May 10, 2016, 02:15 PM
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Bubbling Sail Panel Issue for Dummies
There isn't a whole lot you can do other than try to get a dealer to fix it on a goodwill basis. You are outside 3yr/36k original warranty and the 6yr/100k corrosion protection warranty so GM doesn't have to do anything at this point. Save $100 every month and in 10 months you will be good to go.
Here are the part numbers through www.gmpartsdirect.com
Roof Panel - 10254708
Applique - 10240165
Applique - 10240164
You only need the above three parts.
Roof Panel - 10254708
Applique - 10240165
Applique - 10240164
You only need the above three parts.
There are a number of GM parts that are no longer available from GM. I was trying to find the ***** for the HVAC in a 2004 Corvette and they are no longer available from GM. A after maket company wanted $15 a piece for them... 
... I hit the junk yard and got them both for $2 a piece. You will see more and more parts become unavailable from GM for the 4th gen F body cars. Find a good salvage yard and become friends with them.
... I hit the junk yard and got them both for $2 a piece. You will see more and more parts become unavailable from GM for the 4th gen F body cars. Find a good salvage yard and become friends with them. 
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield, VA
Unavailable from GM Parts Direct. Nothing on eBay or Craigslist. Local dealer can't find one anywhere in the US. I'm going back to the "creative solutions" brainstorming. Maybe I'll visit some restoration places and see if they have any tricks up their sleeves. This blows.
The junk yard/salvage yard is your friend. Just go and take one off of a 97 or older car and put it on your car...there is a thread on here telling and showing how to do it. If memory serves the guy paid $75 for the panel.
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield, VA
Yeah, I will search around and see what I come up with. Do you know of a better way to remove the top than piano wire? I've heard of very mixed results with this method.
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I would assume that anyone that can remove a windshield would be able to remove one of these panels - that's how mine was done (the body shop called a windshield replacement company).
Thats what I plan to use when I do my car.
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield, VA
Anyone think any of these products might actually provide adequate sealant for new paint on a '98-02 roof panel with the nuclear adhesive?
http://www.lord.com/Products-and-Sol...ml/21/5?page=3
Not trying to beat a dead horse here but I'm still holding out hope for my '01 bubbling bastard.
http://www.lord.com/Products-and-Sol...ml/21/5?page=3
Not trying to beat a dead horse here but I'm still holding out hope for my '01 bubbling bastard.
You are beating a dead horse..nothing that you put on the panel with the bubbles is going to stop it...this is not a new event...it has been going on for years now...I tried to fix it three times and the bubbles always come back...I am going to a junk yard and getting a panel from a early 4th gen car and be done with it. You will save money and time by just replacing the panel...nuff said 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,631
Likes: 2,557
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,631
Likes: 2,557
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
The part number is still valid according to GMPD. It's listed as a special order part though, but it's not coming up as discontinued.
Might just be on back order. Did the dealer tell you that they can't even order one? I'd try another dealer, and/or send an e-mail to GMPD and see if they can still order one.
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield, VA
The part number is still valid according to GMPD. It's listed as a special order part though, but it's not coming up as discontinued.
Might just be on back order. Did the dealer tell you that they can't even order one? I'd try another dealer, and/or send an e-mail to GMPD and see if they can still order one.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: West Chester, PA
Man..65 pages of info on this topic, and I just found this thread. Where have I been all my life? My '01 SS (that I still have at 88,000 miles, and bought new in 2001), has been bubbling for years, and I have been complaining to my dealer since WAY before 60,000 miles, and I was never told about the Service Bulletin, and was told basically, TOO EFFIN BAD FOR YOU !!!! Man,,,,GM CORPORATE is going to get one NASTY letter from me on my Attorney's Letterhead!!! Let's see what happens.