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Bubbling Sail Panel Issue for Dummies
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,558
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I'd really like to replace my '02 car with a lower mile 4th gen, but unless I can find a pre-May '98 that satisfies me, I'll need to deal with this process all over again.
^^Here's an answer from one of the shops that installed one..
"The body shop owner says he has yet to see an after market fiberglass part that didn't need some work. He said, "Tell the guys this will not be a DIY weekend job because it requires a professional body shop due to the issues with these pieces. Nothing a bodyshop couldn't do, but definitely not an amateur." "
We are working though on making the finished product require even less prep work than the first batch...
"The body shop owner says he has yet to see an after market fiberglass part that didn't need some work. He said, "Tell the guys this will not be a DIY weekend job because it requires a professional body shop due to the issues with these pieces. Nothing a bodyshop couldn't do, but definitely not an amateur." "
We are working though on making the finished product require even less prep work than the first batch...
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,558
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
^^Here's an answer from one of the shops that installed one..
"The body shop owner says he has yet to see an after market fiberglass part that didn't need some work. He said, "Tell the guys this will not be a DIY weekend job because it requires a professional body shop due to the issues with these pieces. Nothing a bodyshop couldn't do, but definitely not an amateur." "
We are working though on making the finished product require even less prep work than the first batch...
"The body shop owner says he has yet to see an after market fiberglass part that didn't need some work. He said, "Tell the guys this will not be a DIY weekend job because it requires a professional body shop due to the issues with these pieces. Nothing a bodyshop couldn't do, but definitely not an amateur." "
We are working though on making the finished product require even less prep work than the first batch...
Also, it's great to hear that you plan to continue to improve the product. I'm very thankful that someone is making these!
I'm going to start cutting away the excess metal over the next few days and see if I can get the skin free. From there I'll have to take some measurements and try and find a box / stuffing and see if I can get an estimated quote from the USPS place down the road from me. Back in the yard there are three T-Top roofs and a hardtop roof that can be reused. All are black (except the one I got which was red, but it was the easiest to get to). If the shipping price is good with you then I can go back and get one for you and send it on down there. Heck, I may harvest one or two more while I'm there and keep them in case I get other 99-02 F-Bodies in the future!
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.
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.
Any luck cutting that sucker out? LOL!!
haha, I ended up using a scraper / rubber mallet to cut through the glue on the sides. I'm working on the top with a wire saw, but the dang wire snapped last night so I'm on hold until I can get down to Harbor Freight for a new one. I would just use my angle grinder to cut it free, but my older neighbor wasn't too happy when I had it running and kindly asked me to turn it off. Heck, the thing I'm more concerned about right now is finding a box big enough to fit something this size in! I've been keeping an eye out for one with the proper dimensions and I haven't seen one that will work so far.
How about just put together a box around the piece itself? I was thinking about wrapping the piece in various layers of bubble wrap followed by the custom built box around. Nothing fancy, just using pieces from a large box, kind of the thing they do when mailing bumpers and similar stuff.
How about just put together a box around the piece itself? I was thinking about wrapping the piece in various layers of bubble wrap followed by the custom built box around. Nothing fancy, just using pieces from a large box, kind of the thing they do when mailing bumpers and similar stuff.
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Verdad Gallardo You could probably put some light weight wood under the top part, to serve as a support or "skeleton" the wrap it with bubble wrap like there is no tomorrow! LOL! That would reinforce it without adding too much weight. The proceed with the box as explained. Just giving you ideas! Of course the fragile stickers are a most!
Free shipping for military right now and it INCLUDES the sail panels...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/sponsor-s...end-month.html
I CAN NOT guarantee they will ship soon though, looks like about 3-4 weeks right now (after we go through the inventory, about 2-3 left from the original 40) but now's the time to get a heck of a deal...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/sponsor-s...end-month.html
I CAN NOT guarantee they will ship soon though, looks like about 3-4 weeks right now (after we go through the inventory, about 2-3 left from the original 40) but now's the time to get a heck of a deal...
Just got word on the first installed CF piece...
"Just finished install today. turned out even better than I had hoped - I was concerned because mine is a 35th LE that used to have a red sail panel... this one looks much better. Fit was really good for aftermarket. Was worth the wait. Thanks.
Roger
PS Didnt take pics yet because its kinda dark and you cant see the fiber. You want any pictures of it installed?"
"Just finished install today. turned out even better than I had hoped - I was concerned because mine is a 35th LE that used to have a red sail panel... this one looks much better. Fit was really good for aftermarket. Was worth the wait. Thanks.
