Roof Bow Service - Chevrolet Corvette 1997 Complete Manual

Roof Bow Service

The Roof Bow is made from a one piece mild
steel tube that is shaped by hydroforming
(Fig. 3.49). The roof bow is located and MIG
welded to the inner and outer lock pillar panels.
The roof bow should be three-dimensionally
located and MIG welded at factory joints when
replaced. Use 8mm (5/16 in) plug welds to
replace resistance welds at the lock pillar inner
panel.
The Roof Bow Cover is made of Sheet Moulded
Compound (SMC), and is bonded to the Roof
Bow with structural adhesive (Fig. 3.50). The Roof
Bow Cover overlaps the Rear Compartment
Panel Frame, which should be sectioned if the
Roof Bow Cover is not damaged (Refer to Rear
Compartment Panel Frame Service Procedures) .
Fig. 3.49 — Mild Steel Roof Bow
Important: Use US Chemical and Plastics
82014B System 2000 Structural Adhesive, a
PLIOGRIP ® adhesive manufactured by Ashland
Chemical Company, or equivalent. Note the 9
minute working time and 1 hour cure time.
Notice: Before permanent installation of
either the Roof Bow or the Roof Bow Cover
be sure to establish location for proper fit and
finish of all adjacent panels.
Removal of the Roof Bow Cover requires the
removal of the screws attaching the front and
rear weatherstrips through the cover to the
hydroformed roof bow (Fig. 3.51). Apply heat to
the bonded area and break the adhesive to
remove the Roof Bow Cover. (Follow SMC Repair
Procedures.)
Fig. 3.50 — SMC Roof Bow Cover
Fig. 3.51 — Adhesive Bead Location
3-24 1997/98 Chevrolet Corvette Collision Repair