[FIX] C6 Corvette convertible tonneau cover hits rear window - How-to-video!

[@spectreboy55]

I just got a C6 yesterday, thank goodness these don't evaporate, really appreciate your help even if I'm 10 years late!!!

[@HexedInOhio]

Glad to hear everyone has had such great success with the repair. I'm just checking in about a year and 1/2 later and still haven't had to make any further adjustments. Still no interference between the rear window and tonneau cover. Will continue to update my findings.

[@ericisom8159]

Andrew, any chance you can add the TSB you mentioned in the Video. Yesterday, as I went to raise the top on my newly acquired 09' --everything seemed to be working correctly before yesterdays event--as the raising process was proceeding, I suddenly realized that the window section of the power top suddenly fell down as it raised and when the Tonneau began to close it struck the window top section--I stopped...reversed the process and the window section went vertical again, the Tonneau cleared but, like your video, it NOW hit the lower edge of the window. I found a piece of webbing with a hole in it while searching in the trunk where the top rests when down. I suspect that the web strap end torn off. I would certainly like to review the TSB. If you don't want to post it, could you email it to me at [e-mail]. Thanks, Eric

[@mkernen]

Nice!!! My C6 convertible has done this ever since I can remember. I've always just reached back and pulled on the window a little bit, but finally I know what to do to fix it. Thanks for the great vid!

[@sbridge3432]

I don't mean to be "that guy" but I bought a low mileage '07 a few weeks ago and then found out about this issue. I looked as the top was going up and, sure enough, it did make light contact with the back window. I fixed it!!! While my left index finger holds the button to put the top up my right index finger reaches over my shoulder and moves the window forward 1/8" for a little less than a second..

[@franksxxxr2099]

I did that for two year and got finger prints on the glass, ugh. The fix is really easy if you have a 7mm socket, two inch extension and handle to go into the extension (no ratchet required) 35 minute fix if you watch Andrew's video and read recent comments.

[@donblake7522]

I have an 05 same issue I do the same thing issue solved 👌

[@bigdogblackie]

Great video, yours is the first video I've seen that shows pretty easily where to find those damn straps for the rear bow. The focus difficulty was not a problem, the video showed exactly what was needed! Thanks.

[@bobbromm2269]

Any reason you couldn't double the strap back on itself and use a slightly longer screw/bolt to reattach?

[@imagymdad2]

Just bought my C6 and I noticed this issue. I will performing this fix! Thanks for the video. Extremely helpfull!!

[@Tom-uf2um]

Thank you, nice job. Don’t forget to put the handle back in place before the top is opened all the way. I understand that handle can get broken by the tunnel cover coming down on it

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

*always fold the lock handle back in place before stowing top in the down position* there is usually enough room but they have been known to get squashed and broken by the closing cover

[@kevindavis5966]

Just used your fix and corrected my '13 427 top as well. Mine would actually get the tonneau caught on the window and not close at all if the window were not manually adjusted each time. I just bought the car, so had a voucher to have it fixed for free, but was looking at a two hour round trip and who knows how long of a wait at the dealership (if they even knew how to fix it at all). So thanks a million for that! I previously had a garage kept '06 vert for nine years that had perfect top operation. Seeing this issue in the newer models makes me wonder if Chevy changed the strap specs later on.

[@rhondat6251]

I thought that the dealer just tell ladies anything. I am having the same issue and was told the exact same thing. Thanks for your helpful information on this issue.

[@jonesygw]

Thanks , I’ve had the same problem with my 05 for years. I just pulled the window out of the way when putting the top down or up. I’ll take care of this in the spring.

[@santiagogarcia120]

I FOLLOWED THE SAMPLE YOU GAVE AND CURED THE PROBLEM EASY TASK IF YOUR HANDY.

