Sail Panel Issue, Again
Sail Panel Issue, Again Since owning my car, purchased in 2005, I have had 4 sail panels. All replacements were done under warranty. Now my warranty is long gone, unfortunately, and the epoxy is just starting to make its way out AGAIN. Unfortunately, secondly, GM does not have any in stock, not even Vintage Parts. So what's everyone doing doing for this? To my understanding there is no fixing without replacing. I have never seen an aftermarket panel fit like OEM, so this really sucks. Getting very hard to find parts for these cars.
Well, it's the best time for the worst thing to happen lol, we have two left at this sale price...
http://6litereaterdesigns.com/store/...roducts_id=730
http://6litereaterdesigns.com/store/...roducts_id=730
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Rochester, NY
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Since owning my car, purchased in 2005, I have had 4 sail panels. All replacements were done under warranty. Now my warranty is long gone, unfortunately, and the epoxy is just starting to make its way out AGAIN. Unfortunately, secondly, GM does not have any in stock, not even Vintage Parts. So what's everyone doing doing for this? To my understanding there is no fixing without replacing. I have never seen an aftermarket panel fit like OEM, so this really sucks. Getting very hard to find parts for these cars.
Point being, if installed properly (meaning materials and prep) then it should really last forever. I would avoid having that same dealer body shop do the install if you buy another roof, as it seems they haven't been able to get it right in the past.
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even though I have a 6le cf sail panel coming its good to know. bought it because of the sale price but still not sure if I am going to install it or not, even though I love the look of them. because at the end of it all the day I do want to put a for sale sign on it, it will go back to its stock appearance.
Sounds like the dealer (I'm assuming dealer as you mentioned "warranty") doing these repairs isn't following the proper prep procedure. They shouldn't ever fail again if they are installed properly. I had the roof done on my '02 back in spring of 2008 and it didn't even develop so much as a wave by the time I sold it in 2014 - and that car sat outside every day, usually in plenty of sun. Also, the panels on the mid-'98 and earlier cars don't ever have this problem.
Point being, if installed properly (meaning materials and prep) then it should really last forever. I would avoid having that same dealer body shop do the install if you buy another roof, as it seems they haven't been able to get it right in the past.
Point being, if installed properly (meaning materials and prep) then it should really last forever. I would avoid having that same dealer body shop do the install if you buy another roof, as it seems they haven't been able to get it right in the past.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
There is always the option of getting a used panel from a mid-'98 or older, but it's a hassle to remove them and there is still the matter of finding an installer who can get it right.
It's quite unfortunate that these cars are plagued with this issue. I'm passively in the market for another 4th gen but this problem is enough of a hassle that the '99+ cars are significantly less desirable to me unless they've already been fixed. As you've discovered though, some of the "fixed" cars weren't fixed properly so there is still a concern with them.
Since at least a few guys have removed roof skins from LT1 cars to use on their 99-02's, could you not remove the OEM panel on any 99-02 and seal the underside with an epoxy primer like the earlier cars? Then re-install and have an oem piece without bubbling issues.
I realize its a complete pita removing and getting all the old adhesive off. But your doing the same thing when sourcing an old LT1 panel, when the only difference between the 2 is mid 98-later cars the panels are not sealed.
When my SS gets repainted Ive got to face this and not looking forward to it at all.
I realize its a complete pita removing and getting all the old adhesive off. But your doing the same thing when sourcing an old LT1 panel, when the only difference between the 2 is mid 98-later cars the panels are not sealed.
When my SS gets repainted Ive got to face this and not looking forward to it at all.
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I can't remember if I've seen that tried yet of re-using the original, but the general theory is that the adhesive has soaked into the panel. So no matter how much you scrape/sand/grind, there would still be bad adhesive in the panel.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Exactly.
In theory, if you have a '99-'02 that isn't bubbling yet, you might be able to make this work. But just because the bubbles aren't showing on the outside yet doesn't mean that some of the glue hasn't already worked its way into the panel - the bubbles are just the final stage. It's too much work to take the risk IMO.
