Exposed CF Insert Owners! Check Your Insert! GM Cust. Service/Fbodfather please look! - Page 6 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

fbodfather · 07-30-2012, 06:43 PM

OK - deep breath, everyone.

The last thing we want is for you to be unhappy with your ZL1.

That said - I suspect you know that the carbon fiber hoods have been problematic from day one. I also believe that your car did not have that crack in it when it left oshawa - as to WHY it cracked? That's the million dollar question, but be assured that it hasn't appeared on the CTF vehicles.

Now - we're going to replace it. It does not affect your driving the vehicle. Also understand that these parts are very difficult to make - that's the main reason that cars have been delayed. We will get it to you as soon as possible. The supplier is working around the clock to perfect the parts, but anyone working with Carbon Fiber knows that it's very tricky - we do have standards that might surprise you - and that's why we don't accept many of the parts when we receive them.

Deep breath - go enjoy the car and know that we will replace it.

JMAN311 · 07-30-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fbodfather

OK - deep breath, everyone.

The last thing we want is for you to be unhappy with your ZL1.

That said - I suspect you know that the carbon fiber hoods have been problematic from day one. I also believe that your car did not have that crack in it when it left oshawa - as to WHY it cracked? That's the million dollar question, but be assured that it hasn't appeared on the CTF vehicles.

Now - we're going to replace it. It does not affect your driving the vehicle. Also understand that these parts are very difficult to make - that's the main reason that cars have been delayed. We will get it to you as soon as possible. The supplier is working around the clock to perfect the parts, but anyone working with Carbon Fiber knows that it's very tricky - we do have standards that might surprise you - and that's why we don't accept many of the parts when we receive them.

Deep breath - go enjoy the car and know that we will replace it.

I wish I would have paid better attention to the insert from day 1 to help get a better understanding of what might have caused it.
Maybe it cracked when my railcar broke down for a week

I never believed for once that it would have left the factory like that.

I was just worried that it cracked under normal usage. I'll keep a better eye on the replacement. thanks for checking in with us Scott

1 question for those that know.....is there any kind of rubber gasket or anything on these inserts? I didn't notice one, are they just attached directly to the metal of the hood?

G-Oil Guy · 07-30-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fbodfather

OK - deep breath, everyone.

The last thing we want is for you to be unhappy with your ZL1.

That said - I suspect you know that the carbon fiber hoods have been problematic from day one. I also believe that your car did not have that crack in it when it left oshawa - as to WHY it cracked? That's the million dollar question, but be assured that it hasn't appeared on the CTF vehicles.

Now - we're going to replace it. It does not affect your driving the vehicle. Also understand that these parts are very difficult to make - that's the main reason that cars have been delayed. We will get it to you as soon as possible. The supplier is working around the clock to perfect the parts, but anyone working with Carbon Fiber knows that it's very tricky - we do have standards that might surprise you - and that's why we don't accept many of the parts when we receive them.

Deep breath - go enjoy the car and know that we will replace it.

Thanks for the info fbod.

If it wasn't that way when it left Oshawa it happened between transport and PDI because it was definitely that way in my "delivered" photos that I added to Page 2 I think it was.

I had my car Zyno'd.....Did you have that done JMAN?

JMAN311 · 07-30-2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Oil Guy

Thanks for the info fbod.

If it wasn't that way when it left Oshawa it happened between transport and PDI because it was definitely that way in my "delivered" photos that I added to Page 2 I think it was.

I had my car Zyno'd.....Did you have that done JMAN?