[@jimtoscas7409]

Great guidance on an apparently common problem- I have it as well on my 2010 GS, and Chevy told me exactly the same thing they told you. You were concerned about the stitching near the end of the strap, and whether it might need to be reproduced for the new bolt location. The stitching is to prevent the end of the strap from unraveling, in particular, to prevent the bolt hole from elongating. But the bolt hole is PAST the stitching, so what gives? I'm very sure that the bolt was supposed to be located ON THE OTHER SIDE of the stitching in the first place, and was simply assembled incorrectly. This exactly corresponds to the TSB advice to relocate the bolt 1/4" farther away from the end. This mistake resulted in inadequate allowance for the natural (expected) stretching of the strap over time, and thus created the interference problem.

[@gregwiese1697]

my 427 - 60 th ANNIVERSARY just purchased - does the same ALSO , I use a long fine artist paint brush dipped in oil to lubricate all hinge/metal contact points

[@f86fman]

I tried the same type of "fix" about 2 years ago on my '07. It worked for about 2 weeks then a slight rubbing began occurring again. It seems that some elastic in the original strap becomes weak from time, ozone, etc. I found some identical material at Wally World on the cheap and will install the new straps. Note that my '07 mounts differently on the front end of the strap and it is much more accessible than the one shown in the video. Therefore I think it will be much easier to just replace with new stretch straps. I will report back on how the new strapping works.

[@stevej.1428]

I would try folding the strap over itself at where it transitions from the reinforced/stitched area and run a new hole through both the old hole and into the less reinforced part of the strap. This would probably make the strap at least 1/2 inch shorter (or even more), but you'd get a more substantial connection when screwed down. Not sure if shortening the strap that much would effect the top or it's operation, but it would make a more solid connection, and less apt to stretch out again leading to the same problem. The only thing I question is the screw/bolt being long enough to go through all of it and still get a good enough bite on the threads to not come out. Probably could get a slightly longer screw.

[@jonjames2680]

Did you try this? Did it work? This was my thought exactly

[@chucker2784]

Thanks for the video, by any chance do you know the part number for the 7mm bolt/screw used to fasten the strap? My 2010 GS has an original bolt on one side and some other 1/4" chrome plated self tapping screw on the other. Many thanks!

[@IncomeWithEnergy]

I just stumbled upon this fix...thanks a million! I'm planning on adding some fabric tape to reinforce the area where the screw will be repositioned. I also have to fix with the same fabric tape the inside of the fabric top since it keeps getting caught on a ripped seam every time I put the top up.

[@En1337Rich]

I also had a '10 Grandsport and upgraded to the 427!!!! mine were red! Thinking about a '19 Z06 vert now.

[@robertfuller7869]

I have a 2010. The best way to get to the bolts is to move the front seats forward and squeeze in behind the seat. Now the bolt will be directly straight up and you can remove and replace the bolt looking straight at it. My strap was severely stretched out so even moving the hole 3 inches did not help. I was given an estimate at an upholstery shop that they can replace bolth straps for $90. I also have a problem with the tonneau cover hinge hitting the roof. The TSP report recommends losing the hinges and pulling it back towards the rear. This did not help. Plus be very careful. You can knock the cover out of Alignment and it’s a pain getting it back the way it was. Be sure to take a marker and trace around the hinges before you mess with them. I have heard several fix’s for my problem. Replace Hydraulic pistons on the hinges, replace sensor in the hinge, replace pump. Any suggestions that might work for my hinge hit?

[@michaellevesque3976]

Thanks for making this. I have this problem on my 2010 GS and now I know how to fix it. Much appreciated!

[@TheKotik32]

Makes sense. I have the same issue. Will fix it using your method as soon as I have a chance. Thank you for the nice video!

[@panzerwaffen2873]

TheKotik32 did you fix the problem?

[@petercarruth5154]

Have a 2000 Vert. Driver window does not tuck all the way in to the top cover. Looking from outside (Upper right)... glass goes a little over the corner thereby way to much noise. Someone said there is a window adjustment to possibly change the angle. Can you advise on this? Happy to send a pic if requested.

[@keithmosley6682]

Fixed mine today 10.20.2024. Pretty easy actually.

[@JANDRIUOLI]

Sounds good....thanks for the video. I am planing on doing my car tomorrow. Thanks again!

[@tomslck]

+Julio Andriuoli I'm gonna do mine Saturday… I had my car at a "Corvette specialist?" Midwest Corvette Mike's and the guy suggested I take my car to a dealership to get this fixed? So glad I found this video...

