newest top out by gm (6/27/12) and retrofit for early models

[SSTOKED]

If you read the instructions posted by sycraft on page 2, it mentions "lay out the new corded top". I think the cords you may be referring to are pre-assembled in a way that they end up on top of the bows. The rest of the instructions don't seem to mention anything about purposely locating them there...unless I missed it. Scary instructions if you ask me. It really is surgery. Is there such a thing as car surgery malpractice if these repairs go awry?

[bulllett]

Originally Posted by SSTOKED

Is there such a thing as car surgery malpractice if these repairs go awry?

heh heh......

[95birdible]

Those marks you are seeing that look like rubs from the cables is actually dirt and dust that are on them. My new car had the same thing. Some industrial glass cleaner and a rag and it came right out and has not returned in over 3 thousand miles. Just a thought. Clean it up before you blow a gasket.

[classicrockr]

Originally Posted by SSTOKED

If you read the instructions posted by sycraft on page 2, it mentions "lay out the new corded top". I think the cords you may be referring to are pre-assembled in a way that they end up on top of the bows. The rest of the instructions don't seem to mention anything about purposely locating them there...unless I missed it. Scary instructions if you ask me. It really is surgery. Is there such a thing as car surgery malpractice if these repairs go awry?

Mine was installed a month ago - the cords were NOT above the bow.. So far I've got no rub marks...after about 75-100 cycles up & down.

[cactuseater]

Originally Posted by classicrockr

Mine was installed amonth ago - the cords were NOT above the bow.. So far I've gotno rub marks...after about 75-100 cycles up & down.

Not sure about this, but if it was a month back you more than likely do not have that new part number that was just released to the warehouses when yours was installed. Double check with the dealer on your part number for us all, it is very possible your canvas may not be this part number. If not,that may explain the difference in the cable routing. On another note, as long as your top is holding up and looking good (as I see it definitely is ), you're one of the lucky ones! Good vibes your way, as I said before, these are such beautiful cars - especially the verts - and I personally am very happy for anyone that has been fortunate to not have to deal with the top problems anymore if they had them previously. (Jealous, actually....)

I am hoping the same for mine when I get it back this coming week. I don't know how I'd handle it if it comes back screwed. Good thing, means I'm not even entertaining that thought.....

Best Regards....

[pony]

Originally Posted by bulllett

Its home and I took some pics. Couple areas of concern with wires but it looks pretty good. The 2nd bow got new hardware/rails on the ends. Four "engineers" and the shop lead mechanic worked on it. He said they took lots of pics while they were doing it.

Gotta run with wife for friday night entertainment so I'll post up the pics a little later.

After the install, were you given any instructions about leaving it up for a period of time to let it stretch, or "go ahead and cycle at will"?

[themoneypit]

looks pretty good bullett. hows the wind noise? that is a little crazy about the cords ontop of the bows, im curious to see how it holds up with these. as mentioned, clean it good and see if the marks come back. let us know!! and thanks for posting up some pics!! you da man!

[Drago77]

Looks like I'm next in line for the Retro treatment... should go in next week... parts are in, just waiting on the GM Techs...fingers, toes, legs, arms, hair.... got it all crossed praying!

[tramtwo]

Originally Posted by Drago77

Looks like I'm next in line for the Retro treatment... should go in next week... parts are in, just waiting on the GM Techs...fingers, toes, legs, arms, hair.... got it all crossed praying!

I have a ship date of Friday for the "new" top. My install is being outsourced to a local trim shop (sounds pornographic) with over 50 years of experience. Man I hope they can get it right the first time. My current top looks like crap but it doesn't leak or whistle.

[pacecarguy]

ok folks. picked up my Pace car today with the 2nd gen top installed - dealer had it for a week - Monday to Monday. Overall, much nicer fit and look I think, especially at the rear.

Here is a link to my personal Smugmug site where I have posted detailed photos.

http://pacecarguy.smugmug.com/Cars/Camaro-2nd-Gen-Convertible-top/24348314_Ms3Fxq#!i=1983875430&k=g6RWXSV

But, I have to say several things....

1. I never noticed on my old top, but there is now a silver metal wire above each rear side window that is visible, was that on the old top also, or you 2nd gen top guys, do you see that on your new top also? My concern is that it is close to the window weatherstrip and may eventually tear it?
2. There is a slight waviness visible on the drivers side, but only if the light is hitting it in the right way.
3. To me, it seems like with the top down now, there is nothing visible now that will flap in the wind if you drive with the hard tonneau cover off. I have not had a chance to take it on the road at speed yet, anyone else have any experience with this aspect?
4. From the little driving I have done don't notice any wind noise to complain about. Also have not done any leak tests...
5. I'm curious if anyone has this issue - may want to take a look. As you can see on several of the photos with arrows, on the front passenger side I am pointing to a silver guide pin that aligns the top onto the top frame when it closes. It was pointed out to me that my driver side guide was never installed at the factory? They have ordered me that part.
6. I do see one area over the 2nd bow (barely visible by orange arrow) where it appears there is a cable routed between the bow and canvas as noted in another post, but it's very hard to see on mine and I don't think (aka hope it won't) it will cause any issues.

On another note, I have included several photos of my trunk lid seal/wire harness rub issue. There is a bulletin out there that has a fix of a certain slippery black tape that they are going to use to wrap the harness when they put the new seal on... pretty high tech... they have to order that special part.... lol.


Well, let me know if you have any questions. I don't have the paperwork in hand yet with any part numbers, etc. I was told they ordered the original part number in their system, and this new design showed up.


PS, they were also a little po'ed because the service book has GM paying them about $450 to do the replacement.... the specialty top supplier they use charged them $1200 due to he excess labor hours....plus the Chevy Aveo 7 day rental car costs. oh well.

[Drago77]

Pace-
Good photos; I'm about to undergo this myself... in your opinion, does it seem the cords will damage the top in their new placement? (Particularly across the bow when the top is up and taught)

And what about the infamous rub marks? Does this design move the fabric away from the pinch points? Or did they adjust the stopper to get less compression at the point.... can't really tell in The pix.

If you could get a side shot of the rails, where you took the shot of the nearly closed headliner.... that may give me.some answers.

Well best of luck to you!!!!

[theragtopguy]

Those wires just don't look right to me......

[themoneypit]

i agree, those wires shouldnt be visible. they arent on bulletts car. otherwise it looks good, and it looks like the rails sit higher in the well like the second design mechanisms, so that should take care of the pinch points. on mine, the side that pinches sits way lower than the other side that doesnt. both your rails sit a few inches higher than mine. i think GM is on the right track with this top

[He11bent]

Bulllett or pace,
Was you whole top & mechanism replaced or just the fabric with mods to the mechanism?

Thanks,