can it be true...a FIX????

[Drago77]

So here's what I've learned today:

Despite request and recommendations from my service manager; GM will NOT replace my entire top mechanism as verbally agreed during the BBB meeting. Instead; they are providing the "Retro fit" top replacement, water management system and carpeting for my car; in addition to an extended warranty to cover these items. (However, duration had not been disclosed)

All necessary parts are on hand at my service shop along with the (no exaggeration) 35 page installation manual... I know Sycraft Already posted the written portion which didn't look all that bad... but when you add pictures... 35 pages!

My regional cust service supervisor has dispatched the GM tech to do the install. I'm hoping its the same one as last October; when, although they weren't able to fix the rub marks; they did correct all the other problems created by the previous dealerships. Just need to coordinate dates.

I was explained this new design is also being retrofitted into all existing GM verts until the stock is depleted and they change over to the new design completely. There is no eta on that, however speculation was the end of 2012/beginning of 2013.

Fingers crossed again...

[bulllett]

Originally Posted by Drago77

So here's what I've learned today:

Despite request and recommendations from my service manager; GM will NOT replace my entire top mechanism as verbally agreed during the BBB meeting. Instead; they are providing the "Retro fit" top replacement, water management system and carpeting for my car; in addition to an extended warranty to cover these items. (However, duration had not been disclosed)

As I understand it (through my sources) there is no longer a mechanism and top available (like the pic that was posted up a few months ago). You could only order parts for the frame work if necessary. The retro fit is the only thing available now

[Drago77]

Bulllet- that's what I was told also. My service manager tried ordering an entire top frame, motor.etc
..but was denied.

Surgery begins Monday...

[pnyklr]

When I inquired about a new mech I was told "Not gonna happen".

-Funk

[Drago77]

Funk- that was part of my BBB resolution, but what they're saying now is there's no single assembly, they'd have to order each individual part and GMs not gonna authorize that without the parts been proven defective....

[95birdible]

I say BS that they don't have the whole mechanism. They are put together as one and shipped to the plant then installed. Look at the 4th gens. You can still buy the entire mechanism for a top replacement. It would be much easier for GM just to step up and replace the whole thing that piece it together like an erector set. Damn bean counters are running the show again.

['11 cyber grey vert]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

I say BS that they don't have the whole mechanism. They are put together as one and shipped to the plant then installed. Look at the 4th gens. You can still buy the entire mechanism for a top replacement. It would be much easier for GM just to step up and replace the whole thing that piece it together like an erector set. Damn bean counters are running the show again.

That is what I have been saying all along...the bean counters run gm.

they will attempt to fix problem A, then A+B, then A+B+C

What the bean counters don't realize is that they end up costing themselves in the long run....more warranty work, buybacks/lemon lawed vehicles,lost customers etc...

I , for one, could not even get new carpeting approved after the flood in the backseat.GM Canada would only approve new underpadding.

I have been a long time supported of GM....I used to zero in on GM cars when I was in the market for a new one...no longer the case!!!

[Drago77]

Let me start my story w a disclaimer for GM;

I was adamately denied a complete new top from General Motors even after my BBB claim. They offered to apply the new top skin/modification and give me the extended warranty; and really, what grounds did I have to argue? As far as we knew, the "fix" applied to the top anchoring straps and not the frame.

Well during assembly, it was discovered the original servicing dealerahips trim shop drilled a plethora of sheet metal screws into the bows to attach the top. The supervising GM tech did the right thing; scrap the top.

Long story short(er) they pulled a full top assembly ; water system to frame from the factory and installed that.

It looks phenominal. There are no wrinkles, buldges, exposed wires nor any wind noise. The top is TIGHT! I saw the damage to the old top and the drain hoses on the old water bag; obviously different from the new.

I'm no mechanical genius nor expert on the top mechanism, so if there's subtle differences, I really don't see them other than the following: the TSB tapes are in place on the verticle braces, however it looks like part of the design instead of an afterthought. There are nylon cords that guide the top and pull it away from the frame... that to me seems to be the biggest difference and the key to eliminating the top from rubbing against the frame...so new frame or not, I think those wires will help everyone... my top appears to sit lower in the well towards the back, it may just be that its new; and tight but it seems to angle back and the arms/rails definitely stick upward.... need to push them down manually to install the tanneau...

So far very few top down miles, but so far no rub marks, no wind noise and tops tight... hopefully this saga is finally over!

[bulllett]

Originally Posted by Drago77

... hopefully this saga is finally over!

Good vibes out to you sir. Here's hoping that you are correct!

[whidobie]

Hope it is over for you and no more problems!

