My new problem

[cam62]

I'm about out of fight.. I've got better and more important things to do that stay on GM's ass about design problems on a 45k car. Too bad we can't charge GM for our time and trouble. I've lost so much time from work back and forth to the dealer. For those that aren't aware.. this was the replacement vehicle from the buyback of my 2011 vert.

Soo disappointing.

[cam62]

Originally Posted by babytiger

cam62, yours does look excessive, protruding more. ours is just on the drivers side and sticks out just a bit.

yup.. ANY is too much though!

[rubbersoul84]

I'm not asking them to repair anything at this point (except the seat latch that just stopped working). I'm just having that and some other minor rub marks documented. I figured it's better to do it now since I won't be driving it much this winter and it's going to be a year old in December. My next step depends on what they say.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Originally Posted by cam62

My build 12/11/2011 does the same thing. Same thing from my dealer. Fine.. I'll wait till it rubs enought to become a hole and GM can spend a lot more money fixing it.

So over all this... can't even sell the car and get decent money.. no one wants to buy a vert with top problems.

If you would like, I can research this for you further. I will need your first and last name, address, phone number, VIN, mileage and involved dealership.

I look forward to your correspondence.

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

[cam62]

Thanks, but no thanks Brandon. I've been around the block more than once regarding the poor design on these tops. This is my second one. GM bought my first one back and I gave gm a second chance.

I know the drill here and what to do.

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

If you would like, I can research this for you further. I will need your first and last name, address, phone number, VIN, mileage and involved dealership.

I look forward to your correspondence.

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

[rubbersoul84]

So I went to the dealer today to have the rub marks documented. After about 3 minutes the girl came back and said they were ordering me a new top. Not the mechanism, just the top. She says they will get under there and fix any of the places that are causing rub marks. She didn't address the issue you see in the photo I originally posted, but as of now there are no rub marks there. My guess is, they think they can adjust that issue away when they do the replacement.

I'm actually ok with the results today. I didn't expect the new top since my rub marks are minor. I was just hoping to have it documented before I store her away for the winter. They will fix my busted seat latch too.

Overall, I am very impressed with the dealer, especially since I didn't purchase the car from them.

If you live in the Baltimore area, I would highly recommend Bob Bell Chevy in Bel Air. As a rule, I hate dealer service departments, so that's quite a compliment coming from me.

[rubbersoul84]

Attempting to put some photos of my rub marks/wrinkles here. Apologies in advance if I screw it up!








The marks in the second image are actually dents. That's new from just last week.

[cactuseater]

Sorry to hear that yet another convertible owner is having this problem. That top does not look good, and it is a relief to know that they did in fact order you a new canvas. The problem lies in the design flaw defective mechanism, but GM is playing a very hard stance on replacing them as a whole unit thus correcting the problem. From what I gather in this forum, from dealers, and GM top brass -- they are not replacing deign flaw defective mechanisms, rather they are "modifying" them to accept the newly designed retro-fitted canvas. I've had a few of these installed already. Square peg, round hole. Sooner or later they may get it right. One good thing, the new canvas is worlds better than the original.

Here's what you need to look for....and only after a qualified technician replaces that retro-fitted top correctly. Make sure the sides at the quarter glass windows are properly installed into the channels. The tension cables should not be visible and hanging down from the top at the quarter glass either. That would indicate improper routing of the cables, and would more than likely require new weatherstripping as well. Check your top to make sure the plastic end caps are not rubbing the top from the underside, creating yet a new problem (hole). Makes sure that they do not leave any metal shavings in your car anywhere, especially from a drill bit, and especially anywhere in the area the top sits while down. Document any pre-existing damage to your car before taking it in, and have them acknowledge it. As myself, others are experiencing additional property damage to the car due from installers that are not careful with your car. Make sure the water management system is operating properly before leaving the dealership.

If you'd like, take a look at my thread with a lot of pictures that can guide you. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229493


Helping anybody from having to go through what I am still dealing with is my pleasure.

Best of luck, good vibes your way.

[theragtopguy]

Originally Posted by rubbersoul84

Attempting to put some photos of my rub marks/wrinkles here. Apologies in advance if I screw it up!








The marks in the second image are actually dents. That's new from just last week.

Yup, they could be pictures of my top. Good luck. I'm waiting until Spring, might as well let this one go through the winter.

[cactuseater]

Originally Posted by cam62

Thanks, but no thanks Brandon. I've been around the block more than once regarding the poor design on these tops. This is my second one. GM bought my first one back and I gave gm a second chance.

I know the drill here and what to do.

You got lucky, they actually offered you a buyback!!

Beautiful car man, nice color choice! We have twins....

Unfortunately, we are twins with design flaw defective top mechanisms as well. Hope all goes good with your repair. I was a big fan of GM as well until they started to bury me on this convertible by not fixing the nonconformity. I own two 5th Gen SS's - one's the M6 2SS/RS Coupe. Also had a '10 SS/RS auto, and an '11 2LT auto. There's four Chevy's in two years. Add to that an '11 Cruze for my daughter at home to make it FIVE new cars in 2 years. Also, my 2004 Z06 Covette that I picked up off an Air Force retiree. And now this.

This car has become a part-time job. And my faith in GM is fading very fast, as it did 21 years ago when a I last bought a car from the Big Three. Came back for the performance cars offered by Chevy and BAM, like I didn't see it coming.

[evlar]

Originally Posted by theragtopguy

Yup, they could be pictures of my top. Good luck. I'm waiting until Spring, might as well let this one go through the winter.

+1 here. I might as well get some more mileage (and hopefully time for GM to get their s**t together) before pushing the issue with my worsening rub marks.

Good luck to all, this is just soo sad.

[95birdible]

Cam and I both got a buyback. Mine bunches up a bit on the drivers side by the rear deck. I just tuck it under for now. Mine was a 4/4/12 build with all the fixes that are supposed to be in place. Just waiting for the new Cuda' to come out so I can trade or sell this one off. Not worth the hassle of worrying when not if there will be any problems in the future.

[rubbersoul84]

+1 here. I might as well get some more mileage (and hopefully time for GM to get their s**t together) before pushing the issue with my worsening rub marks.

Well, that was supposed to be a quote...I failed. :-)



I thought the same thing, but I wanted the marks documented before I put her away for the winter. I asked about the new mechanism and was told GM won't do it. My feeling is, they are doing the new top now in case it happens again...building a case.

I will be in the garage putting that top up and down all winter to see if I get more marks on the new top! (Though I already know I what will happen.)

[Michael Rophone]

Originally Posted by rubbersoul84

I will be in the garage putting that top up and down all winter to see if I get more marks on the new top! (Though I already know I what will happen.)

Remember to keep her on a BatteryTender between those Canvas Pilates sessions this Winter, so she starts right up in the Spring.

The old rule was: you have to drive a car 25 miles to get the battery recharged to the level it took to start the car.