Service Bulletin: Bubbling Sail Panels

[Sassy Cassie]

The sail panel (on t-top cars) or the entire roof (on hardtops) of 1998 to 2002 Fbody cars may have a factory defect. If you park your car out in the sun, little bubbles about the size of a pinhead start appearing on the roof. This problem is caused by the glue used to hold the plastic roof on. The glue degasses and the gas travels up through the panel. Eventually it leaves these nice little bubbles in your paint.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30522

[screamin chicken]

GM would not do a thing for me....went through the BBB and GM no help.So I have a 2000 WS6 with 32,xxx miles and it looks like crap...

[Sassy Cassie]

Try another dealship. A few people have had some success getting their cars repainted.

[INMY01TA]

Got mine fixed out of warranty. Went through a 800# in the owners manual and a woman there got it fixed for me thru the 6 year corrosion warranty. Dealerships would not help initialy. For those wondering this costs about $700-$900 to do out your own pocket.

[2001NBMZ28]

Yeah, try another dealership. I know a couple people that had theirs done.

[Zboner]

so is it going to be recalled or what?

[Zboner]

cause mine is bubbling up

[NinerSevenTango]

Nice post, Cassie, thanks!

I was wondering what those little bubbles on my HT were.

Anyone got that 800 number?

--07T--

[BLLDOGG]

Please. i need that number. my car is in the body shop about to be painted cause of this with my own money.

[t/as&dds]

I didn't think there was a 6 year corrosion on these cars? My front bumper has been bubbling and peeling since I bought it but I was told that since it was an 01 that there was nothing I could do about it.

[4U2ENVY]

hey guys the number is 1-800-762-2737 be prepared to give some info too or so im told i've been meaing ot give them a call mines bubbling up on my garaged car go figure huh 13,000 miles and my sails bubbling up !

[third_shift|studios]

wow..shitty. i'll have to check mine

[Pewter02Formula]

Saw this thread and immediately ran out to check my car... thankfully there's no bubbling! (Car is now 4 years old and is only garaged in winter)

[4U2ENVY]

consider yourself lucky! there seems to be a large response to this problem almost seems to make you think gm would have realeased a letter to fellow f-body owners about this problem huh??

[SSmiley1906]

consider yourself lucky! there seems to be a large response to this problem almost seems to make you think gm would have released a letter to fellow f-body owners about this problem huh??

X2, I'm waiting now for over a week to hear back from the dealership I took my car to to have them look at the sail panel behind the t-tops. The guy from the body shop just gave me a dumb look about my complaint until I handed him a copy of the tsb. He said he would research it, I then said to him I couldn't believe that he never had a car in the dealership with the same issue. Funny statement from him to me, "your car is a 2001 and is no longer in the 3/36k warranty and is not likely going to be covered". Me to him, "Well then why would a tsb be issued in 2003 to cover 1999 model year camaros that were bought as early as fall of 1998? My thought is those cars are out of warranty before any tsb came out and are to be included in the described fix". Another dumb look and another I'll look into it. Oh well, I'm not holding my breath.

[GatorSS]

Interesting...I've got what appears to be tiny bubbles in mine exactly as described.

[sstevecamaro]

After reeding this post, I went to see my car and...shit ! here they are. I am living in Canada and my car is a garage queen. It is rarely exposed to hot temperature and never stay long under the sun. It is definitely the last GM I will buy. I used to like GM cars but wow, this problem is too much. Damn !

[black]

I've got them in my hardtop as wheel:toetap:

[Jeremiah]

Like someone else allready stated it is covered under corosion, its covered for six years from the original purchase date. Both my 01 SS and my 30th TA were covered by a local dealer with no problem. Also, the service bulletin is not a warrenty bulletin. It is only a refference tool for the tech to get the suggested repair/replacement procedure. GM used windsheild urithane "same adhesive used on the front/rear glass" to adhere the roof panel. The older urithane used a sepperate primer/adhesion promoter and the newer has it mixed into it allready. Other than that GM uses the same panel and the same windsheild urithane to adhere it to the roof structure. Unless the primer was causing the problem then we will be seeing the same problem on the same cars again. the roof is made from SMC (sheet moulding compound) the same composite used with the SS and WS6 hoods, doors and rear hatch. The current replacement roofs are exactly the same as your originals. SMC has the same expansion rate as steel and is more durable than Fiberglass of the same thickness, GM no longer uses fiberglass on any thing. I am a body tech and I used to work for a Chevy dealer and have done several of the replacements.
__________________

[Mark01WS6]

Just washed my car today and found three bubbles behind the t-tops. Nice post I appreciate the info. 01 WS6 53,xxx really shows up on a black car.

[5LtrBtr]

Just a little advice for you guys, don't have it repainted. It won't last very long. The entire top needs to be replaced.

[Jeremiah]

Just a little advice for you guys, don't have it repainted. It won't last very long. The entire top needs to be replaced.

