Convertible Top - Binding When Raising or Lowering
File In Section: 10 - BodyBulletin No.: 43-10-39A
Date: February, 1995
Subject:
Binding During Raising or Lowering of Convertible Top (Replace Rail Link Assembly)
Models:
1994 Chevrolet Camaro
1994 Pontiac Firebird
This bulletin is being revised to change the Labor Operation and Time. Please discard bulletin number 431039 (Group Reference 10 - Body).
CONDITION
Some customers may comment the convertible top binds during the lowering or raising cycle.
CAUSE
This may be caused by the side rail link rubbing the main pivot bolt due to incorrect geometry.
CORRECTION
To address the customer concern, replace the right and left side rail link assemblies following the procedure below:
Parts Required:
12522396 Right Hand Side Rail Link Assembly
12522397 Left Hand Side Rail Link Assembly
1. With the folding top up, remove the LH and RH folding top side rail garnish molding (Reference Service Manual Section 10-9).
2. Lower the folding top to 3/4 down to access the attaching hardware of the folding top side rail link assemblies (Figure 2).
3. Remove LH and RH interior quarter trim panels (Reference Service Manual Section 10-9).
4. Layout the access holes on the LH and RH lock pillar (Figure 1).
5. Center punch and drill a 1" diameter access hole at each lock pillar. Drill through one metal thickness only using a metal hole saw.
6. Vacuum up all drill chips.
7. At one side only, remove the folding top side rail link assembly from the folding top side rail assembly (Figures 2 and 4).
8. At the same side, remove folding top side rail link assembly from the folding top outer arm assembly (Figures 2 and 4).
9. Also at the same side, remove the lower end of the folding top side rail link assembly from the idler link assembly. Use the new access hole for the T40 torx bit and the rectangular hole for accessing the attaching nut with a 13 mm open-end wrench (Figures 2 and 3).
10. Install a new folding top side rail link assembly, observing correct stack-up order of washers and bushings (Figures 2, 3 and 4). Torque 18 Nm (14 lb.ft.).
Important:
Car may have a different stack-up.
11. Repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the other side.
12. Apply zinc-rich primer to the new access hole edges.
13. Install LH and RH interior quarter trim panels (Reference Service Manual Section 10-9).
14. Raise folding top and cycle a few times to check operation.
15. Install LH and RH folding top side rail garnish moldings (Reference Service Manual Section 10-9).
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Labor Time Material Allowance
B3375 Right Side 0.6 hr $1.00
B3376 Left Side Each Side $1.00