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Found it online - maybe even this forum - honestly don't remember. This was 8 or 9 years ago so I'm sure availability and pricing has changed over time. Absolutely no issues with bubbles since I installed the new sail panel.
Wish I could be more helpful but it's been a while. I used most of the info for adhesive and the extra primer I used from this thread. I wanted to make sure I didn't go through the problem a second time. Somewhere it is mentioned that you can use a wire saw to remove the new/used sail panel from the metal without damaging it but like I mentioned before, I couldn't find one locally so found the one I bought online. I have no idea if this is easy or not but the panel is somewhat flimsy because of size when it's not attached.
Wish I could be more helpful but it's been a while. I used most of the info for adhesive and the extra primer I used from this thread. I wanted to make sure I didn't go through the problem a second time. Somewhere it is mentioned that you can use a wire saw to remove the new/used sail panel from the metal without damaging it but like I mentioned before, I couldn't find one locally so found the one I bought online. I have no idea if this is easy or not but the panel is somewhat flimsy because of size when it's not attached.
I would definitely factor the cost/hassle of this repair into any offer made on any '99-'02 (or very late '98) F-body (non-convertible) vehicle. While the issue is purely cosmetic, it will continue to get worse and worse until the bubbles begin to pop and send small trails of ooze down the back window as you drive (that's how bad it got on my '02 car before having it repaired). It might never get quite THAT bad on a lighter colored roof (such as the Pontiacs with body colored roofs in white, etc.), but if the roof is black then it's going to be a messy, ugly issue if the car continues to be exposed to heat/sunlight.
Very unfortunate issue, and lots of folks buying these cars for the first time have no idea about this problem and think a simple repaint will fix it. They are in for an unpleasant surprise, especially when paying top dollar for an otherwise nice car and thinking it's "just a couple of bubbles".
I would definitely factor the cost/hassle of this repair into any offer made on any '99-'02 (or very late '98) F-body (non-convertible) vehicle. While the issue is purely cosmetic, it will continue to get worse and worse until the bubbles begin to pop and send small trails of ooze down the back window as you drive (that's how bad it got on my '02 car before having it repaired). It might never get quite THAT bad on a lighter colored roof (such as the Pontiacs with body colored roofs in white, etc.), but if the roof is black then it's going to be a messy, ugly issue if the car continues to be exposed to heat/sunlight.
Very unfortunate issue, and lots of folks buying these cars for the first time have no idea about this problem and think a simple repaint will fix it. They are in for an unpleasant surprise, especially when paying top dollar for an otherwise nice car and thinking it's "just a couple of bubbles".
the car is white luckily but you can see it for sure thank you.. hard to figure good negotiating price in this insane market now.thanks
It is a pain for sure, we took mine off the car last night, luckily I was able to just break this one off and my replacement was already off. Just now waiting for paint to get it back, along with some other parts.
I am having my Firehawk painted and hopefully, will pick it up in a week or two. Believe it or not, my shop found, through one of their contacts/suppliers a NOS sail panel. I had brought them a panel I took off a donor 96. Unfortunately, when I was removing it, it broke into two pieces. I brought this to them and at first, they said they could use it, but it would be costing about 1200 dollars to repair it. Once the car got into the body shop, the guy doing the job did not want to use it and I was informed that a new one would be needed and they had people they could contact. Bottom line, about 1200 dollars came off the estimate. The new piece was 650 dollars. So, NOS pieces ARE out there, but it takes a lot of phone calling if you have the sources.
Update. GREAT SUCCESS! To anyone still salvaging from a donor car. The wire method was the fastest way for me to pull the panel in one piece. I used long blades to start the process. Using sparingly my hackzawll and oscillating tool. Moved to the cut out wire and made short work. Starting at the triangles you are able to work from pass side to drivers side or vice versa. Make sure you cut the wire long enough to get under the front lip of the t top version. Approx 3 hours to cut it out. Attached are the items I used. Any windshield or glazier buddies should have in their arsenal. I did not purchase from ether site just examples of what I have.
I have removed a dozen t-top sail panels with just a angle grinder and heat gun without damage.These are some of the donor panels I have refurbished and painted for Tech members.
Last edited by JOHNNY59; May 25, 2022 at 05:48 PM.
I think I've got one of the best factory sail panels. I only have a couple pimples on mine. I've seen sail panels that looked like blisters. At this point, a carbon fiber aftermarket replacement is probably the best option.
I think I've got one of the best factory sail panels. I only have a couple pimples on mine. I've seen sail panels that looked like blisters. At this point, a carbon fiber aftermarket replacement is probably the best option.
It's all about sun exposure/heat. The darker ones are prone to getting worse because they get hotter in the sun, but all 1999-2002 panels can/will bubble as bad as any other under the right conditions. 1998 was the transition year so the ones built before May have no issues at all, anything after that is hit or miss, but ALL of 1999+ are impacted.
It's all about sun exposure/heat. The darker ones are prone to getting worse because they get hotter in the sun, but all 1999-2002 panels can/will bubble as bad as any other under the right conditions. 1998 was the transition year so the ones built before May have no issues at all, anything after that is hit or miss, but ALL of 1999+ are impacted.
Mine is a 2000 NBM that has sat outside for most of it's life. After a repaint the few that I have surfaced. I'm assuming it was due to paint solvents.
MIND BLOWN -- Can NOT believe you found one and for that price. Would love to hear where and if they have any more!
I will ask them when I pick up the car. I had briefly considered getting one of those (formerly 6LE I believe was the name) fiberglass sail panels. There is a company that manufactures them and I can't remember their name either! Its tough getting old. Anyway, I did find it and the lead time was 4-6 months. It was then I told the shop if you can find one, good luck. So yes, I'll be interested also to find out because everything I've read has pretty much said the part was not available as a NOS.
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May 10, 2016, 02:15 PM
