2014 Corvette Stingray Removable Roof Panel "DROPPED" and Damaged

[allenk4]

This is another story of an Exotic Car Rental gone Wrong


Although the removable top only weighs 15-20lbs and is released with three levers and has a perfect fit storage are in the boot....this one was damaged

The renter returned the vehicle after dark so the Manager didn't get the story of what happened, but you can see by the damage that it was dropped.


The Owner would like me to attempt to fix it

I explained to him that I could not give him any guarantee of the outcome. He was fine with that


The roof panel is not the Carbon Fiber variant

It appears to be black plastic all the way through

It does not appear to be painted



My initial thoughts on process are:

- Tape off

- Machine sand with 3" 1000 grit discs on a PC

- Machine sand with 3" 1500 grit discs on a PC

- Machine sand with 3" 3000 grit discs on a PC

- Compound with 3" CCS Orange and M100

- Polish with 3" CCS White and M205

- If required, Polish with Wolfgang Finishing Glaze on a Blue CCS pad


Any and all input is greatly appreciated













Apologies if the high resolution messed anybody up, but I though a close-up look would be beneficial

[parttimer]

I bet the inside of the plastic isn't black. 1000 grit probably isn't going to knock those high edges off either.

[expdetailing]

I believe CC on plastic is thinner than on paint. Be careful.

[ScottB]

On the previous generation of the Vette the C6, I had to have my roof replaced several times under warranty due to the material. They called it SMC and it is indeed a type of plastic. When each new panel was delivered to the dealer is was prepped and need to be painted and clearcoated. I don't know exactly the process but trust me it was quite common as it became a national recall process on the earlier model C6's with the targa top. It had something to do with the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame, and I share it only to say that these panels are indeed paintable.

I would suggest discussing the process with a professional. Based upon the pics it does not appear that repair will easily be done outside of professional repair/repainting. Something might have changed on the Stingray but suspect its similar.

And let the manager know ... it unfortunately is a very common mishap and he is now part of the "flying roof club". Do a search on any Vette forum and you will see even long term owners have made the mistake and forgotten to latch it properly. With the right speed and those aerodynamics its simply an error waiting to happen. It could have been dropped, but more than likely lifted off at speed.

[FUNX650]

This appears to be a "tinted" Targa Top.

IMO:
Looks like you may have to remove all of the "hardcoat" from this entire affected section of the top. (It's a real tough cookie!!)
If so:
Are you planning on putting the "hardcoat" back on that section of top, once you're done with the sanding/compoundoing/polishing steps?

OK...Time for some buzz-words usage:

This polysiloxane resin-"hardcoat" purpose is to provide abrasion resistance and UV-protection to the underlying plexiglass-ish material.

Note:
Here's hoping you don't have to do the entire targa top with your listed processes...in order to make it aesthetically pleasing.


Bob

[allenk4]

The plan is to address as small of an area as possible, definitely not the entire roof panel

These vehicles are usually kept by the rental company for three years and then traded-in

Realistically, they will be happy with a repair that is not noticeable at a few feet.

[ScottB]

Is the center section of the roof solid with a liner or see-thru ??? This will explain if the roof is the painted targa or the lexan targa (often suggested as the glass top).

[FUNX650]

Is the center section of the roof solid with a liner or see-thru ??? This will explain if the roof is the painted targa or the lexan targa (often suggested as the glass top).

These are the OEM Targa Tops available for the C7 Corvette:
1.) Body-color carbon-fiber roof panel...Standard
2.) Transparent roof panel...................Optional

Kyle has already stated this Targa Top is not C-F.

The roof panel is not the Carbon Fiber variant

Bob

[allenk4]

Quote:
Originally Posted by allenk4 View Post
Bob,
Is the removable roof panel on the 2014 Stingray the same composition?

Yes. The default/standard roof panel is carbon fiber and painted body color.

Here's the latest scoop:
There are currently five (5) roof panel choices
available for the C7 Stingray coupe.

• A carbon fiber panel that is fully painted in body color (this is the default/standard roof package mentioned above). {RPO CFA}

• A roof panel that has exposed carbon fiber in the center of the panel and two body colored trim edges on sides above the windows. {RPO C2Z}

• A transparent panel top only, and no carbon fiber roof panel. {RPO CC3.}

• A dual roof package that has an exposed carbon fiber panel with body colored edges, and a transpartent roof panel. {RPO C2M.}

• A dual roof package that has a painted carbon fiber roof panel, and a transparent roof panel. {RPO C2Q}


Quote:
Originally Posted by allenk4 View Post
I am pretty sure these scratches are through any protective coating that might be on top of the Lexan

They sure are.

Still think you'll have to remove all of the protective coating next to the driver's side of the drip channel.

Are you going to replace the protective (hard)coating on that section?

Bob
__________________
Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk~Joaquin de Setanti

[allenk4]

There is currently no plan in place to replace the OEM coating on the damaged section

I do have CQuartz UK and EXO v2 as options to coat the entire panel

If that section did oxidize as a result of removing the protective coating AND the color of the Lexan is consistent all the way through....polishing every so often is a much more attractive option to this Owner