Refinishing the panel is only a temporary patch, I have seen one guy try it and it lasted only a couple of months.

[MrEddie]

Yep, I have a 6.5 year old Z28 hardtop that is showing some bubbles/waves. I also have a "S" shape where the glue was apply down the middle of the roof (this has a small bubble when you look hard). Only the plastic covering of the roof is removed and replaced, not the roof structure itself, thank God. A guy posted some good shots of the process and finished product on chirpthird.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1875. The dealer I talked to said it was $750 to $900 to replace. I'm thinking of going with a reputable body shop if I'm going to pay for it instead of a having to deal with a dealership.

[firebatbirdv8]

Like someone else allready stated it is covered under corosion, its covered for six years from the original purchase date. Both my 01 SS and my 30th TA were covered by a local dealer with no problem. Also, the service bulletin is not a warrenty bulletin. It is only a refference tool for the tech to get the suggested repair/replacement procedure. GM used windsheild urithane "same adhesive used on the front/rear glass" to adhere the roof panel. The older urithane used a sepperate primer/adhesion promoter and the newer has it mixed into it allready. Other than that GM uses the same panel and the same windsheild urithane to adhere it to the roof structure. Unless the primer was causing the problem then we will be seeing the same problem on the same cars again. the roof is made from SMC (sheet moulding compound) the same composite used with the SS and WS6 hoods, doors and rear hatch. The current replacement roofs are exactly the same as your originals. SMC has the same expansion rate as steel and is more durable than Fiberglass of the same thickness, GM no longer uses fiberglass on any thing. I am a body tech and I used to work for a Chevy dealer and have done several of the replacements.
__________________Hi Jeremiah, I live in the UK and have a 99 T/A with T-TOPS with the same problem, it took me about 4 months to get a new sail panel from my GM dealership here in the UK after a lot of arguing, anyway they said they would supply the sail panel but would not fit it as they had never done one before and did not want to damage my car,i was ok with that as at least now i have the new sail panel and can get it fitted at a later date. What is the best way to take the old sail panel off and what is the name and part number of the adhesive i need to use to put the new sail panel on with as being in the UK know one knows anything here.
Any help would be appreciated thanks.

[hwyhog]

I have been fighting with GM over the bubbles in my pant for about two months now. The first chev dealer that I went to did not want to help me out at all. They told me that It will not be replaced under the 100k rust through warranty b/c there is no hole, or sheet metal in the top. The shop manager told me that they heve never been able to get any of the cars with this problem fixed, so my car was going to be the same. They also told me that if it was ther car that they would not even worry about fixing it. Now that customer service, I was so pissed off. I called the 800# and they said that they will call the dealer and call me back. When they finaly called me back they told me that my car was over 5yrs old and that there was nothing that they could do for me.

I then went to a Gmc dealer and after a day or two The owner called me and told me that GM would pay for half of the cost. I have got a couple of est. and they where all about $1400 to $1500. That is all parts labor and a warranty. GM should be fixing this for all of us, hell it is a defect!!!!

:brick: :brick:

[Yong]

I too have a 2000 Z with a shitty looking roof. The bad part is, ive had mine painted 3 times....and it still bubbles. Im waiting on a response from GM right now. Im out 900 dollars for fixing a roof that i didnt know was defective. Its a factory DEFECT....GM should be responsible for fixing it. If the say they wont fix it then im sorry to leave you because I know the ls1 rules, but im sellin this pile of feces and buyin a mustang and tellin GM to kiss my ass forever. If they cant stand behind their product and fix a factory defect they know if fucked up then they can kiss my ass

[INMY01TA]

I too have a 2000 Z with a shitty looking roof. The bad part is, ive had mine painted 3 times....and it still bubbles. Im waiting on a response from GM right now. Im out 900 dollars for fixing a roof that i didnt know was defective. Its a factory DEFECT....GM should be responsible for fixing it. If the say they wont fix it then im sorry to leave you because I know the ls1 rules, but im sellin this pile of feces and buyin a mustang and tellin GM to kiss my ass forever. If they cant stand behind their product and fix a factory defect they know if fucked up then they can kiss my assGo buy a slowass mustang then. You had your roof fixed the wrong way 3 times! :haha:

[Peter 2001 SS]

I have an '01 SS with the bubbling paint behind the t-tops also. It first started right at the bottom of the panel and in the last year has spread across the whole top of the panel. It has only 11,000 miles on it and never sits outside, it sits in the garage all the time it is not being driven. I have been to 2 dealers, the first one told me there was no way GM would cover it, but the 2nd one has been more helpful. They referred me to the GM customer service line and I have been talking to them about it trying to get it covered.
They are supposed to call me back on Thursday after they talk to the service manager that looked at my Camaro. I am hoping that they will cover it. It is basically a new car and I have always taken very good care of the appearance and everything else with it, the same as many of yours are that are having this same problem too.

