Some 1990 Reatta convertibles may experience a condition of a wavy appearance on the upper surface of the front bow (#1 bow). This condition may be caused by the foam filler in the front bow expanding when exposed to high ambient temperatures. To correct this condition, use the following procedure to install a fiberglass cap over the front (#1) bow.
1. Lower top into well.
2. Remove front top cover retainer.
3. Remove front side roof rail weatherstrips and retainers. Mark screw positions on retainers to aid reinstallation.
4. Raise top.
5. Peel back cover material to expose foam filler. An adhesive release agent may aid in loosening top material.
6. Remove foam filler in #1 bow by prying out with stiff-bladed putty knife and discard. Refer to Figure 1.
7. Clean #1 bow upper surface and under side of fiberglass cap, P/N 3635465, with solvent wash.
8. Apply 1/4" bead of structural two-part adhesive, such as 3M 08456 PAC 30 or equivalent, around entire upper periphery of #1 bow. Place bead approximately 1/2" in from outer edge of bow.
9. Place fiberglass cap over #1 bow and align front edges. Refer to Figure 2.
10. Clamp cap in place using duck-bill vise grips in front and rear of #1 bow at three or four places until adhesive sets (approximately 15 minutes).
11. Remove clamps.
12. Pull top material forward and around header. Re-glue cover flap using 3M 08064 vinyl trim adhesive or equivalent. Be sure to align front material bead to front edge of header for a smooth bead appearance.
13. Install front side roof rail weatherstrips and retainers aligning retainers with marks made in step 3.
14. Install front top cover retainer and latch top.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Labor Operation No.: T6537 Labor Time: .8 hr.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.