[@allee6363]

Can you fold the strap over and the stitching should work as a stop?

[@HexedInOhio]

I suppose in theory it would work. Hard to say tho...that sounds like a trial and error kinda thing

[@russpalmerton8574]

Thanks for the information and it was accurate and fairly easy. The top works great now.

[@brandonwarren4614]

I know this is such an old video but very informative, unfortunately this did not work for a customers vette I have in the shop for this same issue. Any other tips?

[@HexedInOhio]

Replacing the entire strap is the only other fix I've seen for this. And by fix, I mean a temporary band-aid. Some have sourced a bungy cord or something of similar elasticity and made it to the same size. Seen varying results of success with that from works perfectly over time to what-a-waste-of-time-that-was. Boggles my mind that GM never bothered to find a permanent fix for this extremely well-known issue. Others have said it best...GM has been known to design certain stuff just good enough to get you past warranty. At that point they just shrug and say we didn't say it would work forever, people. Good luck with your endeavor, buddy. Wish I had more to tell you.

[@brandonwarren4614]

@@HexedInOhio I know I'm a gm technician lol I have replaced the top and straps. The straps are now part from a seat belt cause the oem straps broke. Still no dice. I feel like if I make it as tight as I need it to not contact, there's too much tension and the top will not close properly

[@HexedInOhio]

@@brandonwarren4614 I'd imagine a seat belt material wouldn't work for that for reasons you just mentioned...it has to be able to stretch. Ironically, the biggest requirement is also its own undoing. I wish I had more to offer but being inside GMs network you'll probably have a lot better resources than anything I could offer. I don't even know if you can find the straps new anymore, which is gonna cause a huge problem down the road. Oh, how I miss the days of the simplicity of the manual folding top lol

[@brandonwarren4614]

@@HexedInOhio I wish I could just tell them "sell it" haha

[@HexedInOhio]

@@brandonwarren4614 So sad too. The C6 was a really fun generation with tons of bang-for-the-buck potential. Stupid stuff like this that leaves you high and dry is why I can myself buying another Vette. After that issue, I next ran into the carbon ceramic rotors on my 2011 ZR1 being way out of balance and the only advice GM gave me was buy another set for $10k. Yeah no ill see y'all later lol

[@chairmankim9628]

I have same car and same problem. You make the fix look easy. Thanks.

[@ericm5393]

mine is a 06 and the top strap is riveted on the side and is much easier for me to get to , as for the bottom strap I didn't see any screws holding it on , only rivets. I drilled out the top rivets made a different hole while stretching the strap and put a 5mm screw with a nylon nut to hold it on and it worked perfectly , 20 minutes total .

[@dennisz494]

I am just wondering how you got a convertible Z06?

[@HexedInOhio]

The 2013 427 convertible was a single-year trim and they only made 2,552 of them. It was the only time a Z06 engine could be had on the C6 convertible body. Starting with the C7, GM finally wised up and made the Z06 convertible an option.

[@larryk.3005]

I followed not only the TSB but also the attached video. I moved the hole about 1 - 1 1/8" and got no good results. Are your straps rigid or elastic? Any other suggestions, like I said, I did have the TSB and do not like the other suggestion of moving the top forward. I am stumped.

[@HexedInOhio]

If you have a 2005-2008, as mentioned in the description, you should replace the straps with new ones. Access is much easier on that generation of top and replacing the straps will fix it. I made this repair on my 2013 in February and with about a 3/4" move of the strap, I've yet to have any kind of issues since.

[@larryk.3005]

Andrew Hanf I'm sorry, this communication is all new to me and also, I did not see the description until you mentioned it. The new straps you are referring to, are they a non-elastic type which would allow them to get more taut. And also I imagine, I would have to drill out the rivot to remove and then use a bolt and nut or something similar. My Chevy dealer parts department is very friendly with me, did they update the straps then from 2005 to 2008?...Thanks

[@HexedInOhio]

Yes, the old rivit will need drilled out. The straps are still elastic with the leather part attached to it. Your dealership should easily be able swap them out for you.

