Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Installation Procedure
- Prepare the mating surfaces.
- Remove the tape and all tape residue from the service part along all bonded surfaces.
- Install 3 rear brackets along the rear edge of the roof bow.
- Prepare the bonding surfaces using a scuff pad. Clean the bond area with a lint-free rag, using a water-based cleaner.
Important:Β Prior to refinishing, refer to GM 4901MD-99 Refinish Manual for recommended products. Do NOT combine paint systems. Refer to the paint manufacturer's recommendations.
- Prime bare metal areas and the SMC bond areas using the urethane adhesive kit, GM P/N 12346284 (Canadian P/N 10952983).
- Prime the small bare metal areas along the windshield header and the roof bow with the pinch-weld flange primer.
- For large bare metal areas, larger than 4x4 in, use a 2-part catalyzed primer.
- Apply a butyl sealer (1) to the service part as indicated.
- Apply urethane (2) to the vehicle and in recommended locations along the service part.
Important:Β The quarter panels must be in the body position before you insert the roof panel. Place the deck lid in the open position.
- With the aid of a helper, install the service part roof.NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
- From the outside of the vehicle, push down on the top of the roof to create a flush fit with the surrounding panels. From the inside of the vehicle, tighten the fasteners.
- Reinstall the hardware along the windows and along the windshield side pillar.
- Install the side reveal molding. Refer to SIDE REVEAL MOLDING REPLACEMENT (COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE) or SIDE REVEAL MOLDING REPLACEMENT (HARDTOP) in Stationary Windows.
- Install new roof weatherstrip side retainers and replace the moldings. Refer to WEATHERSTRIP SIDE RETAINER REPLACEMENT (COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE or WEATHERSTRIP SIDE RETAINER REPLACEMENT (HARDTOP) in Stationary Windows.
- Install the headliner through the rear window opening. Fasten the headliner in place. Refer to HARD TOP HEADLINER REPLACEMENT in Interior Trim.
- Install 3 headliner fasteners.
- Install the seat belt upper guides. Refer to SEAT BELT RETRACTOR REPLACEMENT - LEFT FRONT (CONVERTIBLE) or SEAT BELT RETRACTOR REPLACEMENT - LEFT FRONT (COUPE, HARDTOP) and to SEAT BELT RETRACTOR REPLACEMENT - RIGHT FRONT (CONVERTIBLE) or SEAT BELT RETRACTOR REPLACEMENT - RIGHT FRONT (COUPE, HARDTOP) in Seat Belts.
- Install the windshield side garnish moldings and retainers.
- Install 2 sun visors. Refer to SUNSHADE REPLACEMENT in Interior Trim.
- Install the rear window. Refer to REAR WINDOW REPLACEMENT in Stationary Windows.
- Install the window reveal molding.
- Test the roof panel for water leaks.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.