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Bubbling Sail Panel Issue for Dummies
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Hi all.
I was wondering if anyone has the procedure to remove this panel. It may be in the 92 pages here so I apologize if I'm being redundant. I have located a wrecked 97 that I can get it from.
Thanks
Joe
I was wondering if anyone has the procedure to remove this panel. It may be in the 92 pages here so I apologize if I'm being redundant. I have located a wrecked 97 that I can get it from.
Thanks
Joe
Last edited by ponchjoe; Jul 29, 2013 at 08:34 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,638
Likes: 2,565
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Added the following link to post #1 of this thread, hard top panel replacement write-up:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...vice-pics.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...vice-pics.html
Just a heads up we're making t-top replacements...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...un-states.html
and trying to run hard top replacements...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...-want-one.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...un-states.html
and trying to run hard top replacements...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...-want-one.html
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,638
Likes: 2,565
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Added another write-up link to the first post, copied below:
Originally Posted by RPM WS6
***Summary of Issue as of 8/9/2012***
***UPDATE on 11/13/13, New Link Added***
4th gen F-body sail panels are adhered to the body of the car using glue (urethane). The bubbling sail panel paint issue is due to this glue seeping through the panel and causing bubbles along the surface of the panel. The reason for the seepage seems to be due to the lack of paint/epoxy primer on the underside of the panel, a process change which started at GM on very late '98 cars (05/98 and later are at risk) and affected all '99+ models. This allows the glue to directly contact the panel and seep into it over time. Heat/UV exposure seems to bring the glue through the panel once it's begun to seep.
Sanding/painting/bondo'ing/etc. will not fix this condition. Complete panel replacement is the only permanent fix. Once the glue has eaten into the panel, there is no way to correct this from the top side. The problem lies underneath, and nothing you do on top is going to change this. The only other option would be to never drive the car in sunlight.
This panel was discontinued by GM several years ago. At this point, your only options for panel replacement are:
Here is a link to a more recent thread about this issue, it contains a write-up and pictures of a hard top panel replacement, as well as further discussion of this issue:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...vice-pics.html
Here is a link to an older thread with a write-up and pictures for t-top panel replacement:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...-yourself.html
There is a GM TSB out about this issue, but this is NOT a recall. Here is a link to the post containing the original TSB:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/2783967-post2.html
There was an updated TSB issued in April of 2003, but the only scanned file of this I can find is currently not working (on page 35 of this thread). If someone has a scanned copy of this 4-2-03 revision, feel free to post it in this thread, and I will link it to this summary. Having said that, the repair process is the same between the two TSBs.
Glues that have been approved via the GM TSB for new roof application:
- U400 HV Essex (Dow)
- 3M Urethane 08690
Rarely, some customers were able to get GM or their dealer to cover the cost of replacing the panel, but this is no longer an option as GM doesn't stock the part and won't pay to locate/obtain/install a reproduction or used panel. The last person I've heard about that was able to get GM to cover the repair did so in or around 2008.
- RPM WS6
***UPDATE on 11/13/13, New Link Added***
4th gen F-body sail panels are adhered to the body of the car using glue (urethane). The bubbling sail panel paint issue is due to this glue seeping through the panel and causing bubbles along the surface of the panel. The reason for the seepage seems to be due to the lack of paint/epoxy primer on the underside of the panel, a process change which started at GM on very late '98 cars (05/98 and later are at risk) and affected all '99+ models. This allows the glue to directly contact the panel and seep into it over time. Heat/UV exposure seems to bring the glue through the panel once it's begun to seep.
Sanding/painting/bondo'ing/etc. will not fix this condition. Complete panel replacement is the only permanent fix. Once the glue has eaten into the panel, there is no way to correct this from the top side. The problem lies underneath, and nothing you do on top is going to change this. The only other option would be to never drive the car in sunlight.
