New top separating from frame :(

[Nutbutt]

I reluctantly Got my top replaced a week ago and followed the instruction to not lower the top for a week. Well I finally lowered the top then raised it and guess what! The top separated from the frame above the back side windows. I know this seems to be a common problem with the new tops but I haven't seen anywhere that the issue has been fixed ?

[Drago77]

That's EXACTLY what happened to mine after the top was replaced. Basically, that piece you "snapped" back into place is actually supposed to be slid into the channel, if you can push it in, its already been ruined- most likely by the installer who pushed it in instead of sliding it in. Once that piece has been forced into place improperly, it loses its structural integrity and will no longer lock in place.

There's no fix for that part- they'll have to replace the entire top.

[Nutbutt]

Argh ! That's what I figured !

[Drago77]

so... put the (2nd replacement) top down/up today for the first time (8 days since pick-up) and what'do ya' know...

its popping out of track again. Below are some pictures to illustrate the issue. The severe pic, is after the first top replacement, where I actually watched the trim guy "pound" the rail into place... which resulted in that abomination as pictured. Now the second top- I've driven around town since I picked it up, and it wasn't noticeable, (however the wind noise was) but after finally cycling the top, and checking the rail, there was about 1/8" play in it where it could be "snapped" into place with little effort. I circled the effected area.

my request- for those with replacement tops- or anyone experiencing "wind noise" in the rear, please check this area on your top, and see if you can "push" the top (rail) into place... if so, don't know what the fix is, but we may have found the root cause of the wind noise...

and I just had the new rear window tinted... again...

[RAWarrior]

Sounds like this time since they screwed up the installation there should be no doubt that they need to replace your tinting this time....this is just nuts!!!! (sorry NutButt, couldn't help myself )

[Nutbutt]

#$%@ That's exactly how mine is ! And when I went to the dealership who called the trim shop that did the replacement, they said that they PUSH that seal in. They did not slide it into the mount ! They said they could pinch the mount to hold the top. I then told the dealership that that was not acceptable. Thats not a fix but a hack ! They are calling GM for a replacement, I wonder who paying for this one !

[Drago77]

They called GM Tech last time who instructed them to replace the top, which they did, but appearantly it's the frame bracket that's been damaged. I'm so sick of this sh!t!!!!!!!


oh, and for what it's worth- wear/rub marks are STILL coming back even with the wonderful new tape!

[Nutbutt]

So Drago, are we the only one with this problem ? I expect to see a few more people chime in on this. Actually I was hoping for more so I could ride my GM case person a little harder on this problem too! I'm at the point now where I just might start looking at a ZL1 and get rid of the vert and the 69 vert.
Again I love this car and driving it daily ! I just can't stand the top problems.

[Drago77]

I'm a little disappointed as well by the response...I guess on the bright side- if this is an isolated problem, at least that means its fixable. Currently, mines not coming all the way out, like it did originally, so maybe there are more out there, the owners just haven't noticed since its not an obvious gap until it blows completely open?

I've got to assume however, the wind noise is directly proportionate to that rail seal... seems to fit my scenario anyway. I already called my dealer, back it goes this week.

[Nutbutt]

Yes, mine is back in on Wednesday. I know what they are going to do. I'll drop it off at 8 and get a call at 12 saying they need to get another top and reschedule an appointment with the trim shop.
There goes another 2 weeks !

[Drago77]

Just for shits n grins, I started a new thread, asking people to check their tops and posted a few more pix today, as it seems to be getting significantly worse as I cycle the top... unbelievable.

[OrangeVert]

Drago, at your point I wouldn't be able to stand it either. I'd be looking for a 2SS with a sunroof - or something else, I bought this car because it was a convertible and we need to have at leat one vert in the family. [Edit: not to discurage anyone from buying a C5 vert, just get prepared to deal with problems you MAY have. So far mine is 100% ok, for now]

[Nutbutt]

Don't get me wrong, I still love this car. I just should have followed my instincts and not replaced the top till I was sure the fix was working. Believe me I have had other verts and had nothing but issues also. would I recommend a camaro convertible ? YOU BET !
Just please fix my top