Haven't had a chance to wax it yet. Just gave it a good washing the other day (washed it when the car hadn't been run, the insert was already cracked before it's first wash by me)

I do wonder though.....if the dealer had the car running a bunch before PDI if a temperature change could make the insert crack when they washed it, or crack later due to multiple temp changes

G-Oil Guy · 07-30-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMAN311

Haven't had a chance to wax it yet. Just gave it a good washing the other day (washed it when the car hadn't been run, the insert was already cracked before it's first wash by me)

I do wonder though.....if the dealer had the car running a bunch before PDI if a temperature change could make the insert crack when they washed it, or crack later due to multiple temp changes

Dunno. Just adding as much information as I can for Fbod and the guys at GM

razorz28 · 07-30-2012, 08:08 PM

I can tell you with 99.9% certainty that it left the factory already cracked, it may have been the size of a crack in the front windshield and not noticable but Carbon Fibre does not crack like that after the fact unless the conditions are very extreme.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fbodfather

OK - deep breath, everyone.

The last thing we want is for you to be unhappy with your ZL1.

That said - I suspect you know that the carbon fiber hoods have been problematic from day one. I also believe that your car did not have that crack in it when it left oshawa - as to WHY it cracked? That's the million dollar question, but be assured that it hasn't appeared on the CTF vehicles.

Now - we're going to replace it. It does not affect your driving the vehicle. Also understand that these parts are very difficult to make - that's the main reason that cars have been delayed. We will get it to you as soon as possible. The supplier is working around the clock to perfect the parts, but anyone working with Carbon Fiber knows that it's very tricky - we do have standards that might surprise you - and that's why we don't accept many of the parts when we receive them.

Deep breath - go enjoy the car and know that we will replace it.

george · 07-30-2012, 08:45 PM

My M3 CF roof has no cracks after 4 years. Could it be the heat coming from the engine? This must be repaired by GM. I'm changing to black hood insert and deleting the ECF from my ZL1 order.

razorz28 · 07-30-2012, 08:58 PM

I am sure it is an issue during productions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by george

My M3 CF roof has no cracks after 4 years. Could it be the heat coming from the engine? This must be repaired by GM. I'm changing to black hood insert and deleting the ECF from my ZL1 order.

closs2sx · 07-30-2012, 09:28 PM

the black now grey insert is carbon fiber also and will have those defects filled sanded and painted

G-Oil Guy · 07-30-2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by closs2sx

the black now grey insert is carbon fiber also and will have those defects filled sanded and painted

Yep.

The service manager at my dealership didn't even want to attempt a repair

razorz28 · 07-30-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by closs2sx

the black now grey insert is carbon fiber also and will have those defects filled sanded and painted

If that is the process being used there will be many problems down the road. Every time the carbon fibre heats and cools the defect will open and close.

closs2sx · 07-30-2012, 11:18 PM

well i cant say for sure as i dont work for the supplier that supplies gm or gm but i would imagine they take the rougher ones and paint them

IcePick06 · 07-30-2012, 11:23 PM

I looked a little closer at mine today and there are 2 small blemishes on the edge (1 on the left, 1 on the right)...however they less than a 1/4 inch in length and really only noticeable in low lite conditions. I don't know if they are considered "cracks" like the ones some of you guys showed in the first page but I've seen CF do these when it is stressed and even when the weave is molded or bonded together like on CF wheels in the corners between the lip and the spokes. Since I have my CF insert fully Clear Bra protected with the most expensive film available (XPEL ultimate) I'm probably not going to replace mine as it will be too much of a hassle to go and have GM re-do it under warranty and the blemishes are so minor (especially in direct sunlight).

I will say this though, it's quite disappointing when the 2012 cars sat in QC for weeks and this CF insert was supposedly one of the issues and months later on the 2013 models they still didn't resolve it

I love my ZL1 for what it is and I totally give props to Al O., Scott, Mike Judge and all the GM camaro team for creating such an outstanding car for the price...

But...

