May 10, 2016, 02:15 PM
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Bubbling Sail Panel Issue for Dummies
Just got back from the yard. The roof was $80 out the door and it took maybe two hours to get off. We would have gotten it all in one sitting, but after an hour and a half the two batteries for the sawzall died and we had to go and let them charge for a few hours. After we got back it only took 30 minutes to finish cutting the roof free.
The topless Trans Am;
The roof with roof skin still intact;
I've just got to get the angle grinder out and remove some of the excess metal from the roof structure and then I'm going to get the razor blades out and cut the glue holding the skin on. So close! Almost bubble free!
The topless Trans Am;
The roof with roof skin still intact;
I've just got to get the angle grinder out and remove some of the excess metal from the roof structure and then I'm going to get the razor blades out and cut the glue holding the skin on. So close! Almost bubble free!
Ok Chaman, I'm currently in the middle of chopping the roof off a 94 Trans Am in the yard I mentioned. My buddy and I are taking a break to charge sawzall batteries. There are two more roofs out there and I'll let you know the full price for the roof once we get it off and paid for.
For those out there wondering, it's not that bad. Bring a cordless sawzall (make it a nice one, we used a DeWalt) and about 4 fully charged batteries. I'd also take along a crowbar so you can pry the metal out of the way and make it easier to get to the parts that need to be cut on the inside. Take your time and be patient and it will go ok. I'd also recommend taking a friend. My buddy and I got one side completely free and then got the other side about halfway cut and he would lift up on the panel and twist it so I could reach hard to get to spots with ease. I'd also bring some gloves so you don't cut yourself on the sharp metal edges. I'll get some pictures of my process of cutting out the excess metal and getting at the glue once I get to that point.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands (Europe)
I went to a guy who takes Firebirds (mostly totaled by a crash) apart, and i bought a roofpanel from a 1996 Firebird.
They removed the complete roof for me, for € 100,00 (about $ 135,00).
At home i took a paint stripper, and heated the underside of the metal roof, so the adhesive gets soft a litte bit.
I took some cutting wire, and removed this panel without a problem.
One the side of the window panels (T-roof) you have to bent the metal, so it's easier with the cutting wire.
The complete roof:
Cutting wire:
The panel is removed:
The metal you have to bent, for easy acces with cutting wire.
The underside of the good panel,
Only i have to remove the rest of the adhesive:
They removed the complete roof for me, for € 100,00 (about $ 135,00).
At home i took a paint stripper, and heated the underside of the metal roof, so the adhesive gets soft a litte bit.
I took some cutting wire, and removed this panel without a problem.
One the side of the window panels (T-roof) you have to bent the metal, so it's easier with the cutting wire.
The complete roof:
Cutting wire:
The panel is removed:
The metal you have to bent, for easy acces with cutting wire.
The underside of the good panel,
Only i have to remove the rest of the adhesive:
Last edited by pv-camaro; Sep 25, 2011 at 10:54 AM.
I'm still working on getting the skin off so I can get a quote. I work for my county in the elections department, so with the upcoming Nov. 8th Constitutional Amendment I've been swamped. I'm going to try and get out today and work on it, but how far I get depends on when I have to pick up my daughter this afternoon. I haven't forgotten you though, promise!
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Yep, this is what I'm doing. Or, rather, will do once I get the free time to get out in the back and work on it!
I'm still working on getting the skin off so I can get a quote. I work for my county in the elections department, so with the upcoming Nov. 8th Constitutional Amendment I've been swamped. I'm going to try and get out today and work on it, but how far I get depends on when I have to pick up my daughter this afternoon. I haven't forgotten you though, promise!
I'm still working on getting the skin off so I can get a quote. I work for my county in the elections department, so with the upcoming Nov. 8th Constitutional Amendment I've been swamped. I'm going to try and get out today and work on it, but how far I get depends on when I have to pick up my daughter this afternoon. I haven't forgotten you though, promise!
