Roof flies off after tire replacement
08-28-2017, 05:10 PM
#1
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Roof flies off after tire replacement
Had a frightening experience today. Took my 2015 Stingray coupe to Discount Tire to replace the original factory tires. Picked up my car when the work was finished, and got onto the Interstate to run some errands. I heard wind noise that seemed to be coming from the top of the windshield. Before I could do anything about the wind noise, the roof lifted up and flew off the car. Thank goodness I was driving in the far right lane and the roof did not appear to hit any following cars or any other object that I could see, or to land in the roadway. After stopping and calling the police non-emergency number and the tire store manager, I turned around and retraced my path three times. In three drive-by searches, two on the highway and one on the frontage road, I was unable to spot either the roof, or any sign that it had hit anyone or anything.
Went back to Discount Tire and talked with the store manager. He was very professional and responsive, just as we have come to expect from that company. He explained that changing out the tires stresses the frame, and that the technicians loosen the roof panel to relieve some of that stress. That's news to me, but maybe other Forum readers are aware of that. I told him that whoever loosened my roof forgot to put it back on right. He said he'd already had that conversation with his staff. Discount Tire ordered a new roof, and is arranging to have it painted when it arrives from MI.
In any event, you might want to take notice that after having the tires replaced, checking to see that the roof panel is secure could be 15 seconds or so very well spent.
Be safe, and best wishes to our Houston brethren in their time of distress and need.
Went back to Discount Tire and talked with the store manager. He was very professional and responsive, just as we have come to expect from that company. He explained that changing out the tires stresses the frame, and that the technicians loosen the roof panel to relieve some of that stress. That's news to me, but maybe other Forum readers are aware of that. I told him that whoever loosened my roof forgot to put it back on right. He said he'd already had that conversation with his staff. Discount Tire ordered a new roof, and is arranging to have it painted when it arrives from MI.
In any event, you might want to take notice that after having the tires replaced, checking to see that the roof panel is secure could be 15 seconds or so very well spent.
Be safe, and best wishes to our Houston brethren in their time of distress and need.
08-28-2017, 05:17 PM
#2
Team Owner
Been going to Discount for ever and never saw them loosen the Roof panel.
Sounds like their own nonsense will cost them. They are lucky no one was hurt.
Sounds like their own nonsense will cost them. They are lucky no one was hurt.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 08-29-2017 at 09:41 PM.
08-28-2017, 05:21 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
That sounds crazy I've never heard of loosening the roof panel to replace tires. At least they are making it right. Kind if socks that you'll be without a top for some time though.
08-28-2017, 05:22 PM
#4
Yeah, that manager's story is bonkers. He must still be living in the era of Smokey and the Bandit Firebirds.
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astaggs (08-29-2017)
08-28-2017, 05:37 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
You sure they didn't take your car out for a drive with the roof off?
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08-28-2017, 05:49 PM
#8
Racer
^^^
This. Sounds to me like someone took your car for a ride after removing the roof and didn't put it on correctly. At least they are making good on their blunder.
This. Sounds to me like someone took your car for a ride after removing the roof and didn't put it on correctly. At least they are making good on their blunder.
08-28-2017, 05:57 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
In fact, it seems like leaving the roof on would make the car more rigid.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; 08-28-2017 at 05:57 PM.
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JerryU (08-28-2017)
08-28-2017, 06:23 PM
#11
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St. Jude Donor '13
As others have pointed out, the C7 doesn't have a flex problem. Last generation I'm aware of that had the issue was the C4.
If the manager does indeed replace & repaint your roof promptly, I would just educate him that his precautions were unnecessary (and expensive), put the new roof on, and go enjoy the car.
If the manager does indeed replace & repaint your roof promptly, I would just educate him that his precautions were unnecessary (and expensive), put the new roof on, and go enjoy the car.
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astaggs (08-29-2017)
08-28-2017, 06:32 PM
#12
Racer
I've had service on my 2014 coupe and C5 and C6 Drop top Corvettes. The store alway opened doors, trunk and hood before lifting car. Maybe just store policy.
08-28-2017, 06:37 PM
#14
08-28-2017, 06:41 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
I agree with everyone else... and why does the roof have to be painted? You should be able to get an OEM color-matched roof, unless maybe you have painted stripes or something.
08-28-2017, 06:49 PM
#16
Does anyone else find it strange that you couldnt find the roof? How much time elapsed from when it went airborne until you pulled over. Could someone of actually stopped one road and grabbed you roof?
08-28-2017, 07:04 PM
#17
I actually just had my tires changed on my 16 last week and when i got the car back, only one of the latches were latched, including the rear, so the same thing ALMOST just happened to me
08-28-2017, 07:11 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
That is total B/S, I have worked at dealers for 25 years and never heard of such a thing! Luckily no one was hit, damn brother that sucks hope everything works out,that roof should already be painted.
08-28-2017, 09:05 PM
#19
Pro
If they are going to make it right with you why make anymore waves.....just my opinion.
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kenownr (08-29-2017)
08-28-2017, 09:12 PM
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
As others have pointed out, the C7 doesn't have a flex problem. Last generation I'm aware of that had the issue was the C4.
If the manager does indeed replace & repaint your roof promptly, I would just educate him that his precautions were unnecessary (and expensive), put the new roof on, and go enjoy the car.
If the manager does indeed replace & repaint your roof promptly, I would just educate him that his precautions were unnecessary (and expensive), put the new roof on, and go enjoy the car.