[@mjmqubesi]

The soft top of my 05 c6 doesn't fold enough & prevents the tonneau from latching...any ideas????

[@gs3504]

Just fixed my 06. Thank You!!

[@IlliniMike]

07 I don’t have this problem but one of the strings that hold the cloth in place broke 🤷🏻‍♂️anyone know how to fix that

[@Mike-en4ye]

I would fold the strap in half and get a longer screw would be a lot stronger

[@garyschnaus993]

Typically my luck...did exactly what the video states, but not the same results! Made hole about 3/4 inch from the original hole on both sides. Tried the top and it now hits the window and gets stuck. Had to put it back in the original holes where it hits the window up or down but at least doesn't get stuck. I must have a different problem with my '11 Grand Sport top.

[@tuber46]

That's odd. The C5 has a "curtain" that follows the window to keep the cover from scraping the window. I wonder why the C6 doesn't have it?

[@JANDRIUOLI]

Hi I was just wondering if the repair is holding up ok? I have the same problem and I am going to do it to my car as well. Thanks!!

[@HexedInOhio]

It has only been a few weeks since I made the repair, but it holds strong without any issues. This repair was made based off an internal GM TSB, so GM found the repair to be appropriate. If I do have any issues down the line, I would update the video. My only regret was that I didn't do it earlier!

[@rickalpert3716]

+Andrew Hanf How did you make the hole in the strap? Or shall I say, what did you use to make the hole? thanks

[@HexedInOhio]

Ended up simply using a punch that you would use for wood or metal working. However, I see no reason that a small Phillips wouldn't work either. It slide right through like butter, then just thread the screw into it. 3/4" ended up being the perfect distance for me to move it.

[@rickalpert3716]

+Andrew Hanf wow. Thanks for the great video and help!! How long has it been installed?

[@rickalpert3716]

+Andrew Hanf So just so I understand, you removed the screw, punched a new hole and then screwed the screw back into new hole? What else does the screw go into?

[@panzerwaffen2873]

I don't own a convertible but anyway good video super good to help c6 and why not other generations of corvette to fix their problem yes stealership is the last option to fix your car...why do some many people take their car to the stealership? Come on guys don't be lazy it is fun to fix your car by yourself greetings and long live to big butties

[@spkulatrg]

Not handy, is there somewhere some one will do this fix? South Jersey aea? thanks !

[@eugenepruitt4369]

Beautiful

[@mathewhartig236]

Well done. Easy to follow! Thanks for this!

[@davenobleswimmer7235]

Good info I will send it to the person that I sold my 2007 to. I had that issue but never knew a fix for it.

[@BobbyDigital_TheCode]

Love it! Thanks for this, man!

[@robharrison6838]

Great video!

[@z512345]

Mine is a manual top, and all I do is push the rear window in a bit with my hand and that's it.

[@ericm5393]

thx so much!!! Great video , straight and to the point , very informative

[@stevenjacobs6934]

I just reach back and grab the top when it’s going up or down, literally takes zero effort…I live in Florida so the top is hardly ever up.

[@stevej.1428]

Umm, I see your top is puckered in now around the window when closed, so maybe you went a little to far with the adjustment. I'm also thinking that maybe sliding a thick strap adjuster on would take up enough slack just by going over and under a couple times to make enough difference.

[@corvettejunky2556]

very helpful

[@ericisom8159]

Nice...thanks

[@mjmqubesi]

I think with 05 the strabs are much easier to reach....

[@rosarioroberto5823]

WOW, you are amazing.

[@BigF-1982]

Thank you very much God bless you ..You are a wonderful person actually

[@dcolehome]

Thank you for the fix but for the first time I'm glad mine is manual. :-)

[@melvingregory]

Good video, your instructions and explanations were spot on. I was able to adjust mine. I did move the seats forward and work from the interior to get mine done. The TSB gives some good pictures and also helped. TSB #09-08-67-013C - Folding Top Contacts Stowage Compartment Lid (Tonneau) and/or Tonneau Contacts Rear Window

[@alexnelson09]

Thanks!!