GM recalls Vettes to replace roof panel

Plenty of Chevrolet Corvette owners like to think they can blow the doors of most everything else on the road. But General Motors is now recalling Vettes from the 2005 through 2007 model years because the roof panel might blow off.

The recall covers Corvette coupes with the removable roof panel. There's a problem with the adhesive that bonds the plastic roof panel to its frame. If the bond breaks, the roof panel could go flying off while driving.

There are clues to the problem, such as a snapping noise from the roof when driving over bumps, water leaking from the headliner or the roof panel moving when the door is closed.

Nearly 22,100 cars are involved in the recall. Those with a bad panel--GM has previously run a customer-satisfaction campaign for this problem--will get a new one. GM says it will start the recall in January.

Until then, you might just want to drive topless--weather permitting.

By Dale Jewett