NEW LATCH SYSTEM FOR T-TOP P/N PLUS INSTALL PROCEDURES

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1982 and 1983 'F' Styles

To revise the latching of the twin lift-off panel assemblies, a new latch assembly has been released for servicing the 1982 and 1983 'F' styles.

To install the new latch assemblies to the existing lift-off panels, follow the procedure outlined below ad shown on the attached figures.

Remove:

------- 1. The lift-off panel from the car and place it on a clean protective surface.

2. The latch assembly.

3. The body side front and rear striker assemblies.

4. The body side front and rear striker supports.

Install:

-------- 1. New front and rear striker supports using the existing mounting plates and nuts as shown in Figure 1.

2. Front and rear plastic latch strikers loosely to the supports using the high low screw (Fig. 1)

3. Latch support adjusting plates(s) to the lift-off glass panel support (Fig. 2) with extruded portion of the plate(s) inserted to the glass support slot. The bottom edge of the plate(s) must be against the flange(s) of the glass support before drilling two (2) 1/8 inch holes through the plastic support(s) using the plate as a guide. Attach the plates to the support using the high low screw.

4. Lift-off panel assembly to the body for proper adjustment and tighten the front and rear plastic striker screws.

5. With the lift-off panel removed, position front and rear opening garnish mouldings to the body. Using the upper garnish moulding attached hole(s) as a guide. Install the garnish mouldings using the high low screw at the upper attachment locations and the existing screw(s) at the lower locations. For proper adjustments see Figure 3.

The following complete latch conversion kits (less glass) 20496893 (right) and/or 20496894 (left) are available through the Canadian Service Parts Organization (CANSPO).

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.