Replacement Roof Panel

**pajeff02** · 12-27-2009, 05:57 PM

Picked up the roof panel yesterday from my brother-in-law's bodyshop -- it is now black and awaiting install. We're going to wait a few weeks for the paint to fully cure. I also need to find the installation instructions to verify what adhesive to use -- I am pretty sure it was urethane...

**mdcrabbie** · 12-31-2009, 04:28 AM

I went to the Chevy dealer and told them the price from GM parts direct for the roof panel and they matched it. My car is a 2000 SS with only 7000 miles. The paint hasn't bubbled yet cause it's been garaged it's entire life, but I know it will. I purchased the panel to replace it latter on and paint to match my body color. Also I have the TSB on this problem and how to repair/paint. Let me know and I will send it to you.

**pajeff02** · 12-31-2009, 05:09 AM

Originally Posted by mdcrabbie

I went to the Chevy dealer and told them the price from GM parts direct for the roof panel and they matched it. My car is a 2000 SS with only 7000 miles. The paint hasn't bubbled yet cause it's been garaged it's entire life, but I know it will. I purchased the panel to replace it latter on and paint to match my body color. Also I have the TSB on this problem and how to repair/paint. Let me know and I will send it to you.

I believe I have the TSB -- I stashed it in the glovebox so I would not lose it. I just need to take a look at it to be sure. If it's not as I recall, I'll drop you a PM. Thank you!

**SPDYGON** · 12-31-2009, 01:52 PM

just order my from gmparts for $543 and got a quote from a chevy dealer to paint and install for $800 . total of $1343 i will spend just because they would not fix it nowing it was a big problem . my car has only 36489 miles on . i did have the 7 year 100k warranty on it but the problem came 8 month after .

**gjb** · 01-11-2010, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by SteveC

I believe the heat of the sun is the culprit, my vehicle is garaged and covered, and so far I have not had a problem in the 9 + years I have owned the vehicle. I believe others on this board have had this proceedure done sucessfully.

SteveC

I'm not entirely convinced it's only the heat of the sun.

Mine has been garaged and covered, too. I washed this weekend and noticed a nice bubble pattern along the passenger side:

There's a big bubble growing on the bottom row which is about to come through.

My car was delivered in 9/01, has ~8500 miles, and has never seen rain or sat outside. When it's not rolling or being washed, it's under a cover. Needless to say, I'm not very happy about this.

G

**pajeff02** · 01-11-2010, 07:50 AM

The heat of the sun just seems to exacerbate the problem. Like you, I can see bubbles throughout our panel when I look at it from the right angle. The bubbles only weep fluid when out in the sun on a warm day. Expensive to fix, but really no other viable solution to keep the car looking good.

**gjb** · 01-11-2010, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by SPDYGON

just order my from gmparts for $543 and got a quote from a chevy dealer to paint and install for $800 . total of $1343 i will spend just because they would not fix it nowing it was a big problem . my car has only 36489 miles on . i did have the 7 year 100k warranty on it but the problem came 8 month after .

If you could post/pm the TSB info, it'd be appreciated!

Thanks,
G

**blacer** · 04-02-2010, 04:18 AM

I noticed it on my car after I brought it home. You can see the install adhesive line very slightly under paint. The adhesive was used on both T-tops and Hardtop. I'm afraid to see what the cost it for a complete hardtop replacement.

**RyanJM** · 04-05-2010, 05:40 PM

Guess I got lucky my 98TA is white since I have no bubles but I have looked at 2 black vas one Formula and a WS6 and one look terrible and one had a couple small bubbles. My only guess would be that it is because the darker colors get hotter.

**wu802** · 04-07-2010, 02:51 PM

My 30k 02 ss woke up this week to the all to common oozing roof panel,
the car hasn't been on the road since last oct. up here in Maine. Been under cover in my garage,sucks! The local dealer quoted me at 725. i
requested the TSB and they found it and printed it out, basically gives
the part#s for panel and the new glue and some instructions on how to
remove and install. No help on financial assistance, the "woman" parts
person wouldn't budge on price, she's not one to give a guy a break on
any part.My wife's 98 regular camaro has not had a problem with panel, and that saw year round driving and outside a lot.

**mdcrabbie** · 04-07-2010, 03:54 PM

98's didn't have this problem. 0nly 99-02's did.

**Z28boy2000** · 04-11-2010, 08:30 PM

how'd you get that panel of the car?

**pajeff02** · 04-12-2010, 05:06 AM

Originally Posted by Z28boy2000

how'd you get that panel of the car?

I still have to tear off the factory panel. The new one is resting comfortably in our garage awaiting installation.

**MudStainKILLA** · 04-23-2010, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I still have to tear off the factory panel. The new one is resting comfortably in our garage awaiting installation.

please post your progress on this issue, i have the same problem and would love to hear how it goes for you.

**slade8200** · 04-23-2010, 12:58 PM

I have a black '02 will 20k miles, and it has always been garaged. 2 weeks ago I saw the bubbles on the panel. Sucks because the rest of the car is perfect. Looks like I'll have to jump on this wagon of expensive roof replacement.

**pajeff02** · 04-23-2010, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by MudStainKILLA

please post your progress on this issue, i have the same problem and would love to hear how it goes for you.

Will do. Should get the new panel on in May. I'll be sure to take pics of the removal and installation process.

**MudStainKILLA** · 04-24-2010, 05:50 AM

Thanks man. I look foward to your progress

**Angry** · 04-27-2010, 04:11 PM

Just put my 02 ws6 in the shop for a replacement today.

Dealer is going to install and paint for free. I still have to buy a new panel and the glue which is $548.53.

My car sits in the garage 99.9% of the time. I hardly ever get to drive it anymore.

**clovenhooves** · 06-14-2010, 08:06 AM

Bump because I'd like it confirmed that only cars from 1999-2002 are prone to the problem. I had an older car that was parked outside almost every day and didn't have bubbling (or so I never noticed), but that's purely anecdotal. My 1999 has bubbling, and I'd like to know if I could replace the sail panel with one salvaged from an older Bird or Camaro. Something else: would black from an older car match the newer black, or would the panel need to be repainted regardless?