Hi All, long time lurker, first time poster. Figured I’d share my experience in hopes it helps someone else. Plenty of good info on the sail panel topic already, but here goes.

I’ve had 4 fbody’s, current car is a 99 black TA WS6 6 speed. This is the keeper until I’m someday ready for a vette. Three of my cars have had the 98-02 sail panel issue, my current car the worst of all, likely due to it having spent most of its life in the Florida heat/sun. I bought it knowing of the sail panel issue, but not aware of the extent of work required for correction.

I was looking for a one stop shop easy option to get the job done complete. No such local option, so starting researching here and found JOHNNY59 out of PA. Reached out and asked him if he could get me a pre 98 panel, prep it, paint, clear coat, and shipped to me (accepted that I’d tackle the removal of old and install of new myself). Took some time from start to finish for John, but he killed it. Very reasonable price considering the work involved, shipped extremely securely, and turned out great. Had to give credit where credit was due here.

As for the replacement, took about 4 hours by myself start to finish. Followed TWA Motorsports YouTube video pretty closely, bought the suggested supplies, credit to him as well for a great video. Only difference for me was I was able to replace the panel without removing the center channel for the t-tops. Slow and steady on removal, also I used the putty knife at a 45 degree angle to cut through the panel and bust into pieces to pry and pull from center outward. Will also say the 3m urethane worked well, but amazon reviews said it’s so thick it’s hard to push out with a standard caulk gun. That part was right, I ended up removing the nozzle completely and switching from hand to hand using all the strength I had, was able to lay about a 1/2” bead with one tube (had a second tube ready just in case). Would buy a better caulk gun if doing it again.

Hope this helps and thanks to the forum for all the other info I’ve dug up along the way!

Will post some progress pics as well.

 

original panel with a bit of touch up to get by, top section was worse, nasty




John’s work, excuse my dust.


Done!

 

Nice work! It looks like a total bear to remove, but all the more, for guys like Johnny to remove good ones intact without destroying them. It's something I've wanted to try when at my favorite pick-a-part yard in San Diego; just haven't had the right time to attempt it.

 

Just a general FYI to anyone researching; most of the 1998 model year does not have this problem, only the last 2-3 months of production. You just have to be sure that the donor car was built prior to May of '98 (this can be verified by VIN or door jamb sticker).

This detail will become more important as the supply of good used panels continues to dwindle.

 

Thank you! Was thinking the same thing when destroying it as I took it off, imagining if I had to get it off without damage would have been a totally different experience and timeline!

 

Yes, I had read that some 98 panels were OK, but didn't know it had been narrowed down to what months. They're certainly getting harder to find, so great info.

 

Hey Nick, thanks for the kind words! I am Johnny59's son, Austin and I painted the panel. The panels are a PAIN in the *** to remove, and my dad does one hell of a job removing them by hand and keeping his patience lol. - We love what we do and take pride in our work, while trying to help follow fbody enthusiasts fix this ridiculous issue by GM's cheap ***. So thanks again for the compliments, and if you ever need anything else, feel free to reach out to us!

Austin

 

You're welcome Austin, and nice job on the finish! Very cool that you and your dad do what you do, I was perplexed at where to even start with this project.

I'm not one to leave reviews or positive feedback for anyone and I've done it now twice this week. You guys and Blackbear Performance who just tuned my 2017 GMC Yukon. Hats off to people who know what they're doing, deliver a good product, and charge a reasonable amount to do it!

Thanks again.