Full Cabriolet Roof - Care and Servicing: Overview

Bulletin No. T 84-32
File in Group 10
Number 55
Date Jan. '84
SUBJECT: FULL CABRIOLET ROOF

MODELS AFFECTED: 1982 AND 1983 ELDORADOS AND SEVILLES
This bulletin contains information on the care and servicing of the optional full Cabriolet roof (CF8) available on 1982 and 1983 Eldorados and Sevilles.

Care and Cleaning of Vinyl Cover Material

The vinyl cover material used on the Eldorado and Seville full Cabriolet roof is an extremely durable material that will, with proper care, retain its appearance characteristics for a long period of time. Commercial car wash equipment procedures and cleaning solutions may be used without adversely affecting the appearance of the material.

Hand washing should be done with neutral soap suds and cold or lukewarm water and a softbristled brush. Rinse the top with sufficient quantities of clear water to remove all traces of soap. If the cover is severely soiled and cannot be properly cleaned with soap and water, a mild cleaning agent may be used such as GM Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner (GM #1050429) or equivalent. Rinse the entire top with water and apply the mild cleaner on a small area (approximately two square feet). Scrub the area with a soft-bristled hand brush, adding water as necessary. Remove excess cleaner with a sponge and rinse the balance of the cleaner off with water. Use a liberal amount of water to prevent the cleaner from running down onto the body finish and drying. This could cause streaks in the paint finish.

If the cover material has been contaminated with grease, oil, or tar, use GM Spot Lifter No. 1051398 or equivalent and follow label directions.

No waxes, polishes, sealers or "dressing" type materials should be applied to the top material.

General Service Information

The top consists of a vinyl covered, fiberglass cap (bonnet assembly) which is riveted and cemented to the roof. The cover material and cap are serviced as a complete assembly. If replacement of the top is required, it will be necessary to transfer only the feature strip end caps. The backlight extension on Sevilles and the rear valance on Eldorados can be serviced as a separate operation.

FIGURE 1 - ELDORADO (SEVILLE SIMILAR)-TOP ASSEMBLY:

Figure 1 shows a view of the component parts of the top assembly for illustrative purposes.
Service adhesives required to perform service operations are:

^ 3M 8064 or equivalent for cementing top material.

^ Silicone sealants such as 3M T3 Silicone #08660, Dow-Corning Automotive type or General Electric's RVP sealant or equivalent for sealing between quarter glass and cover, and back glass and cover. (Silicone sealant must be noncorrosive type.)

^ 3M Body Caulk or equivalent to seal all rivet holes.

^ 3M Butyl tape or double sided tape or equivalent to secure cap to roof panel and prevent panel flutter.