This panel was discontinued by GM several years ago. At this point, your only options for panel replacement are:
- New reproduction panel from site sponsor 6LE (fiberglass or carbon fiber)
- Used panel from a donor 4th gen car built prior to 05/98 (and yes, an LT1 era car panel will fit and work just fine)
- Have a custom panel made by a body shop that is good with fiberglass fabrication
Here is a link to a more recent thread about this issue, it contains a write-up and pictures of a hard top panel replacement, as well as further discussion of this issue:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...vice-pics.html
Here is a link to an older thread with a write-up and pictures for t-top panel replacement:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...-yourself.html
There is a GM TSB out about this issue, but this is NOT a recall. Here is a link to the post containing the original TSB:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/2783967-post2.html
There was an updated TSB issued in April of 2003, but the only scanned file of this I can find is currently not working (on page 35 of this thread). If someone has a scanned copy of this 4-2-03 revision, feel free to post it in this thread, and I will link it to this summary. Having said that, the repair process is the same between the two TSBs.
Glues that have been approved via the GM TSB for new roof application:
- U400 HV Essex (Dow)
- 3M Urethane 08690
Rarely, some customers were able to get GM or their dealer to cover the cost of replacing the panel, but this is no longer an option as GM doesn't stock the part and won't pay to locate/obtain/install a reproduction or used panel. The last person I've heard about that was able to get GM to cover the repair did so in or around 2008.
- RPM WS6
Teching In
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I tried to get my local Chev Pontiac dealer to go for the Gm Service bulletin 03-08-96-001 or 10001120 you posted here and they told me there is no recall from GM on this and the looked up the fix doc 1283933 I gave them, but told me to forget it.
I live in south west Florida, are there any dealers in Florida who will fix it??
I live in south west Florida, are there any dealers in Florida who will fix it??
We really should look into a class action suit against GM for this. My mother has a 2000 Taurus that still has recalls being issued for it. There is NO reason GM can't fix/reimburse this problem. They really should be held accountable for this mess.... 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,638
Likes: 2,565
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I tried to get my local Chev Pontiac dealer to go for the Gm Service bulletin 03-08-96-001 or 10001120 you posted here and they told me there is no recall from GM on this and the looked up the fix doc 1283933 I gave them, but told me to forget it.
I live in south west Florida, are there any dealers in Florida who will fix it??
I live in south west Florida, are there any dealers in Florida who will fix it??
GM discontinued the panel many years ago. You'll have to get one from 6LE or a used one from an earlier model.
I tried to get my local Chev Pontiac dealer to go for the Gm Service bulletin 03-08-96-001 or 10001120 you posted here and they told me there is no recall from GM on this and the looked up the fix doc 1283933 I gave them, but told me to forget it.
I live in south west Florida, are there any dealers in Florida who will fix it??
I live in south west Florida, are there any dealers in Florida who will fix it??
Last edited by slt200mph; Nov 13, 2013 at 04:45 PM.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,638
Likes: 2,565
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Added another write-up link to the first post....
***Summary of Issue as of 8/9/2012***
***UPDATED on 12/11/13, New Link Added***
4th gen F-body sail panels are adhered to the body of the car using glue (urethane). The bubbling sail panel paint issue is due to this glue seeping through the panel and causing bubbles along the surface of the panel. The reason for the seepage seems to be due to the lack of paint/epoxy primer on the underside of the panel, a process change which started at GM on very late '98 cars (05/98 and later are at risk) and affected all '99+ models. This allows the glue to directly contact the panel and seep into it over time. Heat/UV exposure seems to bring the glue through the panel once it's begun to seep.
Sanding/painting/bondo'ing/etc. will not fix this condition. Complete panel replacement is the only permanent fix. Once the glue has eaten into the panel, there is no way to correct this from the top side. The problem lies underneath, and nothing you do on top is going to change this. The only other option would be to never drive the car in sunlight.