[classicrockr]

Originally Posted by Drago77

Let me start my story w a disclaimer for GM;

I was adamately denied a complete new top from General Motors even after my BBB claim. They offered to apply the new top skin/modification and give me the extended warranty; and really, what grounds did I have to argue? As far as we knew, the "fix" applied to the top anchoring straps and not the frame.

Well during assembly, it was discovered the original servicing dealerahips trim shop drilled a plethora of sheet metal screws into the bows to attach the top. The supervising GM tech did the right thing; scrap the top.

Long story short(er) they pulled a full top assembly ; water system to frame from the factory and installed that.

It looks phenominal. There are no wrinkles, buldges, exposed wires nor any wind noise. The top is TIGHT! I saw the damage to the old top and the drain hoses on the old water bag; obviously different from the new.

I'm no mechanical genius nor expert on the top mechanism, so if there's subtle differences, I really don't see them other than the following: the TSB tapes are in place on the verticle braces, however it looks like part of the design instead of an afterthought. There are nylon cords that guide the top and pull it away from the frame... that to me seems to be the biggest difference and the key to eliminating the top from rubbing against the frame...so new frame or not, I think those wires will help everyone... my top appears to sit lower in the well towards the back, it may just be that its new; and tight but it seems to angle back and the arms/rails definitely stick upward.... need to push them down manually to install the tanneau...

So far very few top down miles, but so far no rub marks, no wind noise and tops tight... hopefully this saga is finally over!

Drago,
I have to push mine down to use the tonneau as well. The first time I did that though, I noticed that after a 6 hour road trip, when i put the top back up, I could see a faint outline of the "V" rub marks again. I've decided not to use the tonneau now. Keep an eye on things...

[Nutbutt]

Good luck ! Like I have been saying all along, this is the only real fix !

Originally Posted by Drago77

Let me start my story w a disclaimer for GM;

I was adamately denied a complete new top from General Motors even after my BBB claim. They offered to apply the new top skin/modification and give me the extended warranty; and really, what grounds did I have to argue? As far as we knew, the "fix" applied to the top anchoring straps and not the frame.

Well during assembly, it was discovered the original servicing dealerahips trim shop drilled a plethora of sheet metal screws into the bows to attach the top. The supervising GM tech did the right thing; scrap the top.

Long story short(er) they pulled a full top assembly ; water system to frame from the factory and installed that.

It looks phenominal. There are no wrinkles, buldges, exposed wires nor any wind noise. The top is TIGHT! I saw the damage to the old top and the drain hoses on the old water bag; obviously different from the new.

I'm no mechanical genius nor expert on the top mechanism, so if there's subtle differences, I really don't see them other than the following: the TSB tapes are in place on the verticle braces, however it looks like part of the design instead of an afterthought. There are nylon cords that guide the top and pull it away from the frame... that to me seems to be the biggest difference and the key to eliminating the top from rubbing against the frame...so new frame or not, I think those wires will help everyone... my top appears to sit lower in the well towards the back, it may just be that its new; and tight but it seems to angle back and the arms/rails definitely stick upward.... need to push them down manually to install the tanneau...

So far very few top down miles, but so far no rub marks, no wind noise and tops tight... hopefully this saga is finally over!

[comeinpeace]

DRAGO-does your sports bar need to be removed every time you service your ragtop?
and more importantly- good luck! now enjoy it!

[Davis83]

[Drago77]

Originally Posted by comeinpeace

DRAGO-does your sports bar need to be removed every time you service your ragtop?
and more importantly- good luck! now enjoy it!

I left it on... they did remove it and I gotta tweak it a little now, their alignment wasn't exactly right; its causing friction with the passenger seatbelt.

[bombgolf]

Forgive my ignorance and not to change the subject but doesn't that mean that a complete top IS available?

[pony]

Originally Posted by bombgolf

Forgive my ignorance and not to change the subject but doesn't that mean that a complete top IS available?

Yes AND NO.

1. Your convertible top and frame get destroyed by a tree branch falling on it. Body shop orders a new top and mechanical assembly; No problem we'll get that right out to you. (insert Smiley with puckered lips ready to kiss ass)

2. You have a defective top from GM with issues of holes, broken bows, trim not staying in channels, and wires hanging out; "I'm sorry, GM doesn't have this assembly to replace your top with. We will be happy to send you out some duct tape and glue" ( Insert smiley with middle finger).

Trying to stay positive with a little humor, but not far from the truth.

[bombgolf]

Thanks for the response, I have had the tape fix/TSB performed but frankly I can't believe that is the solution for the problem. I am keeping my eye on it and trying to lean forward with good gouge from those that have endured this issue.

