ACRYLIC T-TOPS PANELS (REPLACE W/GLASS PANELS)

Model and Year: 1989 F CAR

Customer comments regarding appearance cracking or bulging of Acrylic T-Top panels on 1989 F-cars may be addressed by using the following procedure:

Replace the Acrylic panels with Glass panels, as a set (right and left). All components from the acrylic panel (weatherstrip, retainer, garnish molding, latch handle, lock cylinder and retainer) except for the outer sealing strip, will transfer to the glass panels.

The glass panel part numbers are 12397246-7 (right and left) and sealing strip part numbers are 20453466-7 (right and left).

The following information should be included in the bulletin being forwarded to GM dealers:

"Part is on special control" with limited availability. Please limit orders to a "vehicle down" basis. The special control will be removed upon receipt of sufficient material, to handle unrestricted order writing.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

It will not be necessary to change any roof opening weatherstrips or centering finishing molding (T-Bar) for this repair.

The vehicles affected have the following VIN breakpoints:

KL 157396 236196 157458 158726 158736 158738 158739 158740 158743 158744 and all units after KL 168723

Replacement Procedure:

After removing the top from the vehicle and placing on a clean work surface, remove the following parts in order to transfer to the new glass panel.

1. Latch handle

2. Garnish molding

3. Two (2) butt joint attaching screws and carefully remove weatherstrip from retainer.

IMPORTANT: Use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive will aid in removal of the weatherstrip without damage.

4. Four (4) screws holding the weatherstrip retainer and remove retainer.

5. Using a 1/8" drill bit, drill out the rivets retaining the lock cylinder security shield and remove shield.

6. Lock cylinder retainer and lock cylinder.

GLASS PANEL BUILD UP AND INSTALLATION

1. Loosely install latch handle on glass panel assembly, locate glass panel in roof opening, latch panel and inspect for panel alignment as follows:

A. Up/down - measurements taken at outer edge of plastic support panel. Should be flush to the roof panel or up to 1.5 mm high.

B. In/out (front) the outer edge of the plastic support panel should present a continuous line rearward from the front roof outer panel.

C. In/out (rear) place a piece of tape on the glass panel, along the edge of the center "T-Bar" and approximately 1" to 2" inboard of the front and rear edges.

Remove the glass panel from the roof and measure the distance from the inboard edge of the glass to the tape edge at both locations. The distances should be equal.

IMPORTANT: All adjustments may be made at the outboard receiver locations and garnish molding removal may be required to make adjustments.

After glass roof panel adjustments are made, remove glass panel from roof and place on a clean work surface:

INSTALL

1. The new sealing strip (awning), (after the protective cover for the adhesive has been removed) GM P/N 200453466-7 (right/left) to the support by centering fore/aft and pressing the strip into the cornered sealing area.

2. Locate the weatherstrip retainer by centering fore/aft and marking the 4 slot locations on the plastic support.

3. Reinstall and latch the panel on the vehicle.

4. Locate the retainer to the marks, align in/out position to body side butt joints at front and rear.

5. Using a 3mm (1/8") drill bit, drill attaching holes at all 4 slot locations and install retaining screws.

6. Install the panel weatherstrip in the retainer, adjust the butt joints forward or rearward for "LIGHT" contact.

7. Drill the butt joint attaching holes using a 3mm (1/8") drill bit and install attaching screws.

8. Install the lock cylinder, retainer and security cover using 1/8" rivets.

9. Install the panel garnish molding and latch handle.

Labor Operation Number: T1528 (Both Sides)

Labor Time: 1.0 Hours

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.