A quote from Al. O

['11 cyber grey vert]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

My body gave out at 19. So much for a promising college career. Finally had my left knee and right shoulder operated on in August of 10. Last week my meniscus in my right knee tore. Looks like I'll be going under the knife again. But I'm not complaining, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

My 1st knee operation was at 19 ( I have had 6 so far)
college career came to an abrupt end for me.
Would I do it all over again....YOU BET!!!!
Although I do miss playing goal and now I have the same feeling with my vert since she is in winter hibernation but at least the vert will be out of hibernation soon ( April)

[calbert1999]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

First, I raised the dander of GM again with some wonderful little posts I did about the great quality of our convertible tops. I told them what was going on and lead them to this great site along with the Facebook group. I also threw this quote from Al O. back at them for rebuttal.

“For many buyers, a Camaro Convertible can be a collector car, something they might keep for generations. So we made sure the tops would retain their quality for a long, long time,” said Oppenheiser. “There is great value in a convertible with the original top.” Oppenheiser knows the needs for car collectors well. He personally restored a 1969 Camaro Convertible several years ago.

Thoughts ladies and gents of the topless brethren?

My exact thought was who is Al O.?

[95birdible]

Al Oppenheiser is the Camaro Chief Engineer for the Camaro program.
Jack Pantaleo is the Camaro Brand Manager. The two big wigs of the Camaro program.

[Lee123]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

Al Oppenheiser is the Camaro Chief Engineer for the Camaro program.
Jack Pantaleo is the Camaro Brand Manager. The two big wigs of the Camaro program.

While were at it with what people do, who is Scott? Sounds like he's a reliable source of what's going on at GM, but it's never really clear to me what he does.

[95birdible]

Here is his bio.
http://history.gmheritagecenter.com/...ott_Settlemire

[Lee123]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

Here is his bio.
http://history.gmheritagecenter.com/...ott_Settlemire

Thanks. Good info about Scott and also some very interesting reading on that site. I didn't even know that there was a plan to call the Camaro a Panther, which was actually a pretty good name.

[OrangeVert]

Originally Posted by Blitz

... May not be what we are looking for, but he is answering. He has yet to lie to this community so I have to trust him that they are aware and working on it. Yes it was in the ZL1 section and there could be other motives, but again, I have to trust him based on his record. ...

Me too. +1 for Fbodfather.

Originally Posted by '11 cyber grey vert

Just retired from playing goal myself a few years ago.Body could not take it anymore.Knees are gone.Already have arthritis amongst other ailments and I have not even hit 50 yet.

Having turned 50 last month, it doesn't get better - but it's not the end of the world either. Nice to be old enough to remember the late 60's Camaros, Chevelles, and Chevy Wagons in their heyday. Traded the better part of my body for that, though. Even deal.

Originally Posted by Lee123

Thanks. Good info about Scott and also some very interesting reading on that site. I didn't even know that there was a plan to call the Camaro a Panther, which was actually a pretty good name.

Lee, very interesting indeed. Fbodfather, thanks for the memories re: the Chevrolet nameplates. I had forgotten all about the Kingswood Estate wagon, wish I could own one of those too. So many cars, so little garage space ...

[Bonanza7]

Originally Posted by 5thGenIndy500

I still think this goes back to the fact that the original European top manufacturer want bankrupt at the last minute and GM had to find another top company. The current top company also makes the vet top and they have no problems. So I feel that it was the last minute change in manufactures that caused rushed engineering which has lead to our problems. I think AOs statement was made prior to GM having to change top companies. Just my opinion. Does not make it right but, it would explain the cause of the problems.

The top was supposedly engineered by GM, and just manufactured by the European company. So the fault, as it should be, lies with GM.

[95birdible]

Now that would make sense but in corporate America nothing makes sense. I have been flat out told by Chevy and my dealership more than once it is normal wear and tear and I must be doing something to it.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Bonanza7

The top was supposedly engineered by GM, and just manufactured by the European company. So the fault, as it should be, lies with GM.

Unless the supplier that replaced the one who went bankrupt was sub-par, I would have to think...GM could have given them the best design/plans in the world...but at that point it's up to them...

I don't know who's "fault" it is....but I'm not sure it's fair to not consider other factors.

[95birdible]

But when it is all said and done GM is the one who has to fix and is the one responsible. Just like if your kid breaks someone's window your homeowners is going to pay for it.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

But when it is all said and done GM is the one who has to fix and is the one responsible. Just like if your kid breaks someone's window your homeowners is going to pay for it.

I'd agree, 100%. But just for consideration....I'd challenge you with a thought: The window is a custom piece.

Won't it take time to order, ship, and hire a contractor to install said window?

[95birdible]

True, but it also shouldn't take 2 years to get it right. And if it isn't, it shouldn't take 2,3,4, tries to get it right before you move on to a different manufacturer.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

True, but it also shouldn't take 2 years to get it right. And if it isn't, it shouldn't take 2,3,4, tries to get it right before you move on to a different manufacturer.

Fair enough - and it's certainly a point of frustration...but at this depth of understanding (on our part)...It's just my feeling that we could yield a little bit (not all) to the experts on what should or shouldn't be possible in a given time-frame.