This panel was discontinued by GM several years ago. At this point, your only options for panel replacement are:
Here is a link that contains a write-up and pictures of a hard top panel replacement, as well as further discussion of this issue:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...vice-pics.html
Here are two links that contain write-ups and pictures for t-top panel replacement:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...-yourself.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...y-version.html
There is a GM TSB out about this issue, but this is NOT a recall. Here is a link to the post containing the original TSB:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/2783967-post2.html
There was an updated TSB issued in April of 2003, but the only scanned file of this I can find is currently not working (on page 35 of this thread). If someone has a scanned copy of this 4-2-03 revision, feel free to post it in this thread, and I will link it to this summary. Having said that, the repair process is the same between the two TSBs.
Glues that have been approved via the GM TSB for new roof application:
- U400 HV Essex (Dow)
- 3M Urethane 08690
Rarely, some customers were able to get GM or their dealer to cover the cost of replacing the panel, but this is no longer an option as GM doesn't stock the part and won't pay to locate/obtain/install a reproduction or used panel. The last person I've heard about that was able to get GM to cover the repair did so in or around 2008.
- RPM WS6
***UPDATED on 12/11/13, New Link Added***
4th gen F-body sail panels are adhered to the body of the car using glue (urethane). The bubbling sail panel paint issue is due to this glue seeping through the panel and causing bubbles along the surface of the panel. The reason for the seepage seems to be due to the lack of paint/epoxy primer on the underside of the panel, a process change which started at GM on very late '98 cars (05/98 and later are at risk) and affected all '99+ models. This allows the glue to directly contact the panel and seep into it over time. Heat/UV exposure seems to bring the glue through the panel once it's begun to seep.
Sanding/painting/bondo'ing/etc. will not fix this condition. Complete panel replacement is the only permanent fix. Once the glue has eaten into the panel, there is no way to correct this from the top side. The problem lies underneath, and nothing you do on top is going to change this. The only other option would be to never drive the car in sunlight.
This panel was discontinued by GM several years ago. At this point, your only options for panel replacement are:
- New reproduction panel from site sponsor 6LE (fiberglass or carbon fiber)
- Used panel from a donor 4th gen car built prior to 05/98 (and yes, an LT1 era car panel will fit and work just fine)
- Have a custom panel made by a body shop that is good with fiberglass fabrication
Here is a link that contains a write-up and pictures of a hard top panel replacement, as well as further discussion of this issue:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...vice-pics.html
Here are two links that contain write-ups and pictures for t-top panel replacement:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...-yourself.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...y-version.html
There is a GM TSB out about this issue, but this is NOT a recall. Here is a link to the post containing the original TSB:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/2783967-post2.html
There was an updated TSB issued in April of 2003, but the only scanned file of this I can find is currently not working (on page 35 of this thread). If someone has a scanned copy of this 4-2-03 revision, feel free to post it in this thread, and I will link it to this summary. Having said that, the repair process is the same between the two TSBs.
Glues that have been approved via the GM TSB for new roof application:
- U400 HV Essex (Dow)
- 3M Urethane 08690
Rarely, some customers were able to get GM or their dealer to cover the cost of replacing the panel, but this is no longer an option as GM doesn't stock the part and won't pay to locate/obtain/install a reproduction or used panel. The last person I've heard about that was able to get GM to cover the repair did so in or around 2008.
- RPM WS6
I gave up on wire and used a chisel Ok, I got some of the best window wire used by glass shops. I worked at it for two hours. I grabbed a hammer and chisel. It took 5 minutes, maybe.
I got a new carbon fiber top from 6LE (crazy expensive but nice). I primed the underside with 2k primer and used the 3m adhesive recommended here. Careful install took about 30 mins because the da*mn adhesive is so hard to get out of the gun. I taped it down for a week.
I clear coated with tinted black clear and viola!
I got a new carbon fiber top from 6LE (crazy expensive but nice). I primed the underside with 2k primer and used the 3m adhesive recommended here. Careful install took about 30 mins because the da*mn adhesive is so hard to get out of the gun. I taped it down for a week.
I clear coated with tinted black clear and viola!
ive got this same problem me and my cordless sawzall got a date this week at my local yard. they got 7 lt1 hardtop cars and I can get the roof for 59.00 so I figure I got 6 chances to get 1 without fuggn it up getn it off!