Storage question on 5th bow issue? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

driftxtz · 09-04-2017, 02:17 PM

Should I unlock the front latch and slightly lower the the convertible top a couple of inches while in storage? I was thinking this may help reduce the pressure on the 5th bow but can anyone think of any negative problems about doing this?

DaddySS · 09-08-2017, 06:26 PM

The issue with the 5th bow is not with upward pressure when the top is latched, it's downward pressure when the top opens. Be careful with your water management bag, check the top when lowering it and you'll be fine.

driftxtz · 09-09-2017, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the advice. I saw a picture where the water bag was protruding. Luckily mine seems okay.

driftxtz · 01-13-2018, 01:10 AM

Hey DaddySS. I have read about the 5th bow issue and it seems to break initially as the top is lowered. So your statement about the downward pressure being the issue made me try to figure out how to reduce that pressure. So I have started to lift my top a little then give it gentle push off when I open it. Hopefully this may reduce the initial torque on the 5th bow when the top is lowered. I'll see how it takes before my 5th bow breaks. Hopefully I'm not doing more harm than good.

09-04-2017, 02:17 PM	#1
driftxtz Drives: Synergy Green 2010 , 1969 Camaro RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Anaheim Posts: 32	Storage question on 5th bow issue? Should I unlock the front latch and slightly lower the the convertible top a couple of inches while in storage? I was thinking this may help reduce the pressure on the 5th bow but can anyone think of any negative problems about doing this?

09-08-2017, 06:26 PM	#2
DaddySS Kept The Faith Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Convertible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bergen County, New Jersey Posts: 418	The issue with the 5th bow is not with upward pressure when the top is latched, it's downward pressure when the top opens. Be careful with your water management bag, check the top when lowering it and you'll be fine. __________________ 2011 Vert - 2SS/RS 6spd Triple Black

09-09-2017, 12:03 AM	#3
driftxtz Drives: Synergy Green 2010 , 1969 Camaro RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Anaheim Posts: 32	Thanks for the advice. I saw a picture where the water bag was protruding. Luckily mine seems okay.

01-13-2018, 01:10 AM	#4
driftxtz Drives: Synergy Green 2010 , 1969 Camaro RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Anaheim Posts: 32	Hey DaddySS. I have read about the 5th bow issue and it seems to break initially as the top is lowered. So your statement about the downward pressure being the issue made me try to figure out how to reduce that pressure. So I have started to lift my top a little then give it gentle push off when I open it. Hopefully this may reduce the initial torque on the 5th bow when the top is lowered. I'll see how it takes before my 5th bow breaks. Hopefully I'm not doing more harm than good.