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Originally Posted by babymandm
I didn't ask about the dash, I know this car has it on the doors but I don't know about the dash. I'm sure that would brawl some looking though! I'd love that option.
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I'm certain I erred on the dash lighting. It's been so long since I've driven my convertible I'm unable to remember. The doors definitely have ambient lighting. Mine is an aqua blue color. Not sure if that is the "default" color all of them came with.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLSuperfly
Was their anything in particular which makes 2013 vert tops less susceptible than eariler years?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babymandm
I was wondering the same thing. Did they do something different to make the 13 tops have few problems? Just curious.
Thanks for all your help. Once I hear back and if they can work with me, I plan on checking out the car and asking lots of questions and doing as much research as possible. I'm hoping I can find someone who knows more about Convertibles that can go with us if we go. I'm going to ask around. Thanks again!
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Certain parts of the top mechanism underwent a redesign beginning in the Fall of 2011 / Winter 2012. The top material, however, was not changed.
The changes were undertaken in order to alleviate "pinching" of the cloth top when retracted or in the process of retracting. This is with all likelihood how the "rub marks" developed which had a good chance of advancing to holes in the top cloth material. The edges of the top when retracted also appear to rub against the body also causing rub marks for some owners.
Furthermore, the water drainage bags located in the rear fender wells were redesigned to be larger and have more secure drainage tube connectors (the tubing provides water to drain from the bags to the outside under the fenders) which often came loose from the bags (as well as getting clogged with debris) allowing water to escape into the cabin front and / or rear floor boards, rear seat, and trunk.
You'll find numerous members here whose convertibles have undergone more than one top replacement and, yet, the same problems appear to persist. Several have also had GM buy their cars back (I'm guessing that happens with a small percentage of every manufacturer's vehicles).
Mind you, not everyone has had these problems and not everyone has had each one of these problems, but, they do exist and the number of posts here prove it.
Then there's the "tonneau" cover. The cover is designed to fit over the retracted top to make it look more "polished" (and also prevents us from seeing the top in our rear view mirror flapping around due to wind turbulence). It looks great but for a number of people it hasn't been. First off, there are 2 bolts which should be attached behind the tulip in the gap between the rear brake light and retracted top which serve as anchors for attaching the tonneau cover.
These bolts did NOT come attached to the vehicle from the factory. They need to be installed by the service department or new owner. The majority of buyers didn't know this (I only learned about this by reading the forum prior to purchasing mine). The tonneau was then placed over the top without being anchored in place and most often flew off, becoming airborne like a bat. A LOT of people didn't know about that. If you buy, double-check these bolts are in place. Just because it's a pre-owned 'vert doesn't mean the previous owner(s) or service departments knew about this.
Around the same time as the redesigned top parts, GM redesigned the tonneau cover. The original tonneau cover had two plastic clips which clip on to / slide over the bolts. Even when properly attached, the tonneau still had good chance of blowing off. The redesigned 2nd version had two small bungee cords instead of the clips. It was an improvement for some, but others still had issues with the cover coming loose and even blowing off.
The tonneau only came from the factory on the 2LT and 2SS trims. 1LT and 1SS it was an add-on "option". Therefore, it's not an absolute necessity. GM must've thought it's OK for the top to flapping in the wind driving 55 mph. A fair number of members aren't confident that's health for the top cloth.
This is a youtube video made by one of our Camaro5 members of his tonneau cover blowing around:
The 2013+ MYs appear to have far fewer top problems but are not immune to them. I suppose no convertible ever is. That's the burden you live with when you own a convertible, regardless of manufacturer.
Mind you, a lot of us don't have problems (but they could crop up at any time) but it's still a KILLER car. If you can afford it, look at 2013's. They're somewhat less risky because of the guaranteed redesigned mechanism and associated parts and have more features and options (backup camera, navigation).
Also, are you aware of what the 2011's don't come with vs. 2012+ MYs? No backup camera (only backup audible "assistance" as in "beep"), no navigation, 2011 & 2012's came with darkened tail light lenses with the RS package - which became standard on 2013+ MYs.
Also be aware that if buying a 2011, 2012 or 2013(?) 2LT or 2SS, the tonneau cover COMES WITH THE CAR from the factory. It's standard equipment. Make sure the it's there when you're inspecting the vehicle. Also be aware the SS does NOT come with a spare tire nor is there a GM option for one. If you want one, it'll either require you to load a full-size spare into the trunk or aftermarket spacers because of the brakes. What does come standard is an inflator and a can of gunk to patch a leak with. On the LT trims the "donut" spare is an option.
It's certainly not my intention to dissuade you from considering the purchase of a 5th Gen. Convertible but only to make you aware of some of the well-known problems that have existed with the earlier MYs, in particular. I'd imagine you wouldn't be keen on buying what someone else has divested themselves of because of problems that you then have to deal with. There are plenty of problem-free 'verts out there but knowing what the issues are can make or break your ownership experience.
You've got a lot of reading and researching to do. It should be fun, however. You're making a big purchasing decision and, driving a 5th Gen. Camaro convertible is awesome.