Creases/dents in roofline

[VRZL113]

Hey guys, my 2013 ZL1 coupe (no sunroof) has these odd creases/dents along the roofline (right above driver/passenger windows). They are in the exact same locations (two) on each side of the car. Hardly noticeable unless its overcast and you stand at the right angle. I tried capturing them in a photo, but it was difficult. Just wondering if any other ZL1 owners have noticed small creases in their roofline? My car has 33k miles (purchased with 29k) and was never in an accident.

[ZED SLED]

If you're talking about this, those are the ditch moldings, for carrying rain water away.

[lbls1]

There isn't supposed to be any creases or dents along the roofline in those areas. I've detailed mine many times so I know these areas intimately.

With that said, if you look closely along the body you may find odd looking small areas that are not dented, yet may look a bit fuzzy or wavy from an angle or a distance. Sheetmetal has that unusual property that sometimes will cause faint waves, ripples in very obscure places. If you are unsure, then look at another 5th gen personally and see whether you see the same dents or issues. At this point (I haven't seen your car) I probably would not risk fixing these areas unless they were truly dented or damaged by something.

[VRZL113]

Originally Posted by ZED SLED

If you're talking about this, those are the ditch moldings, for carrying rain water away.
Attachment 997016

Nope. Not those.

These are directly above the window frames. 2 small creases similar locations on both side of the car. They look like thin dents.

[VRZL113]

Originally Posted by lbls1

There isn't supposed to be any creases or dents along the roofline in those areas. I've detailed mine many times so I know these areas intimately.

With that said, if you look closely along the body you may find odd looking small areas that are not dented, yet may look a bit fuzzy or wavy from an angle or a distance. Sheetmetal has that unusual property that sometimes will cause faint waves, ripples in very obscure places. If you are unsure, then look at another 5th gen personally and see whether you see the same dents or issues. At this point (I haven't seen your car) I probably would not risk fixing these areas unless they were truly dented or damaged by something.

It almost looks like a factory imperfection... I don't plan on messing with it, because it is hardly noticeable.

I'm anal though, and it slightly bothers me, lol. Just wondering if anyone else had something similar.

[RobZL1]

Dumb question- I think it's riveted on, but if not, is it possible that the black trim has slid / fallen down a bit?

[VRZL113]

Originally Posted by RobZL1

Dumb question- I think it's riveted on, but if not, is it possible that the black trim has slid / fallen down a bit?

The black trim is all fine... the marks I’m seeing are in the sheet metal above the black window trim. Maybe mine came with some factory defects caused by the heat from welding the roof panel.

[lbls1]

Originally Posted by VRZL113

It almost looks like a factory imperfection... I don't plan on messing with it, because it is hardly noticeable.

I'm anal though, and it slightly bothers me, lol. Just wondering if anyone else had something similar.

I know what you mean. You can get unusual bends and warps from the sheetmetal being handled in the factory. If that's the case then I'd leave it. You would never see these things in photos or from 5 feet away from the car. But being anal, or detailing the car, you see some of these imperfections. Also certain colors magnify imperfections. Black is a brutal color, and if your sheetmetal isn't right (or if you have poor body work) the black paint will shout this to the world. I wouldn't worry.

[blackbird15]

I had a small imperfection on A-piller above passenger side window. I have no idea how it got there but it was clearly noticeable. Ding was pulled out by a dent and paint repair specialist. No body or paint work was required. Cost me $100.00 Good Luck

[jsd]

hi. i know exactly what you mean. i gave my ss years ago for do carbon wrap on the hood and the roof. after picking up my car from the guy i noticed exactly the same you describe. but not only on two places on both sides. all the length on both side had dents from the elbows whem the guy stretched the carbon cover. long story. the only solution was to bring the car to an other guy which repaired the dents.

[VRZL113]

Originally Posted by jsd

hi. i know exactly what you mean. i gave my ss years ago for do carbon wrap on the hood and the roof. after picking up my car from the guy i noticed exactly the same you describe. but not only on two places on both sides. all the length on both side had dents from the elbows whem the guy stretched the carbon cover. long story. the only solution was to bring the car to an other guy which repaired the dents.

This is good to know. Glad I'm not the only one.