Convertible top 5th bow replaced

[DaddySS]

I finally took the plunge – removed the top, replaced the 5th bow and brackets, and did the rubbing modifications per the TSB. GM Customer Service was no help – after multiple communications all I got was “the car only has 8,000 miles but it is past warranty in years”. I had hoped Chevy would stand behind their product a bit more considering the top issues and being a long time Chevy customer (first car was a ’64 Impala SS convertible with a Muncie 4 spd) but no luck.

The Parts per #PIC5449D: Convertible Roof Cloth Sags At Rear / Large Gap Between Number 5 Bow And Rear Panel - (Nov 4, 2015) Total parts were about $500.

Part Number Description QTY
22856131 Folding Top Pivot Bracket - LH 1
22856132 Folding Top Pivot Bracket - RH 1
22936377 5th bow / bracket assembly 1
11611499 Pin 8
19120405 Clip 8
11546538 Rivet 4

I had asked on the forum how to get the correct 5th bow and the answer is if you order the bow, the part was revised in the system – same part number and you’ll get the right part.

And thanks to DanielW and Angie11 for their complete write ups – a huge help (and inspiration).

The Patient:



The Problem:











Part of the cause:

Water bag too tight in the corners





The repair:



Whether you’re doing just the brackets or the full repair, order a couple of clips for the High mounted brake light – they don’t stock them online and it takes about two weeks.




The progress:

Note that I taped cardboard across the trunk in case the top got too close during the removal.





Note how the old bracket on the left hits is touching the cardboard, ahile the new bracket on the right is an inch or more higher – that’s how bent the bracket was.

Note also the blue plastic interior trim tools, if you don’t have a set get them, invaluable for all trim work. Eastwood has an inexpensive set – I’ve had mine for years.



Final prep:

I cleaned and coated the top with the Raggtop kit. I like to mask the car. Only takes 30 minutes and saves a lot of cleanup after.



The result

[Royal Tiger]

Great write up!!!

I too have my Chevy (non)Customer Service story. Real shame.

Hopefully my top stays perfect.

[oldschoolkat]

Thx 4 sharing .... hoping I don't run into this issue

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[DaddySS]

Originally Posted by oldschoolkat

Thx 4 sharing .... hoping I don't run into this issue

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

The enhancements in the "13 should keep you from the trouble, I advise to always stop halfway down and check how the top is folding, and clearing the water management bag.

[sbubbaklein]

great job

[Deputy347k9]

A wonderful job done and many thanks for the great pictures, give a greater understanding. I have a 2014 convertible and pray I never have to do this but if I do it's from owners such as yourself that has made the job much clearer, especially with all the part numbers as well as the small tidbits such as ordering a couple of clips for the high mounted brake light! Not fun when you have the car torn apart and learn that you need two little clips and they are not in stock! Again, thank you and a job well done. Even though it was a pain in your backside look at what you have learnt and accomplished! You might even be able to teach some of the so called techs on what to do and how to properly do it! Larry

[buffetfn1]

Thanks for the informative post! Fingers crossed they have it right on my 13

[DaddySS]

Thanks all for the kind comments. The job was more stressful and time consuming than difficult. The time consuming part is taking care not to break clips or parts, figuring where to pry on what and where to start on some of the pieces.

Another hint is spend the $25 on good heavy duty rivet tool if you're going to use the GM rivets.

Those of you with '13 and up tops have the revise water management system, revised bow and pivots so you should have no worries. I still say take care with the top when lowering. Properly cared for the 11's and 12's should be OK too - mine was bent when I bought it.

[95birdible]

From all my experiences with my first 2012 built on 7/26/11 and my buyback car built on 4/9/12, the differences are night and day with the top and bag. Per Jack Pantaleo the former brand manager, Mary Barra, and many others in Corporate GM who I was emailing and talking with, the changes to the bow and bag were put on the line in February of 2012. The top with cords was revised for the 2013 model year to pull it tighter. If you have a 2012 with a build after February, you should be good if you maintain it properly and do not abuse your top.

[JimB3028]

Did you have to make any adjustment to the water bag to prevent this from happening again?

[Chodaboy]

Anyone know where I can source one of these in the UK? Or possibly just buy the brackets from the US without the bow. Shipping cost for the entire bow to the UK is ridiculous.

[Whoomba]

Mines a 14 and only minor issues. It’s stuck twice but I blame that on it being cold and water in the back floor a few times. Never resolved that.

[slphawk]

On a 2011 do you need to replace the bow or can you just replace the brackets, pins and retainers? The bow now cost $400. The rest of the parts just cost me $470.55.
Thanks, Jim.