[cactuseater]

@ Pony -- You're right on point with that man. Well said.

And for the tape fix....that still to this day has me cringe when I think about it. Even thought the TSB fixes nothing (design flaw fixed with tape?) I still wonder how long the tape will stick to the frame before it falls off. Maybe right around the time the warranty is over? Appeasement. Psychological tape fix, smoke and mirrors ladies and gentlemen.

Such beautiful cars we all own too, really. These things are head turners and fun to drive. Sorry for the rant, still really pissed about mine.

[Drago77]

I've written (and deleted) at least 5 responses to this thread... trying to balance not pi$$ing off the "powers that be" who fixed my car, and yet stay true to those whom I suffered with for all these months/yrs waiting for a fix...

I can honestly say the only thing I notice that is making a drastic difference are the new cables, which come with the latest top enhancement. They appear to be the only functional difference... all other TSBs are in place and appear similar on my 2013 top as the dealer installed versions.

Some people have reported a different top material, larger rear window etc... I can 110% attest that the window is the same; I used the same tint company and they used the same laser cut die for my old window and new.

Likewise, I really don't see a difference in the fabric. I parked next to another white vert at the track yesterday; chaulked full of rub marks... tops looked/felt exactly the same; minus the marks.

Don't know what to tell anyone about the complete replacement. Only reason I got it was because the original installer drilled a rediculous amount of holes in the bows. In all honesty; that probably had some effect on my marks; restricting the top movement inside the channels.

Still not much top down driving, but definitely no signs of any marks yet. Had a torrential down pour Saturday night and it stayed bone dry.

Best wishes to all those who have and are still dealing with this. I can recommend my service dept: Starling Chevy in Saint Cloud Fl to anyone who's dealer may wanna speak with one that got it right. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions via PM.

[pony]

Originally Posted by Drago77

I can honestly say the only thing I notice that is making a drastic difference are the new cables, which come with the latest top enhancement. They appear to be the only functional difference... all other TSBs are in place and appear similar on my 2013 top as the dealer installed versions.

Best wishes to all those who have and are still dealing with this. I can recommend my service dept: Starling Chevy in Saint Cloud Fl to anyone who's dealer may wanna speak with one that got it right. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions via PM.

I'll take you up on that

[SSTOKED]

Originally Posted by Drago77

I've written (and deleted) at least 5 responses to this thread... trying to balance not pi$$ing off the "powers that be" who fixed my car, and yet stay true to those whom I suffered with for all these months/yrs waiting for a fix...

I can honestly say the only thing I notice that is making a drastic difference are the new cables, which come with the latest top enhancement. They appear to be the only functional difference... all other TSBs are in place and appear similar on my 2013 top as the dealer installed versions.

Some people have reported a different top material, larger rear window etc... I can 110% attest that the window is the same; I used the same tint company and they used the same laser cut die for my old window and new.

Likewise, I really don't see a difference in the fabric. I parked next to another white vert at the track yesterday; chaulked full of rub marks... tops looked/felt exactly the same; minus the marks.

Don't know what to tell anyone about the complete replacement. Only reason I got it was because the original installer drilled a rediculous amount of holes in the bows. In all honesty; that probably had some effect on my marks; restricting the top movement inside the channels.

Still not much top down driving, but definitely no signs of any marks yet. Had a torrential down pour Saturday night and it stayed bone dry.

Best wishes to all those who have and are still dealing with this. I can recommend my service dept: Starling Chevy in Saint Cloud Fl to anyone who's dealer may wanna speak with one that got it right. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions via PM.

Nice write up!

[cactuseater]

Originally Posted by SSTOKED

Nice write up!

[cactuseater]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

I say BS that they don't have the whole mechanism. They are put together as one and shipped to the plant then installed. Look at the 4th gens. You can still buy the entire mechanism for a top replacement. It would be much easier for GM just to step up and replace the whole thing that piece it together like an erector set. Damn bean counters are running the show again.

My belief is it is being done for a reason, to minimize or completely wipe out orders for the complete mechanism to correctly "fix" the defective design flaw. Now they can say, simply, that it is "not available". Convenient.

[95birdible]

You may be right about the latest and greatest 3rd chance to get it right. But they must have stock for those that need it via accidents etc. I cannot imagine a body shop telling a customer sorry that will be 2 months on your top due to there is none. Yeah right. What are they making, 7 to 10 thousand cars a year. They have to be making more tops than that. All I can say is when they finally hit the parts warehouse, I am buying the whole thing in the box for years down the road when I need one. Just get a shop to bolt it up and bam, new top.