Twin Lift-Off Panel - Water Leaks
Number 86-10-10 Date 7/86Subject: TWIN LIFT-OFF PANEL (CC1) WATER LEAKS
1982-86 FIREBIRD AND TRANS AM MODELS
This bulletin is designed to assist dealer personnel in diagnosing and correcting water leak conditions on cars equipped with the twin lift-off hatch roof option..
Proper diagnosis of the condition is most important. All water testing should be done with the interior garnish moldings removed on the windshield, lock pillar and lift-off panels. The technician performing the repairs should personally water test the vehicle to determine the specific source of the water leak(s) before beginning repair operations.
WATER TEST STAND:
WATER TEST STAND SPECIFICATIONS:
WATER LEAK DIAGNOSIS CHART:
FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 2:
FIGURE 3:
FIGURE 4:
FIGURE 5:
FIGURE 6:
FIGURE 7:
FIGURE 8:
Proper water testing equipment can be fabricated by obtaining material locally. An illustration of the proper water test stand (and components) as well as a test location diagram is included in this bulletin.
The chart included in this bulletin should be used as an aid in diagnosis. It includes columns for water entry location, the most probable cause(s) of the water leak and which illustration best depicts the correct sealing locations, amounts or patterns. Additional information can be obtained from the body portion of the appropriate Service Manual.
It will not be necessary in all cases to replace weatherstrips. However, in those cases where it is necessary, new weatherstrips (1986 style) are the only parts to be used and MUST BE REPLACED AS A SET (opening and lift-off panel) on the side of the car which is affected.
The new Part Numbers for weatherstrips are as follows:
Weatherstrip, lift-off panel opening on body - 20667534-5 Weatherstrip, side roof rail on lift-off glass - 20680014
The illustrations contained in this bulletin depict early style (1982-83) components. However, the sealing locations and methods are common on all years. The RECOMMENDED adhesives and sealing materials are included on those illustrations. (Other adhesives and sealing materials may be comparable, but only the material specified is recommended). Make sure to protect any interior trim before making any repairs.
Proper lift-off panel and door glass alignments are important to prevent water leaks. If it is determined that the panel and/or door glass require adjustment, refer to the body portion of the Service Manual. Before adjusting the lift-off panel or door glass, make sure that the door to lock pillar wedge plates make contact. To check wedge plate contact, apply a piece of masking tape over the lock pillar wedge plate and close door. If the tape is not torn, additional shim(s) are required and the checking procedure must be performed again after shim(s) are added.
After the necessary repairs are performed, the lift-off panel(s) should be removed and replaced several times to determine if proper alignments are maintained. Retest the unit with the proper water test equipment to insure a satisfactory repair.
After the final water test, and the vehicle has a satisfactory repair, apply a light coating of paste silicone, GM P/N 1052863, with a clean cloth to all weatherstrip surfaces in order to prevent squeaks and prolong weatherstrip life.
Labor Time: 1.0 hour diagnostic time -- allowed only once per VIN (includes diagnostic water test, garnish molding removal and installation and final water test to confirm satisfactory repair only).
This time is to be used in addition to the applicable labor operation used for the repair, proper authorization is required.