[Peter 2001 SS]

I just got off the phone with GM customer service and they told me they will do nothing for me, it is my responsibility since it is past the 3 years. She claims that there hasn't been many cars with this problem. Everyone should call them and make the problem known so that maybe we can get this crap recalled. The phone number is 866-790-5600

[sstevecamaro]

Mine has started to bubble really hard these days. The clear is going off at some places !! I have been thinking about this problem for some time now and I think that the best way to solve it would be to isolate the plastic from the glue. So, I am thinking about buying a new roof, put a layer of epoxy under it, have it painted on the surface and put it on the car. I have even thought about putting a layer of epoxy, a band of aluminum foil where the glue will be applied and a final layer of epoxy to seal to whole thing. Without a doubt, aluminum will stop the gas (from the glue) from reaching the paint if the epoxy doesn't.

I am not sure about re-using the old roof since it is certainly saturated with the gas from the glue and some bubbling might reappear. However, it would reduce the repair costs if it would work with the old roof.

The only problem I can see with this solution is that I am not 100% sure that the epoxy will not delaminate from the roof after some time. Hopfully, it won't.

The other day, I have seen one of my friend which has a black SS like me but a '98 instead of '01. He's always using his car to go to work so it's not a garage queen like mine. Well, he has absolutely no problem with his SS (and it is not a convertible, hehe). What the hell !!! Now, I regret that mine is not a convertible tough.

[sstevecamaro]

I have been thinking about this problem for some time now and I have finally decided to go to a GM dealer. I was expecting a big fight but everything went very smoothly. I showed the car to the service girl along with the service bulletin and she said she would call me back. One week after, I called back myself because I had no news from them. She said : Sorry, I forgot to call you back but would September 18th be ok for you ? I couldn't believe it. Well, I think that it is because I live in Quebec, Canada and there is not a lot of Camaro down here. I also think that having a very clean car helps a lot.

Anyway, Thanks a lot to everybody from this forum for having provided very useful info on this problem.

[sstevecamaro]

I finally got my car back from the dealer. They did a very good job. They have followed the bulletin religiously. They only put the roof panel a little bit far from the T-Tops so there is a small gap now between the T-Tops and the roof. However, it is hardly noticable. Overall, I am very satisfied about what GM did. They have accepted to do this job for free and without a fight on my 5.5 years old Camaro. Definitely, some dealers appear to be more generous than others. I was lucky...

[INMY01TA]

I finally got my car back from the dealer. They did a very good job. They have followed the bulletin religiously. They only put the roof panel a little bit far from the T-Tops so there is a small gap now between the T-Tops and the roof. However, it is hardly noticable. Overall, I am very satisfied about what GM did. They have accepted to do this job for free and without a fight on my 5.5 years old Camaro. Definitely, some dealers appear to be more generous than others. I was lucky...
That's how they fixed mine the 1st time. Better water test it. The t tops seal themselves against the roof. Water poured into the cabin and puddled down by the floormats. They got it right the 2nd time.

[sstevecamaro]

Ok, I will check that next time I wash it.

[Jeremiah]

Hi Jeremiah, I live in the UK and have a 99 T/A with T-TOPS with the same problem, it took me about 4 months to get a new sail panel from my GM dealership here in the UK after a lot of arguing, anyway they said they would supply the sail panel but would not fit it as they had never done one before and did not want to damage my car,i was ok with that as at least now i have the new sail panel and can get it fitted at a later date. What is the best way to take the old sail panel off and what is the name and part number of the adhesive i need to use to put the new sail panel on with as being in the UK know one knows anything here.
Any help would be appreciated thanks.

The best way to remove it is to first remove the T top devider, then mask the surrounding erea to aid against any scratches ect. Wrap some tape a few layers thick around a pry bar to keep from sratching the paint under the roof cap. start peeling it off the roof peice by peice untill you get it all removed. trim the original adhesive with a sharp knofe or razor blade, leave a thin amount on the suface. Last I would suggest having a glass company re attach the new panel to the car. If you preffer to do it your self, buy a tube of ordinary windsheild urithane, same adhesive used to glue the front/rear glass into our cars. Cut a slice in the side of the despenser tip to allow the urithane to leave a bead that will stand up approx. 3/4" to take up any gap that might be between the new panel and the car. You have to have someone help you place the new panel into palce. Re fit your T tops while the adhesive is soft "it takes a couple of hours to start setting up" and make sure the gap to the rear is closed up but not too tight. Make sure your gap between the rear 1/4 panel is equal and square from side to side. Place several strips of tape to hold the panel in allignement and let sit over night.

The removal process sounds terrible but its the best/easiest way, it doesnt hurt anything but the peice that is being replaced. I have seen other techs try to cut it off with piano wire and they allways end up cutting the ribbon on the top of the rear glass or scratching something.

Good luck guys!