Roger
PS Didnt take pics yet because its kinda dark and you cant see the fiber. You want any pictures of it installed?"
Just got word on the first installed CF piece...
"Just finished install today. turned out even better than I had hoped - I was concerned because mine is a 35th LE that used to have a red sail panel... this one looks much better. Fit was really good for aftermarket. Was worth the wait. Thanks.
Roger
PS Didnt take pics yet because its kinda dark and you cant see the fiber. You want any pictures of it installed?"
"Just finished install today. turned out even better than I had hoped - I was concerned because mine is a 35th LE that used to have a red sail panel... this one looks much better. Fit was really good for aftermarket. Was worth the wait. Thanks.
Roger
PS Didnt take pics yet because its kinda dark and you cant see the fiber. You want any pictures of it installed?"
WE WILL MAKE FULL HARDTOP REPLACEMENTS IF YOU GUYS WANT THEM... Here's the thread...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...l#post15684440
Here's the repost...
Ok, we have about 50 t-top sail panel replacements under our belt. We had maybe five with issues. Those five scared the others into thinking there might be issues with theirs but there weren't.
I just inspected stock myself, looks fantastic. I had McNord inspect it (obviously knows his way around fiberglass pieces) and says it was better than most hoods from good companies. A little glaze here and there for pin holes, some block sanding at most, etc... They really do look good in person (and the Carbon Fiber ones are just KILLER!).
Some people thought they were short on a side here and there. They are not. We measured, they are EXACTLY the same as the NIB OEM we used. People were just installing starting on one side to the other and you'll short yourself that way (like the CME Valances) you HAVE to start with it centered.
That all being said, I'm confident now in making FULL HARD TOP REPLACEMENTS (identical to factory) IF THERE IS ENOUGH INTEREST.
They are obviously bigger than t-top ones so will cost a little more but I think we're looking at $150 more TOTAL IN PRICE COSTING MORE AND SHIPPING COSTING MORE.
Who would be ready to pay? We'd do a pre-order (lower price) just like the t-top sail panels, so take this price...
http://6litereaterdesigns.com/store/...roducts_id=241
and tell me if you'd be READY TO PAY.
NOTE: It might actually be less than the additional $150, definitely NOT more than $150 additional...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...l#post15684440
Here's the repost...
Ok, we have about 50 t-top sail panel replacements under our belt. We had maybe five with issues. Those five scared the others into thinking there might be issues with theirs but there weren't.
I just inspected stock myself, looks fantastic. I had McNord inspect it (obviously knows his way around fiberglass pieces) and says it was better than most hoods from good companies. A little glaze here and there for pin holes, some block sanding at most, etc... They really do look good in person (and the Carbon Fiber ones are just KILLER!).
Some people thought they were short on a side here and there. They are not. We measured, they are EXACTLY the same as the NIB OEM we used. People were just installing starting on one side to the other and you'll short yourself that way (like the CME Valances) you HAVE to start with it centered.
That all being said, I'm confident now in making FULL HARD TOP REPLACEMENTS (identical to factory) IF THERE IS ENOUGH INTEREST.
They are obviously bigger than t-top ones so will cost a little more but I think we're looking at $150 more TOTAL IN PRICE COSTING MORE AND SHIPPING COSTING MORE.
Who would be ready to pay? We'd do a pre-order (lower price) just like the t-top sail panels, so take this price...
http://6litereaterdesigns.com/store/...roducts_id=241
and tell me if you'd be READY TO PAY.
NOTE: It might actually be less than the additional $150, definitely NOT more than $150 additional...
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,558
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Great news for the future of hardtop cars.
I'm considering buying another '00 F-body. If I buy the car, I'll be ordering a t-top panel from 6LE.
I'm considering buying another '00 F-body. If I buy the car, I'll be ordering a t-top panel from 6LE.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,558
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Your only option is to buy a used panel, or a panel from 6LE. Either way, GM will not be involved.
What are the conditions under which the bubbles appear? I'm the original owner of my 2002 Trans Am, and not one bubble has appeared.
Last edited by lees02WS6; Jan 3, 2012 at 10:03 PM.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,558
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
UV exposure (and heat in general) seems to really bring the issue to the surface (literally). But even many low mile cars that don't see a ton of outdoor time have developed this issue, some worse than others. Once the bubbles are present, any exposure to sunlight/heat makes the condition drasticlly worse.