Convertible top problem

[C_Dogg]

How do you keep the top from rubbing through the gell coat where it meets the fiberglass? I seem to have one spot about an inch long that is wearing, and I'm afraid that if I can't prevent the abrasion it will eventually cause damage to both the top and matching body part. Does anyone else have this problem? What have you done about it?
Thanks in advance,
Stan

 

[corvettecrazy]

well if you care TONS about that spot which is on all C5's (our 2000 has one on each side about 4" long) they sell cut to shape plastic that is thick enough to prevent it and you just lay it around where the black rubber is and it is wide enough to protect some of the paint also. must be removed when top is down and replaced when it goes up to be useful so its alot of on and off.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
The correct way to rectify this condition is to adjust your #5 bow pressure to the deck lid.
If you look at the attached diagram, you only need a 13mm and a 15mm.
Simply loosen the jamnut, and adjust the bolt in, or out, depending on which way you need to go.
HOWEVER, always do the EXACT same thing on both sides.
Simply fold the top together, so that both ends are pointing up, and do the adjustment.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[*89x2*]

Is that the same for a C4 Vert????????
Thanks

 

[Stan The Man]

Previous information

Follow this link:

Convertible Top Paint Wear Through

Doing a Search will also reveal further information.

Best regards,

 

[c4c5specialist]

Is that the same for a C4 Vert????????
Thanks

Hi there,
No, this is not for c4.
There are different procedures for c4, due to the fact that the rear #5 bow need to be retained in the deck with the 2 pins. However, there are ways to adjust the pressure on the deck, to alleviate the wear that is common.
Also, c4 engineering also released the protectors because there was just so much confusion.
c5 never needed a retainer pin at the rear, however, noone is advised that a simple adjusment is all it takes.
As for the revised part number for the rear deck weatherstripping, Per serivce bulletin 02-08-111-01 the rear seal is 10319827 in the US.
This is the current part number, and can be ordered through GMSPO.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[C_Dogg]

Thanks C4/C5, and the rest of you. I feel much better knowing there is a fix for the concern of mine. This forum is a great place to be if you are a Vette owner.

 

[corvettecrazy]

is this what every one is talking about? this is what I am. so this can be fixed by adjust the bar in the next post.

 

[corvettecrazy]

is this the bar that I would have to adjust?? will dealers do it?

 

[C_Dogg]

Yep, thats the baby. I have it only in one spot, it looks like yours is worse than mine. If you are still under warranty, yes the dealer will fix it. If not, then see the above from c4/c5.
Good luck :s :s

 

[jvdaniel]

In the knowledge base there is a service bulletin to replace the weatherstrip under the fifth bow. The dealer just replace mine last week. This will raise the top off the body. This was done under warrenty.

 

[corvettecrazy]

will they replace it for free if it is not still under warrenty??

say i would tighten those bars what do I do after that??

 

[BackSpacer]

here is a good link to help you adjust your top.

c5 top adjust

 

[Craig-o]

I've had numerous, annoying convertible top problems over the last 2 years in my '01. The first was wearing through the paint on the tonneau cover. The next was wear on the fabric, apparently when stowed. Both, were serviced by the dealer under warranty.

Now, about 2 months after the dealer made some adjustment, (and I'm about 1500 miles out of warranty) I've got a noticible wear spot on the tonneau cover. Upon investigation, the 5th bow appears to contact the tonneau on the curved section right behind the drivers seat when the top is raised or lowered. There's an extra piece of fabric glued to the bow at this spot suggesting it is known to contact the painted surface.

c4c5specialist, or anyone with knowledge on convertible top adjustments, is there some adjustment that will increase the clearance over the tonneau when the top is being raised or lowered?

 

[Stan The Man]

There is a well documented record of this problem, look up the TSB from this sites knowledgebase.

My convertible was fitted with the 2002 fifth bow seal, which appears to be thicker and more solid in the areas giving the problem. I have seen late tops where the gap between the top fabric and the hard tonneau cover was adjusted so that it would be possible to just touch the seal with the tip of a small finger. Mine has a gap thick enough for a thick card to be placed in to touch the seal, it has been said that a credit card thickness is all that is required.

I would vote for a wider gap due to the fact that the flexing of the chassis when running over obstacles will cause the seal to compress and possibly come into contact with the hard tonneau cover.

I accept that the top can be adjusted in a multitude of ways but GM would not have produced a modified seal without good reason.

Stan

 

[corvettecrazy]

why didn't they just make the black rubber seal on the body about 3/4" wider to solve the paint problem???

how much does it cost to have the top fixed at a dealer??

 

[Stan The Man]

It seems very simple but there is more in it than meets the eye. Look carefully at the top fabric material that has been coming into contact with the hard tonneau cover and you will see 'flats' or even worn through material. The seal itself contacts the black plastic insert in the tonneau cover. Note also that there are at least two versions of this insert, earlier ones were smooth and could cause 'squeaking' as the top moves due to the reasons mentioned previously. The later insert has a textured finish which helps prevent the irritating noise. The top has to be correctly adjusted so that the seal is in firm contact with the insert but the fabric which is projecting over the painted area has a good clearance gap.

Making the seal wider would not in itself solve the problem as all the above criteria will still have to be met. If the fabric touched the seal it would soon wear through. The cost of replacing the top material is more expensive than refinishing the tonneau cover. Neither of which is necessary with the correct parts and adjustment.

My seal was replaced under warranty so I was not billed for the work, the labour to fit the seal is 30 minutes but adjusting the top will depend on the skill of the person executing the job. Our forum experts have quoted several hours followed by a few minor adjustments when the hood has settled down.

I drove my car top down until the replacement seal was fitted, only raising the top to wash or garage the vehicle. The top fabric still showed signs of the contact that was being made and the tonneau clear coat just slightly abraded, which fortunately polished out.

Best regards,

StanTheMan