[ntimid8r]

I got my t-top roof replaced under warranty!! :woot:

Everything went great from the contact with Chevrolet all the way through with the dealership (Courtesy Chevrolet).:thumbup: Here's a link to our Western forums where I posted a thread about the whole deal. Link (http://ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30410)

Thanks to Sassy Cassie for posting this.:thumbup: Without this sticky I wouldn't have known I could've got the repair done..... free under warranty.:nilly: Also thanks for everyone posting up their experience(s). Both good and bad they all helped my situation.
:woo:

[Tman]

Does anyone have pictures of these "bubbles" ??

Can you feel the bubbles or what?

[INMY01TA]

If you had em, you'd know. :yup:

[bluethunder2]

Scott Settlemier (aka FBodFather) from GM was at an F-body Gathering in Atlanta, a few years back. He took care of getting mine fixed, since the dealers in Atlanta were unwilling. Scott used to be the head of the F-body dept. of GM. If you all can find a way to get with him, google, email, phone, etc. I'm sure he will make sure yours get fixed too. Good Luck.

[4U2ENVY]

Scott Settlemier (aka FBodFather) from GM was at an F-body Gathering in Atlanta, a few years back. He took care of getting mine fixed, since the dealers in Atlanta were unwilling. Scott used to be the head of the F-body dept. of GM. If you all can find a way to get with him, google, email, phone, etc. I'm sure he will make sure yours get fixed too. Good Luck.


HMMMMMMMMM Anybody know if he's going to be around Georgia anytime soon i got 2 cars for the dealers to fix lol......seriously my bird which is in the garage most of its life and my dd z28 need a sailpanel fix as well... go figure.......... anybody know?????

[Wulfe13]

That TSB says 1999-2002 Camaro and Firebird. What about 98? I called the 800 number and the woman said she couldn't find any TSB regarding this situation... WTF?

[INMY01TA]

A 98 would be well outta the 6 year rust thru warranty anyway so you'd have no chance anyway.

[2001somws6]

Yep mines bubbling now. :mad: I went to dealerships yesterday and i know they know about it because i had my camaro fix there and they still gave me the run around. So i get on the phone with gm and the lady is real nice so im being nice. I gave her a bunch of info and were talking. She says it depends if the car is in good condition and im like its a show car and i take it to shows all the time. I tell her i had a camaro with this problem and thousands of others to. And my friend just got his fixed under the 6 year corrosion warranty. We talked for a long time and she said i want to help. So now im waiting a call back by this friday. As im talking to her i said its gm's glue doing this to the paint. I never put it there. And also there is some kind of sticky stuff coming from the bubbles. If gm dont fix this im going to write a letter to all the magazines and explane gm wount fix there defect.

[4U2ENVY]

Yep mines bubbling now. :mad: I went to dealerships yesterday and i know they know about it because i had my camaro fix there and they still gave me the run around. So i get on the phone with gm and the lady is real nice so im being nice. I gave her a bunch of info and were talking. She says it depends if the car is in good condition and im like its a show car and i take it to shows all the time. I tell her i had a camaro with this problem and thousands of others to. And my friend just got his fixed under the 6 year corrosion warranty. We talked for a long time and she said i want to help. So now im waiting a call back by this friday. As im talking to her i said its gm's glue doing this to the paint. I never put it there. And also there is some kind of sticky stuff coming from the bubbles. If gm dont fix this im going to write a letter to all the magazines and explane gm wount fix there defect.

sounds good to me .....let us know on your progress im behind you 100% with the letter..........

[2001somws6]

The best thing about this. My sis works for primedia here in tampa. Hahaha:ar:

[SiggyZ]

I know a few with this problem. Will delerships fix this free of charge even though the car is no longer under warranty?

[2001somws6]

Its covered under the 6 year corrosion warranty. The dearlership will give you a hard time until you talk to gm. I know alot of people that got it fixed under corrosion.

[9t8z28]

After reeding this post, I went to see my car and...shit ! here they are. I am living in Canada and my car is a garage queen. It is rarely exposed to hot temperature and never stay long under the sun. It is definitely the last GM I will buy. I used to like GM cars but wow, this problem is too much. Damn !

Cool! You think your car is a piece of shit! I'll buy it of ya real cheap! At least GM doesn't over-rate the HORSEPOWER of their cars, their under-rated!!

