Convertible Top - Scuffed Interior Quarter Trim Panel
File In Section: 10 - BodyBulletin No.: 63-10-40A
Date: April, 1997
Subject:
Scuffed Interior Quarter Trim Panels on Convertible Tops
(Add Loop Fastener Tape/Re-Stake Reinforcement/Add Loop Fastener)
Models:
1995-97 Chevrolet Cavalier
1995-97 Pontiac Sunfire
with Convertible Top
This bulletin is being revised to add the 1997 model year and revise the repair procedures. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 63-10-40 (Section 10 - Body).
Condition
Some owners may comment on scuffed interior quarter trim panels where boot side covers fasten to quarter trim panels.
Cause
a. Forward tab on left and/or right hand boot side covers are missing loop fastener tape.
b. The two forward-most heat stakes used to secure the boot material flap to the hard molded boot ends are scuffing the interior quarter trim panels (see Figure 1).
Correction
a. Forward tab on left and/or right hand boot side covers are missing loop fastener tape. Use the following procedure.
Service Procedure
1. Place boot side covers on a clean, covered work surface.
2. Clean the mounting surfaces of the tab, including the strengthening webs of the tab with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
3. Apply a 3/4 in. x 4 in. piece of black, adhesive-backed loop fastener tape to the forward tabs (see Figure 2).
4. Firmly press the black, adhesive-backed loop fastener tape to the tab to ensure a good adhesion (see Figure 3).
5. Trim excess tape from the tab.
6. Ensure the tape is trimmed and adhered to prevent the tape from pulling off during use of boot side covers.
b. The two forward-most heat stakes used to secure the boot material flap to the hard molded boot ends are scuffing the interior quarter trim panels. Use the following procedure.
Service Procedure
Re-stake reinforcement and add loop fastener to reinforcement.
1. Remove the left and right hand outer ends of the boot from the vehicle and place them face down on clean, covered work surface.
2. Prepare a 60W soldering iron to accept a large, flat, chisel point tip. Plug it into a wall receptacle and bring it up to temperature.
3. Using two appropriate-sized clamps, clamp the boot flap reinforcement. The pressure exerted by the clamps should not exceed what you could apply by hand if you were to use your fingers to do the clamping.
Notice:
Be sure the clamps are clean and that the clamping ends which contact the boot are protected to prevent damaging the boot's vinyl covering.
4. Using the hot soldering iron, carefully and skillfully touch the flat of the hot chisel point directly over the heat stake. Lightly press down to mushroom over the stake then immediately remove the soldering iron (see Figure 4).
Notice:
DO NOT hold the soldering iron over the stake as it will melt the reinforcement. DO NOT use a circular motion which will smear the stake.
5. Let the staked areas cool. When they are cool to the touch, go to Step 6.
6. Clean the area of the boot flap reinforcement where the adhesive-backed loop tape will be applied, with a clean cloth dampened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (see Figure 5).
7. Cut a 1 in. x 3 in. piece of black-colored, adhesive-backed loop tape (the fuzzy loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener tape) such as Velcro(R) or equivalent.
8. Peel the protective backing from the loop tape and position it over the forward-most heat stake and press firmly in place (see Figure 6).
9. Cut a 1 in. x 1 in. piece of loop tape, peel off the backing and position it over the second heat stake and press firmly in place (see Figure 7).
10. Repeat the above procedure for the other boot outer end, then return them to the vehicle.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Labor Time
B3610 0.3 hr