05/06 roof panel vs. new 07 SMC panel.

[Rapid Transit]

What's the 05/06 panel made of? How's that different from SMC? I understand the new roof will come unpainted and will be painted at the dealership (or its contracted paint shop), how will it be fastened to the frame? Adhesive?

Thanks,

[bjaber]

Are you referring to the fixed roof on the Z06 or the removable glass roof on the regular C6? What are you referring to as SMC? SMC coating on the glass?

I can't imaging anything being done as a production step at the actual dealer to complete the vehicle.

Doesn't make sense.

[Rapid Transit]

Originally Posted by bjaber

Are you referring to the fixed roof on the Z06 or the removable glass roof on the regular C6? What are you referring to as SMC? SMC coating on the glass?

I can't imaging anything being done as a production step at the actual dealer to complete the vehicle.

Doesn't make sense.

Sorry, I should've been more clear. I'm referring to the flying-roof problem plaguing many C6 Z06s, especially dark-colored cars. (I'm not sure about non-Z06 C6s' roof problem. ) My Z06 is black, and I've read about many other black cars having the same problem. I'm sure you've read about it. To fix it, GM offers to reglue the roof panel if it has not separated more than 75%. Mine has, so the dealership is ordering a new roof panel (referred to as SMC panel). This roof will arrive at the dealership unpainted, and they will have to paint it to match the customer's car, then they will call my car in to install it. I'm not knowledgeable about SMC (Sheet Molded Compound? or is it Sheet Metal Compound? I've heard both ) That's why I asked: if the new roof panel is made of SMC, then what's the existing panel on all 05 and 06 Z06s made of?

My report is posted here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1451850

Thanks,

[bjaber]

Yep, I'm very well aware of the recall. It affects all C6's now (Z06 too), not just the initial VIN blockpoints the first published. I had the recall done just recently.

[No Doubt]

SMC stands for Sheet Molded Compound and is a combination of resins, fiberglass, catalysts and fillers which are compounded into sheet form.

The body panels on C5 and C6 vettes, as well as the roof panel on the C6 ZO6, are made of this material.

The problem with the C6 Z06 roof panels is a quality control issue. The fact is an insufficient amount of adhesive was applied and/or was applied improperly.

Darker colors may be more affected because darker objects absorb more wavelengths of light. These wavelengths aren't just light, they're also energy in the form of radiation. Because dark colored objects absorb more wavelengths, they also absorb more heat.

It is a combination of the lack of adhesive and/or the improperly applied adhesive which results in the adhesive softening and ultimately the roof panel becoming unbonded and detaching. Heat can contribute to this problem.

[IT L GO]

They changed the material from which the roof is fabricated from a polycarbonate back to an SMC process that they've been using on Vettes for some time now.