[2001somws6]

Well i just got off the phone with GM and boy i need some lube on how bad there ramming me in the ass. :moon: :moon:

They said they wont fix their defect because im the second owner and they dont know how the car was kept up. :denied:

I ask them about the 6 year corrosion warrenty and they said its for rust. And i also asked about the "good will" and they say its up to the dealership. At this point i feel there is discrimation being played here. I say the sun is melting the glue under the sheet metal causing the paint to bubble. :cuss:

And get this shit. They say well the sun can do that. I say My parents have a 2000 toyota sitting in the sun without bubbles, a co-worker's 05 GT sitting in the parking lot all day without bubbles, my sister's 2 honda accords sitting in the sun without bubbles in the paint or my other sister's benz in the sun without bubbles. Its GM's glue used to keep the roof on. And you're telling me you're not going to fix your defect on the car you built with your materials. :cuss: :cuss:

Its time to mention names and numbers to the BBB and the local newspapers automotive dept and let everyone know that GM uses defected parts and dont hold up to their mess up and DISCRIMINATE to get out of what they messed up on. :growl: :growl:


GM= :jerkit: :jerkit:

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

I don't understand why some peeps are getting the runaround. I called today and the guy was like no problomo. Gave me the number to the nearest dealer to me and said it's covered and wouldn't cost me a dime, didn't ask If I was the first or umpteenth owner of the car. I called the dealer and they said bring it in manyana.

2001SomWS6 your in Orlando, I'm in Palm Bay, I have no idea why your getting the runaround, but this guy was like yea, it's covered completely, even gave me a case #
He directed me to go to Palm Bay Chevrolet, now if they give me no problems, and everything comes out fine, I suggest you take the ride here, you know it's worth it then,
I don't have to tell you that.

Hey I'll even meet ya there if ya like, I've never seen a sunburnt mettalic WS6 in the flesh, just in pictures.

I get the feeling, it's WHO you talk to when you call that GM number, If I remember correctly I hit the last number in the menu to talk to someone.

I'll keep everyone updated from here.

Oh and Sassy, thank you so much for posting this thread, I was just starting to look around for a body shop to fix this bubbling, and it would of just came back!!!

May your children grow up to drive the baddest WS6's in all the land.

[4U2ENVY]

I don't understand why some peeps are getting the runaround. I called today and the guy was like no problomo. Gave me the number to the nearest dealer to me and said it's covered and wouldn't cost me a dime, didn't ask If I was the first or umpteenth owner of the car. I called the dealer and they said bring it in manyana.

2001SomWS6 your in Orlando, I'm in Palm Bay, I have no idea why your getting the runaround, but this guy was like yea, it's covered completely, even gave me a case #
He directed me to go to Palm Bay Chevrolet, now if they give me no problems, and everything comes out fine, I suggest you take the ride here, you know it's worth it then,
I don't have to tell you that.

Hey I'll even meet ya there if ya like, I've never seen a sunburnt mettalic WS6 in the flesh, just in pictures.

I get the feeling, it's WHO you talk to when you call that GM number, If I remember correctly I hit the last number in the menu to talk to someone.

I'll keep everyone updated from here.

Oh and Sassy, thank you so much for posting this thread, I was just starting to look around for a body shop to fix this bubbling, and it would of just came back!!!

May your children grow up to drive the baddest WS6's in all the land.



WHO DID YOU CALL??? so i can call tomarrow!

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

WHO DID YOU CALL??? so i can call tomorrow!

I just called the # posted in the beginning of this thread 1-800-762-2737 don't know if it'll make a difference but I called late in the day and spoke to a guy not some biotch on the rag, he was totally cool, told me it wouldn't cost me a dime and gave me a case number even, then told me what dealership nearest me I could go to.

I went there today but I had just missed the guy in charge, there was an older gentleman there, who took a look at it and cringed and said, "I hate seeing this on these cars." "It's the glue they used ya know."
Then he said , "Don't worry, when they get done with it it'll look like a million bucks."
"We've done like six of these already." Music to my ears, just what I wanted to hear.

Then he told me to come back tomorrow this guy Ty would take down my vin# then order the sail panel, he then said, they wouldn't schedule me to have the work done until the part was in hand, then they would schedule and if I like, since it takes about two days, they would give me a rental for only 25 bucks a day...pretty sweet. He told me everything is completely covered and that if I was to have to do this on my own, total would be about two grand! No thanks, I like free better. Make sure your car is lookin it's best before you bring it down anywhere too.

[4U2ENVY]

I just called the # posted in the beginning of this thread 1-800-762-2737 don't know if it'll make a difference but I called late in the day and spoke to a guy not some biotch on the rag, he was totally cool, told me it wouldn't cost me a dime and gave me a case number even, then told me what dealership nearest me I could go to.

I went there today but I had just missed the guy in charge, there was an older gentleman there, who took a look at it and cringed and said, "I hate seeing this on these cars." "It's the glue they used ya know."
Then he said , "Don't worry, when they get done with it it'll look like a million bucks."
"We've done like six of these already." Music to my ears, just what I wanted to hear.

Then he told me to come back tomorrow this guy Ty would take down my vin# then order the sail panel, he then said, they wouldn't schedule me to have the work done until the part was in hand, then they would schedule and if I like, since it takes about two days, they would give me a rental for only 25 bucks a day...pretty sweet. He told me everything is completely covered and that if I was to have to do this on my own, total would be about two grand! No thanks, I like free better. Make sure your car is lookin it's best before you bring it down anywhere too.

