Windbreak by Chevrolet - Installation
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Boynton Beach Florida
Windbreak by Chevrolet - Installation
I posted this on the C5/C6 Registry but thought you all might want this information.
I am not a super tech and especially on C6s but I have got my hands dirty a few times. That being said, the Windbreak by Chevrolet for the C6 convertible is installed. I truly wish someone else had been the 1st to install this and offered me some guidance, but here is the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY.
It looks really GOOD installed. A Corvette logo is silk screened on the back that is only visible from the rear (a little self serving but OK). It comes with a zippered storage pouch. If properly installed it is a clean installation (key word properly). Much nicer finish and construction then the wind deflector I used on our C5s.
If your C6 has the electric top, the windbreak bracket includes a micro switch that plugs into the electric tops harness. This would obviously not let you put the top up if you had the deflector in place. You would be required to exit the Vette and remove the deflector before crushing it or damaging the electric top, nice feature.
The instructions were BAD. I'm not a tech, but I understand the frustration Chevrolet technicians have. This is a customer accessory and the first note is to refer to another technical document, which is not included, to remove the storage compartment divider and then the waterfall. The second instruction calls for those who don't have a power top to cut the wires that lead to the safety micro switch (since it is not needed). I decided I didn't want cut wires hanging from my bracket so I unscrewed the cover and remover the switch and its wiring (any one need an extra switch, write me, its yours for free). Then the confusion sets in. I received 1 extra bracket to support the frame (15 extra minutes trying to figure out their packaging mistake). One of the support brackets was assembled backwards so the supporting rod could not be inserted (10 minutes to figure out the problem and reverse it). The whole cutting out the template to cut the carpet, then measuring and cutting up the interior of your Vette is a waste of time. Get you support brackets installed the measure and cut you carpet (another hour of wasted time, plus an extra couple of cuts in the carpet). One of the new screw guides in the bracket fell off. I think it is a compression fitting and there was no easy reinstallation. Total install time with all the right tools (you must have a set of Torx drivers) about 3 hours (1/2 of that taking out the divider, the waterfall, and the trim over the seatbelts on both sides and reinstalling it a couple of times).
The UGLY is that this is such a complex procedure, IMHO, and not any more effective then the simple windbreaks (designed by a woman) that were sold for the C5s. This really has the potential to fail in real world use and require an expensive repair or replacement. The ugliest moments include cutting the carpet then lining up the screw to go into the holding bracket and guide, into the seatbelt tensioning bracket through the trim piece. Finally understanding the instructions. If you do this project, do not cut the carpet until you complete installing the mounts, you'll be assured of cutting in the right place.
I am not a super tech and especially on C6s but I have got my hands dirty a few times. That being said, the Windbreak by Chevrolet for the C6 convertible is installed. I truly wish someone else had been the 1st to install this and offered me some guidance, but here is the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY.
It looks really GOOD installed. A Corvette logo is silk screened on the back that is only visible from the rear (a little self serving but OK). It comes with a zippered storage pouch. If properly installed it is a clean installation (key word properly). Much nicer finish and construction then the wind deflector I used on our C5s.
If your C6 has the electric top, the windbreak bracket includes a micro switch that plugs into the electric tops harness. This would obviously not let you put the top up if you had the deflector in place. You would be required to exit the Vette and remove the deflector before crushing it or damaging the electric top, nice feature.
The instructions were BAD. I'm not a tech, but I understand the frustration Chevrolet technicians have. This is a customer accessory and the first note is to refer to another technical document, which is not included, to remove the storage compartment divider and then the waterfall. The second instruction calls for those who don't have a power top to cut the wires that lead to the safety micro switch (since it is not needed). I decided I didn't want cut wires hanging from my bracket so I unscrewed the cover and remover the switch and its wiring (any one need an extra switch, write me, its yours for free). Then the confusion sets in. I received 1 extra bracket to support the frame (15 extra minutes trying to figure out their packaging mistake). One of the support brackets was assembled backwards so the supporting rod could not be inserted (10 minutes to figure out the problem and reverse it). The whole cutting out the template to cut the carpet, then measuring and cutting up the interior of your Vette is a waste of time. Get you support brackets installed the measure and cut you carpet (another hour of wasted time, plus an extra couple of cuts in the carpet). One of the new screw guides in the bracket fell off. I think it is a compression fitting and there was no easy reinstallation. Total install time with all the right tools (you must have a set of Torx drivers) about 3 hours (1/2 of that taking out the divider, the waterfall, and the trim over the seatbelts on both sides and reinstalling it a couple of times).
The UGLY is that this is such a complex procedure, IMHO, and not any more effective then the simple windbreaks (designed by a woman) that were sold for the C5s. This really has the potential to fail in real world use and require an expensive repair or replacement. The ugliest moments include cutting the carpet then lining up the screw to go into the holding bracket and guide, into the seatbelt tensioning bracket through the trim piece. Finally understanding the instructions. If you do this project, do not cut the carpet until you complete installing the mounts, you'll be assured of cutting in the right place.
