GCRoberts

Somehow I missed this when I picked up my new Vette at the dealership a few weeks ago. There is a faint black streak in the paint behind both seats. The pic enclosed just shows the streak behind the drivers seat, but they are pretty much identical. I say "faint", but on velocity yellow, it stands out pretty clearly. This is a brand new car that would have sat in dealer lot for many months...including last summer. I'm guessing it's some sort of baking in of the soft top material into the paint. Or maybe the baking in of something that had been used to treat the top. There really isn't any "rubbing" going on when the top is raised or lowered, so I don't think it's related to that at all.

I've tried unsuccessfully to wash it off, but had been hesitant to take any more aggressive actions until I had spoken to my dealer (Criswell). I spoke to my salesman yesterday and he said that it should be covered under warranty without any problems. I'm not overly worried about getting it removed (hopefully without taking much clear coat with it). I am curious about what made this occur since I obviously don't want it to happen again.

DJCobol

I have the same thing on my 06. It comes from when the top is up and there is a part of the top that rubs against the paint.

68sixspeed

I think you are seeing some black from the fabric on what would be similar to the package tray area when the top is up. On the vert it is just some fabric that rests on the painted fiberglass hatch/top cover.

Did you try a clay bar?

GCRoberts

I'm going to order some clay bar from Zaino this week, but I hadn't considered that as an option. I was assuming it would take some buffing compound.

BlueOx

I can't see it on my LMB vert. Good luck getting rid of it.

GCRoberts

Have you ever tried to remove the streaks?

GARYFINN

Can't see this on my White Vert.

GCRoberts

I question the "rubbing" part though. When I picked up the car, it had 3 miles on it. I had VERY few "top up" driving miles on the car before I noticed it. I suspect the marks occurred while the car sat on the lot.

Have you ever had the streaks removed only to have them come back again?

swissguy

Have the same thing on my (new) white 2011 GS. Have not tried to remove yet, but I think i will go away with polish or clay.

CaliforniaDave

I would suggest using the most mild polish (like Griots #4 machine polish) on it, then wax or seal it.

In my opinion, I wouldn't let the dealer touch it. I've seen dealers remove imperfections leaving swirls and other damage. Just my opinion. Looks like a simple fix and when you get a nice coat of wax or sealant on there, if it returns, it will likely wipe off with little effort.

bonnell

Mine is black so I wouldn't see it as easily but I can't recall seeing anything that looked out of place. Good luck getting it out. I imagine that it can be polished out.

weathermaker

Take some cleaner/wax and go at it. It will come right off.

johnodrake

Nor on my silver one

AORoads

don't see it on orange that I recall. but Caldave is correct; start with the mildest form of "cleaning". to me, that means actual polish or wax because it usually has some kind of "petroleum distillate" in it and may just remove the stain. then, you can go on to some dual action, cleaner and wax/polish. then, to cleaner and/or claybar. go slow no matter what you use, use the least amount of pressure and use clean everything cloths for each step.

jwf

I noticed the same thing on my new Torch Red convertible within a week of bringing it home. I just assumed it was from the top since the top seems to clamp down snuggly when it's up so as not to allow any leaks. I have not tried to remove it.

colesc5

I wonder if Magic Eraser would take that off?

DaveVY

I have seen this on our vette too. It is from the elastic on the mesh fabric rubbing on it when the top is UP.

I use Adam's products. The revive polish removed the residue on there but to make the paint perfect again I had to use the 4" focus pads with the polishes to restore it back to normal.

We no longer drive with windows down since that seems to make that mesh shake/rub. No it is windows up or put the top down. No more problems now.

Bill Suttie

Those marks are caused by the anti glare shield when your top is in the up position. Remove them by hand with some mild polishing compound. To prevent their return, take some "Walgreens" extra strength clear packaging tape and place an appropriate sized strip where the mark was. The marks have not returned on my car in 4 years.

2vette2

Same here.

Corvette ED

I have them on my Red 07 conv. I just use some mild polish and rub them out.