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Convertible top problems

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Old Oct 20, 2010 | 04:43 PM
  #1  
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Default Convertible top problems

I just found two tears in the headliner on the convertible top of my Grand Sport. I thought I saw something about it in the forum a while back but didn't pay much attention. So I go to the search area to see what I can find. This problem has been going on for 5-6 years?????? Several people had said they had the headliner replaced multiple times, doesn't GM know why it's happening or are the dealers just putting in new headliners and not fixing the cause. A couple of posts mentioned a TSB on the problem, don't they usually include a fix. Has anyone had this problem lately and did the dealer do anything to keep it from happening again? Thanks for the help.
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Old Oct 20, 2010 | 07:29 PM
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4 years ago there was a DIY post on proactive measures that will help avoid future damage. I was able to get this done pretty easily. The steps I took were:
  • Sand the inside edges of the guide rails
  • Bend the rails slightly inwards
  • Apply color matched pant patches, cut lengthwise along the liner area that comes in contact with the guide rails, using silicon glue.
I've not noticed any further damage. I have a black top, so I used black patches. They don't look too bad either


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Old Oct 20, 2010 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by keyplyr
4 years ago there was a DIY post on proactive measures that will help avoid future damage. I was able to get this done pretty easily. The steps I took were:
  • Sand the inside edges of the guide rails
  • Bend the rails slightly inwards
  • Apply color matched pant patches, cut lengthwise along the liner area that comes in contact with the guide rails, using silicon glue.
I've not noticed any further damage. I have a black top, so I used black patches. They don't look too bad either
Though I just did the sanding of the rails and my '05 is doing fine even though I use the top a LOT.

Hey keyplyr, do you have pics of the installed patches? How did you bend the rails and exactly where did you bend them?
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Old Oct 20, 2010 | 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris3
Can we get some pictures of the patches installed ??...Iam thinking I may do this instead of taking it to the dealer.
I would start with lightly sanding the inside "contact" edges of the frame where the wearing/tearing is occuring. The frame has a rough sandpaper-like texture that needs to be worn down significantly, especially at the edges. Use very light sandpaper and just do it til it is smooth.
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Old Oct 20, 2010 | 10:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris3
Can we get some pictures of the patches installed ??...Iam thinking I may do this instead of taking it to the dealer.
I don't have any pictures of my own car's liner. Don't remember if the original thread had photos or not. I don't mind taking a few shots, but I won't be back at my car for a few days. I'll try and remember



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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 10:25 AM
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Im having this same problem in my 08 vert. The rips are behind the drivers and passengers head. They are small now, but I'd love to see some pics of how you fixed this.
Also what did you use to sand down the metal. It looks tough to sand.
Thanks
Nick
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 10:45 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by nickli
Im having this same problem in my 08 vert. The rips are behind the drivers and passengers head. They are small now, but I'd love to see some pics of how you fixed this.
Also what did you use to sand down the metal. It looks tough to sand.
Thanks
Nick
There is a TSB to replace some hinge pins. I just took my 08 in to get the process started. I would get to the dealer ASAP to get them to place an order for them. I have 1 small tear behind the passenger seat that I can live with. Read to many complaints about having the headliner replaced. I'll most likely reinforce it from behind.

This is a good post to read.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...liner-rip.html
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by nickli
Im having this same problem in my 08 vert. The rips are behind the drivers and passengers head. They are small now, but I'd love to see some pics of how you fixed this.
Also what did you use to sand down the metal. It looks tough to sand.
Thanks
Nick
These are good reference shots...I didn't sand mine down to bare metal...it isn't necessary IMHO...but I suppose you could. Just use very light sandpaper and I did it all along the backside of the whole thing - anywhere it might rub against the headliner.



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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 11:09 AM
  #9  
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^^ Thanks for the pictures and procedure. I'll be doing mine today.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 09:56 AM
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Default Different area??



This is behind the head of the Passenger. I highlighted the area in red. As you can see I already sewed it back together as best as I could.

When the top comes down, there is a sharp Metal Washer that scraps this area. Is anyone else having this problem and is there a TSB for this?

Thanks
Nick

Last edited by nickli; Oct 26, 2010 at 09:58 AM.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 11:44 AM
  #11  
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There is a good thread on this...take a look at my post #5 and then continue...I posted pics of what I did with it...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...liner-rip.html

The TSB that I reference there has been updated and is the same number but with D or E or even later....dealer can pull it up and show you.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 05:01 PM
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thanks for the link!! Im calling my dealer tomorrow
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 09:41 PM
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You could try taking a small diameter hose, rubber or soft plastic, split it long wise and push it over the edge of the plastic.

It might need to be glued in place, so you can use black silicone sealer as an adhesive.
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