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: dallas texas
T-Bar roof "bubbling idea"...Thoughts? I'm tired of friends and people that don't know these cars asking me whats wrong with my roof. So I was thinking about having a local company do a carbon fiber wrap on just the T-bar portion to cover the bubbles up. Has anyone ever done this or seen anyone do it to their car?? Pictures would be nice if anyone has any. Thanks!!
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
OP I know the "wrap" that you are talking about in theory it will work but to make sure you have a smooth surface won't you have to sand down the bubbles. Then you apply the wrap and the bubbles will eventually come back and just push up through the wrap. This is just a theory so don't take it as gospel. However if it bothers you that much why not spend the cash and fix it right instead of just band-aiding the problem.
Your car has contracted the herp. Its ok, mine did too. Wrapping up wont help, herpes can get around that (just fyi). Just try to go back to the dealership (good luck there), or hit up 6LE for a real carbon fiber replacement.
Last edited by Br3tticu$; Oct 3, 2011 at 09:15 PM.
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
So, I've had this bubbling problem myself probably 5 years ago. I noticed ~~ 2 years ago that the problem appeared to be coming back. I'm going to share w/ you guys my idea that I came up w/ 2 years ago. Now, nothing has gotten worse and I never tried this but maybe someone on the board wants to try it. The idea is to use a latex sticker (black) to cover the entire piece (I have t-top style). I'm bringing this up now because I saw something at AAP today that I thought would be better/ pretty darn cool. They are selling some type of latex sticker (carbon graphite/ brushed silver/black/whatever) material. They had a model of a camaro and the entire hood and roof was done and it looked awesome. The material looks and feels awesome. This company producing the material says it is 'breathable'. They also have some video's on their site and it looks like it would be pretty neat on interior parts or exterior. They advertise it lasts ~~ 3 years. Who knows, I know someone w/ latex sticker on his truck for 4 years and it still looks the same and has not faded. Feedback guys, what do you think?
This is now a meguiars owned company. Is this the FIX FOR OUR CARS!!
http://www.wraptivo.com/
This is now a meguiars owned company. Is this the FIX FOR OUR CARS!!
http://www.wraptivo.com/
So, I've had this bubbling problem myself probably 5 years ago. I noticed ~~ 2 years ago that the problem appeared to be coming back. I'm going to share w/ you guys my idea that I came up w/ 2 years ago. Now, nothing has gotten worse and I never tried this but maybe someone on the board wants to try it. The idea is to use a latex sticker (black) to cover the entire piece (I have t-top style). I'm bringing this up now because I saw something at AAP today that I thought would be better/ pretty darn cool. They are selling some type of latex sticker (carbon graphite/ brushed silver/black/whatever) material. They had a model of a camaro and the entire hood and roof was done and it looked awesome. The material looks and feels awesome. This company producing the material says it is 'breathable'. They also have some video's on their site and it looks like it would be pretty neat on interior parts or exterior. They advertise it lasts ~~ 3 years. Who knows, I know someone w/ latex sticker on his truck for 4 years and it still looks the same and has not faded. Feedback guys, what do you think?
This is now a meguiars owned company. Is this the FIX FOR OUR CARS!!
http://www.wraptivo.com/
This is now a meguiars owned company. Is this the FIX FOR OUR CARS!!
http://www.wraptivo.com/
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,638
Likes: 2,565
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Has anyone installed the 6LE reproduction panels yet? If so, how was fitment? And please post some pics. It seems like they've been out there for a while now, someone must have installed one.
I'm mostly interested in fitment of the NON-carbon fiber panel. I dislike the CF look, so I'm not interested in that.
Please post up if you have installed the new panel.
I'm mostly interested in fitment of the NON-carbon fiber panel. I dislike the CF look, so I'm not interested in that.
Please post up if you have installed the new panel.
Fitment has been hit and miss, probably due them rushing the order, but we've taken care of everyone. Here's pics of one that was just installed, it needed the most work as well but you can see it came out great...
I got my panel repaired by GM but it was the hardtop. Hopefully if the issue pops up again someone like you will be making the hardtop version!