Sky/Sol convertible top problem

[California Skyway]

I've had my Red Line less than a year and recently dicovered a serious flaw in the top. At the hinge point on both sides just above the window, the edge of the roof frame is cutting through the cloth padding that's supposed to protect the top from the frame. On the drivers side it's bad enough that the rubber strip at the outside edge of the pad protrudes when I raise the top and catches on the frame. If not for this exposure the problem would probably have gone undetected until it cut clear through the top. If GM hasn't discovered the problem and fixed it on later units, they're going to be seeing an avalanche of complaints. If they know about it and aren't issuing a bulletin, buyer be ware!

CHECK YOUR TOP! And if you're about to buy a Sky/Sol, GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTEE!

[Silvereyes]

My top just had this problem. It's caused by the cables inside snapping and tearing the inside of the top. Mine was covered under warranty. I had to wait about 6 weeks for the top to come in, but the Sky was only in the shop for two days. My question is this: I read somewhere that when you get your top replaced, you cant put it down for 7 days. The dealer didn't say anything about it, but does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

[Blue Sky Redline]

thanks for the heads up

[Skip]

The only reason I can see why they do not want the top down is to streach the fabric. Now far beknowest to me but as long as the top is up when you tant driving it, I would not be worrying about top down driving...Skip...

[California Skyway]

After raising the issue to the General Manager level the dealer agreed to replace the top. The new one seems to be improved in several ways, inclluding slightly heavier fabric and different protective pads where the wear occurred. They subbed out the installation to a local upholstery place, who did a good job. I think they've already done quite a few. As far as not putting the top down, I was told it would be better if it sat in the sun for a day to let the fabric relax. They also replaced the screws that attach the latch bar to the clamshell with low-profile ones. If you have a Lexan windscreen you should have this done regardless so there's no chance of the rubber rain gutter being cut. I don't care what anyone says, you shouldn't have to remove the thing every time you put the top up!

[Pesky1]

I just got my top replaced last week due to wear and fraying on the driver's side trim/seam where the window was rubbing every time I closed the door with the window and the top UP (where the glass curves from vertical to horizontal). It took the dealership 2 weeks for the top to come in and 2 days to get it installed (outsourced). I also had to have the hood vents(?) replaced becaused the had 'bowed' and were coming unglued at the center. How odd is that? Hood too hot? I dunno...but I have noticed a significantly tighter top. I can even hear the springs stretching as I put the top up or down. It also seems that the new top has a lower profile than previously...that is cool for me..I like it! but I have to go get the rear windshield/window tinted again.
Saturn said to bring the receipt for that and they'll cut me a check to cover the costs. Overall...I've taken the car in twice for warrantied service and I always have resevations beforehand.
They did an excellent job with the new top BTW...neither side rubs w/the doors' glass anymore...but I'm always left with a feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[Sky-High-Cliff]

what ever they are called, on each side of the back trim where the top folds into when you put it up. I had those replaced, they are spring mounted and has a steel cable attached. someone let me know, are these things suppose to go up automatic when you raise the top from the trunk by being pulled with the little steel cables or what? since I have had them replaced, I have to flip them up manually in order to get the top to seat in the rubber gasket. Maybe they forgot to adjust the cables. someone PM me with an answer if you know.

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by Pesky1

I just got my top replaced last week due to wear and fraying on the driver's side trim/seam where the window was rubbing every time I closed the door with the window and the top UP (where the glass curves from vertical to horizontal). It took the dealership 2 weeks for the top to come in and 2 days to get it installed (outsourced).

consider yourself lucky. I've been waiting more than 2 months for a new top to come in. I had the same problem you did. At one point they even told me the top had come in, so I dropped off my car...they had it for over a week only to tell me that they didn't actually have the top...they had an old top from another car. So I'm still waiting.

[Kurt]

My car is going in for a new top next week, same problem on the drivers side. Once again my dealer is standing behind what they sell.

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by Kurt

Once again my dealer is standing behind what they sell.

Yeah, but do they help push?

[RedHeaded RedLine]

Originally Posted by lostcause

consider yourself lucky. I've been waiting more than 2 months for a new top to come in. I had the same problem you did. At one point they even told me the top had come in, so I dropped off my car...they had it for over a week only to tell me that they didn't actually have the top...they had an old top from another car. So I'm still waiting.

I wouldn't leave the car until I saw the parts in question in hand. -J

[Pitcom]

I wonder how much a top is going to cost to replace once they aren't covered under warranty anymore? Hopefully the design keeps improving so no one has to find out.

[jodenessky]

On the day we bought the Sky we had someone at the dealer adjust the top. Just had it in again to adjust it. Kept getting caught in the drivers door.

[California Skyway]

Originally Posted by Pitcom

I wonder how much a top is going to cost to replace once they aren't covered under warranty anymore? Hopefully the design keeps improving so no one has to find out.

I was only able to find the part listed under under Pontiac Solstice (apparently GM doesn't actually consider Saturn to be one of its offspring). The retail is about $2G. and you can go shopping for someone to install it. Barring any miracles, I think the current design is as good as it's going to get.