REMEMBER THE GUYS NAME???

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

Sorry, didn't catch his name, but I think it makes a big difference which dealer you choose, because I called the nearest Pontiac dealer and right away the "woman" I get on the phone for their service dept. starts givin me the run around. I called the Chevy dealer the guy gave me on the phone and nuthin but green lights.

[bevenue]

Anyone have a copy of the bulletin or whatever it is? Having it helps out alot.
Also how does mine compare to others?

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/bevenue/Picture333-2.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/bevenue/Picture275-1.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/bevenue/Picture274-1.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/bevenue/Picture273-1.jpg

[INMY01TA]

Only costs about $800 to fix out of pocket.

[bevenue]

ONLY $800. If it can be done free, thats the way i'm going.

[INMY01TA]

They fixed mine for free, but I had looked into getting it done prior to that.

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

I guess out of pocket cost would GREATLY depend on where you live.

bevenue, that's it exactly, though mine runs in a straight line across the front of the sail panel right behind the T's from one side to the other.

[F-Bomb]

:dunno: my 98 hasnt done that but its always in the garage too.

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

You have a chameleon, correct me if I'm wrong, doesn't that mean it's been painted?
If not, your lucky, very common problem.

Mine was garaged also, probably why it isn't bubbling all over but just in a straight line. The glue is still going to release gas, the darker the car, the more heat, the faster it will happen.



UPDATE!!! I got the guys name and number...even his extension.

His name is Scott Summers, his number is: (866)790-5700 Ext.- 22482

[4U2ENVY]

You have a chameleon, correct me if I'm wrong, doesn't that mean it's been painted?
If not, your lucky, very common problem.

Mine was garaged also, probably why it isn't bubbling all over but just in a straight line. The glue is still going to release gas, the darker the car, the more heat, the faster it will happen.



UPDATE!!! I got the guys name and number...even his extension.

His name is Scott Summers, his number is: (866)790-5700 Ext.- 22482



YOU ARE THE FREAKIN MAN!!!!!!! callin this guy tomarrow when i get off work thanks again for the update......

[bevenue]

Mine was garaged also, probably why it isn't bubbling all over but just in a straight line. The glue is still going to release gas, the darker the car, the more heat, the faster it will happen.



UPDATE!!! I got the guys name and number...even his extension.

His name is Scott Summers, his number is: (866)790-5700 Ext.- 22482

Great calling him ASAP!
My car will be 6 years old in two months.

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

Went down today, they took all my info and they will be ordering the parts.

Remember guys, having him approve it, is half the battle, the other half, is finding the "right" dealer, 'cause even if it's given the green light by Scott, you wanna make sure the dealer you choose, has done this before...you want it to come out right.

Good Luck!!!

[KissMyWhiteSS]

had mine fixed back in october...car had 33k miles on it.

[2001somws6]

MAN GM IS FULL OF SOME BULLSHIT.:rl:

[bevenue]

GM said yes. Manager at dealership told me. No I can warranty that and you didn't buy the car new from us.(Buying a car at 12, I don't think so) Its not a major problem with the F-bodys. I've only seen about 5 of them. It doesn't affect the value of the car. :blah: :jerkit:

[2001somws6]

The dealer will always give you the run around. He must have ment 5000 f-bodys. And you dont have to buy the car new. It gets fixed under the GM good will. Thats what they call it.

My girl need a new car and i will be looking else were for a new ride. And unless the roof has been fixed already. This is my last f-body.

[Scanlamp]

I wanted to thank everyone for this information. I went to Dealer 1 1/2 years ago about this. they said they would only pay 1/2 of the repair. Went back with this information and now they are going to pay all but $200.00 deductable. :yay: Only problem I may have is that the NHRA decal for sail panel may no longer be available. Thanks again

[NvyBluMtlc02WS6]

Holy cow! I wish I would have read this post before I posted one of my own. Just washed and waxed my car today and when I got to the roof between the t-tops and rear window, I was like "What the f... is that?" Thought it was rust pits, but now after reading this, I'm taking my car straight to the dealership. 23000 miles and it's falling apart on me.

[neal455]

We got 3 cars here in the uk and they have all done it too !! So its not just sun that does it we have bubbles under paint around the rear window

[2001somws6]

Mine was just fixed today. For free.

[neal455]

hey ! i was in Orlando yesterday!!
Saw the plane that crashed at Sanford!! Got delayed for 5 hours coming back to the uk

[2001somws6]

I saw that on the local news. Sorry for the delay.

