinC6

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, cp.org, Updated: December 31, 2009 1:52 AMGM recalling some 22,000 Corvettes over removable roof problems
WASHINGTON - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says General Motors is recalling more than 22,000 Chevrolet Corvettes over problems with their removable roofs, which could separate from the vehicle.

The recall, which was announced this month and begins in January, applies to 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvettes and 2006-2007 Corvette Z06's with removable roofs.

The NHTSA says the adhesive between the roof panel and frame can separate, which would cause noise, poor fit and water leakage. If the adhesive completely separates, the roof panel could come off the car.

Dealers will install a new roof panel free of charge for affected cars, the NHTSA said.

For more information, owners can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Owners may also contact the NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.

Raazor

I'm as **** as they come. I'd rather PAY for a new roof than leave my car at our local dealership!!!!

Grumpy

they will need the car to make sure the top fits correctly. I had mine replaced and other than the wait for the top to come in, the longest part was watching the tech fool with the latches. He didn't quite get it right as the drivers side window, when rolled up, struck the top too hard and knocked a chip out of the window, which they replaced along with re-tinting. Still doesn't fit right, creaks and groans, but no way are they getting another shot.