GM no longer sells sail panel replacements. Alternatives?
11-09-2010, 02:13 PM
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GM no longer sells sail panel replacements. Alternatives? I finally save some cash to replace my horrendous sail panel, but sure enough, GM no longer sells them. Would finding someone to create one for me, perhaps out of metal, be a realistic (and affordable) option? Share your thoughts on a feasible solution if you would please. 
11-09-2010, 03:38 PM
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11-09-2010, 05:23 PM
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I tried repainting mine with dupli-color just to get me by because it was SO bad. Came back within weeks. Tried removing one from a car, it's a PAIN, and I gave up. I sawzalled off the whole roof and have it in my back yard. I'm going to try laying a thin fiberglass skin over it to get the exact shape, then prep and paint that, and try gluing it over the stock piece. I'm hoping since there will be space and glue between the new piece and the stock piece the gas will not come through and will escape through the glue or sides instead of being forced through the paint.
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11-09-2010, 06:50 PM
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Getting ready to go to the junkyard for the third attempt at cutting one off a 93-97 car. It's a royal pain, I gave up after an hour and 1" of progress. The price has been right so far, $11 at Pull A Part and $40 at another local junkyard. I would LOVE to have an aftermarket one.....as much of a need as it is I can't believe no one has stepped up. I'd pay couple of hundred just to not have to deal with the aggravation of cutting one off.
I would almost consider showing my car, except for everyone wanting to know why my roof is rusted and bubbling. Thanks GM.
I would almost consider showing my car, except for everyone wanting to know why my roof is rusted and bubbling. Thanks GM.
11-09-2010, 07:05 PM
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11-09-2010, 11:18 PM
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Yeah, we've talked before about your car. Some May '98 cars don't have it either, but it's hit-or-miss once you get past 04/98. Whatever supply change GM made to cause this issue happend right in those final few months of the '98 model year. I've been investigating this issue for many years, and so far March '98 and earlier cars have checked out to be safe. I don't have enough data on April to make a certain statement, but anything May or later is definitely a gamble.
11-10-2010, 10:05 AM
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I looked here today http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/catalog/frameset.cfm is roof shell no longer avail from them, i got one 2yrs back to replace mine.
11-10-2010, 10:44 AM
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I've been avoiding purchasing one as my car is a hard top (was always a more expensive part) and my car isn't THAT bad...but now I'm pretty bummed out to find I can't buy a new panel...my car is getting a LOT of miles on it though...it almost seems like a better idea to keep my eyes open for a clean 93-95 roller, and just swap my cars interior/nose/tailights/wiring/k-member/brakes...might be LESS work than cutting a roof off a salvage yard car cleanly lol.
11-10-2010, 11:53 AM
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who is gona step up and do a carbon fiber piece? its not that hard, 2 bends, and glue. yay. this is a untapped gold mine, i wish i knew how to lay carbon fiber... even just a plastic replacement...