[bconway]

Hello,
Stopped by a Chevy(Elco Chevrolet) and Pontiac(Moore Pontiac) dealer today here in St. Louis, Chevy pushed me off to the Pontiac dealer. Pontiac first said "No" because it had too many miles, then said, no because I was not the origional owner, then said no because it is not "through the sheetmetal".....whatever. That 6 year warranty you guys are talking about is up in 10 days for me and the bird, so I called that 866 number today, hope something goes my way on this one. Thanks for this thread!!! Sail panel looks like chit!
Brian

[nytmare4me]

Hey guys......just wanted to give you an update......I have been monitoring this thread and so I called them today. I talked to GM Customer Service.....they gave me a case number and said "Yes" we know this is a big issue......I go to the dealership tomorrow.....I will keep you posted to see how everything goes. My Z is always garaged and I dont drive it to work....I have a company vehicle so it is out of the sun most of the time.

Thanks T.

[4U2ENVY]

well i've posted a few times in this thread anyhow seeing all this and having 2 cars doing the exact same thing ......so guess what folks im going to fix it myself, get it done by my local body man and its (yes) coming out of my own pocket and gm can take that new camaro and ( yes i know it looks awesome, and would like to have one ) stick it in their you know what !! Besides you know how many problems they will have with a all new designed car lol not me ...as for the 2 i got now they will be the last 2 ill ever own lol seriously

[camarojunky74]

i think all of you who say "this will be my last gm or f body" are all a bunch of crying baby's i understand that everyone with an f body is probably suffering from this problem and some of you are having a hard time getting it fixed under any kind of warranty or recall, but to insult an amazing car or maker like gm cause your little black sail panel has pen hole size bumps in it, give me a break, im upset about the fact that they couldnt figure out a better way of mounting it than glue, but you know what it was the cheapest and most effective way to get it done, this is how they keep the cost down on there vehicles and how gm makes the most bang for the buck performance cars out there! hands down

so suck it up and stop crying about spilled milk, drive your car, love it is a fuckin camaro not a rolls royce or lamborghini,

p.s i do not have a mullet but just love f bodys and gm.
but i do drink coors light, so...

[Jeremiah]

i think all of you who say "this will be my last gm or f body" are all a bunch of crying baby's i understand that everyone with an f body is probably suffering from this problem and some of you are having a hard time getting it fixed under any kind of warranty or recall, but to insult an amazing car or maker like gm cause your little black sail panel has pen hole size bumps in it, give me a break, im upset about the fact that they couldnt figure out a better way of mounting it than glue, but you know what it was the cheapest and most effective way to get it done, this is how they keep the cost down on there vehicles and how gm makes the most bang for the buck performance cars out there! hands down

so suck it up and stop crying about spilled milk, drive your car, love it is a fuckin camaro not a rolls royce or lamborghini,

p.s i do not have a mullet but just love f bodys and gm.
but i do drink coors light, so...

Well said.
I am a body tech by trade, I cut appart and rebuilt cars of all makes/models every day. GM builds some of the better cars and trucks on the road.

I wont bash any of the other manufacturers but I will say I see some crazy things in the way some of these cars are built and I wonder how they get away with it.

[camarojunky74]

Well said.
I am a body tech by trade, I cut appart and rebuilt cars of all makes/models every day. GM builds some of the better cars and trucks on the road.

I wont bash any of the other manufacturers but I will say I see some crazy things in the way some of these cars are built and I wonder how they get away with it.

:werd::yup:gm rocks

[4U2ENVY]

yea they make great cars but they basically f'd up when they tried to get out cheaper putting a glue on our cars that has a chemical reaction with the material and heat activates it eventually in the long run and bubbles paint!! Somehow that falls on my bad list granted everybody has problems with everybrand of car but gezzzzz a problem like this where you have to keep harassing over and over just to get something you bought from gm and they wont fix their error? When you shelled out cash for a camaro/trans-am of these brand new or used regardless they should make it a recall end of story but they wont for some reason?...Further more you seen any vette's with bubbling up paint recalls? I myself havent heard of none i know to date though i could be wrong. I guess the term you get what you pay for is always the correct saying!

[INMY01TA]

These cars are out of warranty people. They dont have to do sqaut. Pretty sure your dealer offered an extended warranty to you. (for just such occasions) If your dealer wont fix it then pay a body shop to.

[Jeremiah]

Wouldnt that warrenty be great.... One million mile or 100 years, what ever comes first.

At the time when these cars were introduced SMC was still a very new composite. No matter what kind of testing you do on anything you cant replicate real world evaluation.

