Preventing Rear Glass Damage During Folding Top Service

June 26, 2024

During repairs of the folding top on 2016-2024 Camaro convertible models, there are several key tips to follow to ensure proper operation of the folding top and to help prevent any folding top or rear glass damage. (Fig. 14)

Fig. 14

The rear glass is an integral part of the folding top canvas. The folding top linkage that connects the frame to the rear glass must be assembled properly to avoid any potential damage. If the folding top linkage is installed incorrectly, it can create stress on the rear glass, resulting in the glass cracking or shattering while cycling the folding top assembly. (Fig. 15)

Fig. 15

When assembling the folding top, the folding top linkage that attaches to the rear glass must be located on the outboard side of the back glass bracket. The pin that holds it together should be inserted from the inboard side of the linkage. The pin first goes through the back glass bracket, and then through the top frame linkage. The correctly assembled folding top linkage at the rear glass attachment point is shown below. (Fig. 16)

Fig. 16

A gray, plastic washer may be found in this assembly during disassembly of the folding top. If present, it should be reinstalled. Finally, the spring clip should be installed on the outboard side of the top frame linkage. Before continuing with repairs, verify that the linkage has been correctly reassembled.

Also inspect the cord/strap routing of the entire canvas top. Under no circumstances will a cord, strap or eyelet need to be cut, nor will any rivets need to be drilled out, when replacing the folding top cover. If any alterations appear to be needed during the removal of the canvas, carefully check the area again to ensure that a cord or strap has not been routed incorrectly during reassembly of the top.

If possible, refer to a similar Camaro convertible at the dealership to compare the cord routing to a known good vehicle.

For an inside look at Camaro folding top canvas replacement, check out the video included in the August 2018 Emerging Issues seminar, course number #10218.08V, on the Center of Learning. (Fig. 17)