Convertible Stowage Lid

[ramrod]

I have a 93 convertible....the area on the Convertible Top Stowage Lid, where the convertible top rear weatherstrip makes contact with the paint, has become slightly marred from contact with the weatherstrip.

These do not appear to be scratches ...just paint discoloration / hazing.

I tried Meguires Paint/Body scrub but this did not seem to have any effect ...any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rod.

 

[GS Diva]

I think that's a fairly common problem with the C4 convertibles. I had the same situation with my '88 convertible...there was nothing I could find to remove these abrasions. My '96 has a protectant piece that I believe was put on at the factory that eliminates that problem.

Maybe someone else has an answer.

Elaine

 

[DetailingDude]

I have a 93 convertible....the area on the Convertible Top Stowage Lid, where the convertible top rear weatherstrip makes contact with the paint, has become slightly marred from contact with the weatherstrip.

These do not appear to be scratches ...just paint discoloration / hazing.

I tried Meguires Paint/Body scrub but this did not seem to have any effect ...any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rod.

If you could post a picture of it.......... I'd like to know the level color variation.

 

[*89x2*]

I just took the hardtop off my 93 tonight. Saw some light marks but they buffed out - The protector strip seems like a good idea - Is it avail. In Ruby???????

 

[ramrod]

Marks on Lid

DetailingDude,

My daughter has my digital cam right now ...may be able to pilfer it back tomorrow

I am not sure I could capture the variaton in color with a photo ...maybe if the light is right.

Looks kinda like a faded area ...not really a scuff. Almost like someone polished an area dull .....sorry for the corny explanation ....Problem is that it follows the entire contour of where the convertible top weatherstrip has been contacting the paint ...the width of the lid basically and about 1/2" in depth.



Rod.

 

[safety_match]

For future...cut a piece of felt in the same configuation as where the top sits on the deck. Cut two small holes in that felt to allow the pins to go through in order to lock the top down. Use the felt every time you put the soft or hardtop on.
This will minimize abrasion.

Safety

 

[TAC]

I just took the hardtop off my 93 tonight. Saw some light marks but they buffed out - The protector strip seems like a good idea - Is it avail. In Ruby???????

The best protector I could find is the 3 piece adhesive backed unit from GM. The part # is 12524512. I found it for almost $100 at a shop in Wa. Good luck.

FWIW I have used the static cling ones and they don't work well if you drive the car much and put the top up and down at will.

TAC

 

[DetailingDude]

Re: Marks on Lid

DetailingDude,

My daughter has my digital cam right now ...may be able to pilfer it back tomorrow

I am not sure I could capture the variaton in color with a photo ...maybe if the light is right.

Looks kinda like a faded area ...not really a scuff. Almost like someone polished an area dull .....sorry for the corny explanation ....Problem is that it follows the entire contour of where the convertible top weatherstrip has been contacting the paint ...the width of the lid basically and about 1/2" in depth.



Rod.

Ok, sounds to me like the UV damage to me and there is not a treatment for that as there is pigmentation loss. I think those strips have UV block in them so that should be ok in the future. I'll wait to see if I can see anything in the photos before I go locking myself into that as an opinion though.

 

[RubyDropTop]

What he is seeing really has no realtionship to UV damage. I also have a '93 convertible, and I know exactly the marks that you are speaking of. What you are seeing is the result of a GM design flaw.

Think about it...you have weatherstripping in direct and firm contact with a painted surface - a surface that will flex and move whenever the car leaves the driveway.

You have marring/etching of the clear coat, plain and simple. No rubbing compound or polish will remove what you are seeing. Your best bet is to have the decklid stripped down and re-cleared. Following that, you must use a protective barrier between the top and the decklid paint, or you will end up back where you started.

This is a very common problem, one that really should have never made it into production (or past the designers' desk) if you ask me.:duh

 

[ramrod]

Striiped down

Are we speaking of a total repaint or just reapplication of the Clear-Coat?

 

[paintdaddy]

You would only ned to apply more color if it wore through the clear into the base coat.Also if you use some kinda dressing on the weatherstripping it will help prevent this.Its not full proof but it will help