I guess people with cracked dash boards should ban GM products also since they didnt hold up?:thinkin:

I remember several years back PPG telling us that there new super prep agent and sealers eliminates the scuffing/prepping step in the refinishing process on OEM parts. A couple of years later cars had the paint peeling off them for some strange reason. You dont hear any rep mention how you can skip the scuffing step any longer... lol

[camarojunky74]

yea they make great cars but they basically f'd up when they tried to get out cheaper putting a glue on our cars that has a chemical reaction with the material and heat activates it eventually in the long run and bubbles paint!! Somehow that falls on my bad list granted everybody has problems with everybrand of car but gezzzzz a problem like this where you have to keep harassing over and over just to get something you bought from gm and they wont fix their error? When you shelled out cash for a camaro/trans-am of these brand new or used regardless they should make it a recall end of story but they wont for some reason?...Further more you seen any vette's with bubbling up paint recalls? I myself havent heard of none i know to date though i could be wrong. I guess the term you get what you pay for is always the correct saying!

actually they did, im not exactly sure what year but a lot of vettes suffered and im sure they had just as hard of a time getting this fixed under warranty as we do sail panels

[camarojunky74]

Oh and if any body here is thinking of getting there sail panel painted or repaired! what are you gonna use to make it adhere to the car? becasue if you use the same "glue" well you will be right back at square one,,

heres what im saying, i have seen my fair share of f bodys, old new whatever, and have paid attention to this bubbling sail panel thing, 99% of the time you have to really really look, and even then you can barely see these dimples,
if you guys are gonna bash gm over dimples, sell your f body to a kid who will aprecciate it, buy an integra and park in a big parking lot lean against the fender, and stand there just like all the dumb ass kids with a "fast car" or "show car"
point proven!

[kebie05]

so when they replace the top, wont they have to glue it down again and cause the same problem?

[INMY01TA]

so when they replace the top, wont they have to glue it down again and cause the same problem?They'll use different glue according to the service bulletin. Older 93-97s have glued down roofs too but dont have this problem.

[kebie05]

so who do i need to contact now to get the ball rolling on the repair? you think they will cover it?

[4U2ENVY]

Oh and if any body here is thinking of getting there sail panel painted or repaired! what are you gonna use to make it adhere to the car? becasue if you use the same "glue" well you will be right back at square one,,

heres what im saying, i have seen my fair share of f bodys, old new whatever, and have paid attention to this bubbling sail panel thing, 99% of the time you have to really really look, and even then you can barely see these dimples,
if you guys are gonna bash gm over dimples, sell your f body to a kid who will aprecciate it, buy an integra and park in a big parking lot lean against the fender, and stand there just like all the dumb ass kids with a "fast car" or "show car"
point proven!

there is a new glue to put on the car see the bulletin review! furthermore i can see mine just fine hell you can look down the side of it and see them just fine, on both my cars. im not bashing gm but for them to have this many problems and being the same thing and not do anything other than ow you can have it fixed and you cant is crap regardless of the dealers!! and for your info i got a blackbird phase-2 car that sits in the garage and is doing this too not an integra lol what the hell do i want with that and im not a kid nor sit in a parking lot lol ...im sure all fellow members that are having this problem aint to thrilled about it either and want it fixed period!..... i was giving my opinion how careless gm is towards this problem, thats my point and to have this happening to alot of people how much more proof is needed to fix it and not have problems about getting it fixed because you care about it?? im done ......end of story!!

[4U2ENVY]

so who do i need to contact now to get the ball rolling on the repair? you think they will cover it?

if you bought the car new just go to the dealer and talk to them in service also print you off a copy of the service bulletin to show them ! if not check around in here and theres a guy name scott summers i think thats his name anyhow he's you connnection to gm call him and he will put it down that you called and you will still have to take it to a local dealership to get it looked at! The dealership will then decided if they fix it or not bascially. check back at the starting of this thread for his number at gm and there probably a link to the tech bulletin on the sail panel replace procedure too and good luck let us know what they say.

[Not stock&4smokin barrels]

I got a couple of bubbles showed up last summer & started oozing glue down the roof, i'm in the UK should i try and get a case number first before i approach any dealers here, because i'm sure they won't have heard of it here and if they have i bet they just repainted the panel!

[BUICK468]

Does anyone have a copy of the service bulletin that I can carry to the dealership?
Thanks

[kebie05]

ls1tech.com has a thread and i think they have a link to it.

[PureSShp00]

do you have a link to the thread?

[PureSShp00]

this thread should be a permanent one....

[PureSShp00]

never mind.... here is theh linkhttp://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308546&highlight=bubbles

[TA421]

ok my service date was 03-27-02 when is it 6 yrs i was told 07 and was told 08 ? did i just miss this because the dealer i go to told me the guy before me never took care of the car ? what can i do to make sure this is covered under warranty

[grouch0jr]

im the third owner of my car and ive got it bad, i think its way past time to get it taken care for me.

[Camaroride32]

i work at a bodyshop, and we repainted the car 2x and the bubbles keep comin back... yea i seen the stuff that makes it happens.. u can sand the plastic but the grease will keep coming through.... its a pain in the ass.... its good i found this service bulletin so i wouldent paint it for the 3rd time lmfao!!!!

[chuckie669]

Yeah... They won't accept these anymore unless you can walk on water. I tried a little while back and after two days the guy said sorry.

On the other hand, if you can find someone who will comp it, he'll have a shit ton of business