[ImmDanny]

Please see pictures below. It seems like this panel gap is a little too big. Not sure if it's fixable, I've tried pushing it back up but it doesn't stay. Do you think if I remove the few bolts that hold the rear bumper in at the wheel well, peel this side of the bumper off and clip it back on would fix it?

For reference this is the driver side where the rear bumper meets the rear quarter panel just underneath the tail light. The passenger side of this area looks much tighter. It's not a huge deal, maybe it's within their tolerance from the factory.

[RoninSS]

That panel gap expands and contracts with the ambient temperature. I notice it here in AZ.

[ImmDanny]

Originally Posted by RoninSS

That panel gap expands and contracts with the ambient temperature. I notice it here in AZ.

Well I'm also in Phoenix so I guess that would make sense then.

[Travis959]

If it bothers you, you can fix it pretty easily with some zip ties:

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showp...40&postcount=9

[ImmDanny]

Originally Posted by Travis959

If it bothers you, you can fix it pretty easily with some zip ties:

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showp...40&postcount=9

Thank you that is super helpful! Although the only thing is I believe on the 16-18 camaros you could remove the tail light without removing the bumper. I think on 19+ you have to remove the tail light before the bumper. So I'm not sure this method would work, but I may be able to do something similar.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Travis959

If it bothers you, you can fix it pretty easily with some zip ties:

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showp...40&postcount=9

Yup, either that, or if you feel even more adventurous and willing to pop the rear bumper, perform GM TSB 17-NA-336 on the car.

[ZL1 affair]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Yup, either that, or if you feel even more adventurous and willing to pop the rear bumper, perform GM TSB 17-NA-336 on the car.

That doesn't apply to the OP car as his is a 21 and everything after 18 should have had the fix applied...

OP, take it in and have the dealer fix it...

[ember1205]

The gap, and its associated expansion and contraction with heat, is "by design." The reasoning behind it is that, under conditions when the gap expands, there also exists the possibility of panels contacting each other and causing scuffing, scraping, and/or chipping of the paint.

You can take the car back to the dealership and ask the Body Shop Manager to inspect and validate whether it is within spec or not. If it is not, they can address whatever may be the issue.

[ImmDanny]

Originally Posted by ZL1 affair

That doesn't apply to the OP car as his is a 21 and everything after 18 should have had the fix applied...

OP, take it in and have the dealer fix it...

Originally Posted by ember1205

The gap, and its associated expansion and contraction with heat, is "by design." The reasoning behind it is that, under conditions when the gap expands, there also exists the possibility of panels contacting each other and causing scuffing, scraping, and/or chipping of the paint.

You can take the car back to the dealership and ask the Body Shop Manager to inspect and validate whether it is within spec or not. If it is not, they can address whatever may be the issue.

After reading the ZL1 thread on this it does seem to be a thing that happens. I'd rather leave it then have the dealer mess with it. I don't trust the dealers at all unless it's something mechanical that needs to be fixed via warranty. Otherwise I'd rather them not touch the car and somehow make it worse.

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by ImmDanny

Please see pictures below. It seems like this panel gap is a little too big. Not sure if it's fixable, I've tried pushing it back up but it doesn't stay. Do you think if I remove the few bolts that hold the rear bumper in at the wheel well, peel this side of the bumper off and clip it back on would fix it?

For reference this is the driver side where the rear bumper meets the rear quarter panel just underneath the tail light. The passenger side of this area looks much tighter. It's not a huge deal, maybe it's within their tolerance from the factory.

Would it be possible to take measurements of the gap width at the hottest part of the day and coolest part of the night to verify this expansion? Or at least compare pics of the area in question during those two exterior temperature extremes?

I understand you guys get some pretty extreme temperature swings out there in the desert, that may make the issue manifest with more frequency.

[ImmDanny]

Originally Posted by 1LEornothing

Would it be possible to take measurements of the gap width at the hottest part of the day and coolest part of the night to verify this expansion? Or at least compare pics of the area in question during those two exterior temperature extremes?

I understand you guys get some pretty extreme temperature swings out there in the desert, that may make the issue manifest with more frequency.

I need to test this, I only really notice it when I get home after work (hottest part of the day). I haven't checked in the morning when it's cold.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by ImmDanny

After reading the ZL1 thread on this it does seem to be a thing that happens. I'd rather leave it then have the dealer mess with it. I don't trust the dealers at all unless it's something mechanical that needs to be fixed via warranty. Otherwise I'd rather them not touch the car and somehow make it worse.

Yeah, it's a slippery slope.

If you have a dealership with a body shop, you could at least go have a conversation with them. They may find a TSB on something, determine it's out of spec, etc. You could ask them to inspect only, and not disassemble or loosen anything without talking to you first (or ask if you could be present during the inspection). It all depends on the dealership and the individuals as to how much they'll try to accommodate / help for something like this.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by ImmDanny

I need to test this, I only really notice it when I get home after work (hottest part of the day). I haven't checked in the morning when it's cold.

Define cold...

[pauly1119]

Looks like a Chevy body line to me. Not known for there paint and body alignment.