Silverado dissolves itself
I own a Chevy 2012 Silverado 2500HD with 15,000 miles, that I use primarily for towing a 30 foot travel trailer. The truck is equipped with a Softopper cap which is much like a convertible top on a car.
In the spring of 2013 while in Florida we noticed that the top began to lose its surface texture as if it were melted. When we returned to NH we contacted the manufacturer and complained about the cosmetics of the change. We were informed that they had never had this problem but exchanged the top under warranty.
Within several months the top began to develop the same condition. At this point no one could explain what was happening, but now we are having an issue with the mirror housings deforming or melting in a way that looks as if there might have had heat applied. We had the mirror defroster and motor checked by the dealer and they said all was working well and that some external force was causing the deformation.
Coincidently the mirror is on the same side (passenger) as the damage to the top! This is certainly noteworthy.
General Motors has refused to help with any sort of investigation, but I am hoping that someone in this community has had a similar issue and might shed some light on what is happening.
My current working theory is that the damage is caused by a chemical reaction and that the chemical is coming from the engine compartment. Whatever the solvent it is attacking the PVC used in these parts. This is supported since the damage seems to occur while the truck is moving and the damage continues to worsen with time and use.
I have ruled out a location effect since there have been two occurrences 1500 miles apart. There is no damage to the paint or other finishes on the truck that I can detect, nor can I detect any surface residue.
If you have any insight it would be appreciated.
In the spring of 2013 while in Florida we noticed that the top began to lose its surface texture as if it were melted. When we returned to NH we contacted the manufacturer and complained about the cosmetics of the change. We were informed that they had never had this problem but exchanged the top under warranty.
Within several months the top began to develop the same condition. At this point no one could explain what was happening, but now we are having an issue with the mirror housings deforming or melting in a way that looks as if there might have had heat applied. We had the mirror defroster and motor checked by the dealer and they said all was working well and that some external force was causing the deformation.
Coincidently the mirror is on the same side (passenger) as the damage to the top! This is certainly noteworthy.
General Motors has refused to help with any sort of investigation, but I am hoping that someone in this community has had a similar issue and might shed some light on what is happening.
My current working theory is that the damage is caused by a chemical reaction and that the chemical is coming from the engine compartment. Whatever the solvent it is attacking the PVC used in these parts. This is supported since the damage seems to occur while the truck is moving and the damage continues to worsen with time and use.
I have ruled out a location effect since there have been two occurrences 1500 miles apart. There is no damage to the paint or other finishes on the truck that I can detect, nor can I detect any surface residue.
If you have any insight it would be appreciated.