I've come to terms with the simple fact that the build quality of GM performance cars just aren't up to par with those of Audi, Porsche or BMW (excluding engine and suspension components of course)

. Therefore, since I currently own a GM performance car, and I know the car will get minor nicks and things on the panels & wheels over time from normal use so I'm not going to be overly anal about this car. Maybe some of you should follow my lead so you too aren't left disappointed at the end of the day and can enjoy your car more for what it is: a budget "super" car

DangerZL1 · 07-31-2012, 03:31 AM

For all the trouble the carbon fiber insert has been it would have made more sense to have a regular hood with heat extractors like the GT500. I realize GM wanted to set the car apart from the competition. The almost square edges are obviously a stress point. I'll look further at my black insert tomorrow.

07-30-2012, 06:43 PM	#71
fbodfather Drives: Camaros................ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seven Fields, PA (Pittsburgh) Posts: 4,523	OK - deep breath, everyone. The last thing we want is for you to be unhappy with your ZL1. That said - I suspect you know that the carbon fiber hoods have been problematic from day one. I also believe that your car did not have that crack in it when it left oshawa - as to WHY it cracked? That's the million dollar question, but be assured that it hasn't appeared on the CTF vehicles. Now - we're going to replace it. It does not affect your driving the vehicle. Also understand that these parts are very difficult to make - that's the main reason that cars have been delayed. We will get it to you as soon as possible. The supplier is working around the clock to perfect the parts, but anyone working with Carbon Fiber knows that it's very tricky - we do have standards that might surprise you - and that's why we don't accept many of the parts when we receive them. Deep breath - go enjoy the car and know that we will replace it. __________________

07-30-2012, 09:28 PM	#79
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,427	the black now grey insert is carbon fiber also and will have those defects filled sanded and painted __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

07-30-2012, 11:18 PM	#82
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,427	well i cant say for sure as i dont work for the supplier that supplies gm or gm but i would imagine they take the rougher ones and paint them __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

07-30-2012, 08:45 PM	#77
george ZL1 Driver Drives: Camaro ZL1 & BMW M3/E92 Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA Posts: 485	My M3 CF roof has no cracks after 4 years. Could it be the heat coming from the engine? This must be repaired by GM. I'm changing to black hood insert and deleting the ECF from my ZL1 order.

07-30-2012, 11:23 PM	#83
IcePick06 Drives: '12 AGM ZL1 (SOLD); '07 Ducati 1098 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tha OCizzle Posts: 731	I looked a little closer at mine today and there are 2 small blemishes on the edge (1 on the left, 1 on the right)...however they less than a 1/4 inch in length and really only noticeable in low lite conditions. I don't know if they are considered "cracks" like the ones some of you guys showed in the first page but I've seen CF do these when it is stressed and even when the weave is molded or bonded together like on CF wheels in the corners between the lip and the spokes. Since I have my CF insert fully Clear Bra protected with the most expensive film available (XPEL ultimate) I'm probably not going to replace mine as it will be too much of a hassle to go and have GM re-do it under warranty and the blemishes are so minor (especially in direct sunlight). I will say this though, it's quite disappointing when the 2012 cars sat in QC for weeks and this CF insert was supposedly one of the issues and months later on the 2013 models they still didn't resolve it I love my ZL1 for what it is and I totally give props to Al O., Scott, Mike Judge and all the GM camaro team for creating such an outstanding car for the price... But... I've come to terms with the simple fact that the build quality of GM performance cars just aren't up to par with those of Audi, Porsche or BMW (excluding engine and suspension components of course) . Therefore, since I currently own a GM performance car, and I know the car will get minor nicks and things on the panels & wheels over time from normal use so I'm not going to be overly anal about this car. Maybe some of you should follow my lead so you too aren't left disappointed at the end of the day and can enjoy your car more for what it is: *a budget "super" car*

07-31-2012, 03:31 AM	#84
DangerZL1 Drives: 2023 Black ZL1 Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: FEMA Region 4 Posts: 2,935	For all the trouble the carbon fiber insert has been it would have made more sense to have a regular hood with heat extractors like the GT500. I realize GM wanted to set the car apart from the competition. The almost square edges are obviously a stress point. I'll look further at my black insert tomorrow.