Ladies and Gentlemen,

I don't want to be a spoiler but .... how does this hard top fasten to the car?

The present soft top fastens at 5 points, two at the front header, one dead center on the rear most bow, and then one on each swing arm at each side just behind the doors.

I'm sure the new hard top will use the front two clamping points that the soft top uses, but how do they fasten the hard top at the other three points? And this top must have three more fastening points for it to stay attached to the car at speed, especially with the windows down, or it won't be there for long.

Gene

So you're skeptical? :)

You don't think they designed it to actually stay on the car?

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3m double sided... I hope. :icon14:

snakebite,

How quickly they pounce!

Yes, I want to know how the hard top will be fastened at the rear and at the sides behind the doors, and you obviously don't have the answers, or you would have given them.

How does the top fasten to that center lock mechanism in the tonneau cover? How is that hydraulic lock get triggered? Is there rewiring and a new switch installed somewhere just to activate it?

And what about those two square shaped plastic flapper covers that swing up out of the way during opening and closing operations, so that the swing arms can operate. They're spring and cable operated. Do they need to be disconnected/removed from the car, and what is the hard top clamping onto at those swing arm areas?

And is the hard top even compatible with a working soft top still installed in the car? Or is this hard top just for those who don't want the expense of replacing and entire soft top mechanism, and have removed the entire soft top completely from the car?

I've owned both a 450 SL and a 55 Thunderbird over the years, both of which had the hard and soft tops from the factory. Each was designed so that their hard tops were firmly attached to the car while the soft top was properly open and stowed. Neither top option would interfere with the other while on the car. Is that going to be the same with the Z?

So, yes, before I commit to putting my name on a list to purchase one of these hard tops, I need these and some other questions answered.

From what I see so far, the hard top is gorgeous, has the right texture (much better looking in my opinion than a shiny surface like the older hard tops of the Miata's), and may solve the issue for the people with very expensive soft top repairs.

Gene

Hard Top Option...
 

I always said the Vert has a very exclusive design (non-hatch) profile and now we can get rid of the lumps and bow lines!

Gene, it's true that I do not have the answers.
I doubt anybody does. It's a prototype in development.

I guess I just have some faith that the manufacturer knows they will have wasted their time and resources if they create a product that doesn't function. (won't actually latch to the car sufficiently)

Surely they know what is required?
Isn't this what they do?

I too have to "wonder", since there's no answers yet. I was just messing with you. Couldn't resist. :)


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Snakebite,

I appreciate your response, and I have to admit that I came back too harshly as well. (Why is it we all look back at how we could have approached things differently without ruffling someone else's feathers?) Part of being human. We don't come with a handbook.

As to the topic at hand ... the hard top designers are not new to this game, as they have made these kinds of tops for other convertibles, and the same fastening issues will have come up many times. They will have the answers.

I just wish I knew at this time what they are. I don't have an issue with my Z's top at this time, but as we all know ... that day may well come when the car is off warranty.

I will have this 2016 for many years (my 1990 300ZX, owned for 27 years with only 49 000 miles, was sold, along with my 55 Thunderbird and a 1954 MG TF Roadster) (downsizing the fleet) for this 370Z, and at 69 years of age, this may well be my last sports car. I have a special nephew who I want to pass it on to when I can no longer take care of it. And I want it to be as trouble free as I can make it when that time comes. He's drooling as I write.

If that means a hard top gets added, to get around any future soft top issues that may well break the bank, or not even be available due to the age of the car and parts availability, then I'm on board for this hard top.

But I've got to be convinced that it is a viable solution. As I mentioned in my last post, my 450 SL and the 55 Thunderbird had factory hardtops that were designed for those cars at concept and were fastened well to those cars. This hard top for the 370Z ... not so much, ... at this point. So, I think we need some answers, when they are available and properly developed.

I look forward to the manufacturer's followups.

Gene

Hello,

Just want to say this Hard Top is close to completion.

I have worked on the manufacturer for over a year. Going from them not being interested, to convincing them of a serious demand due to Nissan's inability to repair a broken top. I personally have always been interested in a hard top for my roadster for looks alone. When my top broke out of warranty and Nissan only offered a full replacement for $13,000.00 I decided to do something.

I asked the manufacturer straight up how many interested owners will it take for them to develop and they asked for 15 (got many more). It took me months to gather enough interested owners and show the manufacturer so they could start the process.

So of course as of right now I do not have every single answer as it is not 100% complete. I know completion is near and will have more details soon.

I can honestly say all of my efforts this past year were in the end worth it, and hopefully will offer an option for many in our roadster community.

Hope to have more pics soon!

:tiphat:

And I THANK you sir for your tenacity.

I mean that. Very appreciative.

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Pictures and pricing are coming.... :tup:

Is it too late to add me to the list?

Not at all... This will be a first come first made basis.


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Has there been an idea on even on pricing so far?

This is pricing the manufacturer shared with me:

$2399.00 Top (Primed & Ready for Paint) with standard felt interior.
Shipping cost: Residential $375.00 & Commercial $275.00


I have been at a standstill waiting on final fitment feedback.




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Blueranger, not sure if this has been asked already, but if so please bare with me. From the pics, I assume the top is one solid piece. Will there be an option for it to fold manually or mechanically into the soft top storage on the Z? I kinda like the idea of being able to have top up or down on a whim!

The top is a solid single piece that can be placed or removed similar to the existing hard tops for the S2000 and Miata roadsters.

wow. I like the outcome so far. I'm interested now.

Sorry about the absence of updates but I have not had any recent communication with the top manufacturer as of yet. I asked them if I could purchase the first production top so I can provide firsthand feedback on fitment and finish to the group. I am hoping to hear from them and will update the group.

At the $2399 price point, what is the material it is made out of? If it isn't CF is there a possible option for it now that they have the shape down?

This is the info from their website:

The shell is a premium grade automotive fiberglass composite which is very strong, but light weight, easy to handle, only 30 to 50 lbs.

I’m interested!

Are there any further updates from the manufacturer on this hard top? It looks like I am due for soft top assembly #3 and with the extended warranty expiring in February 2019 I am looking for a permanent solution that does not involve the Nissan dealer network.

Not to hijack the post but does anyone know of a "bikini top" solution or a "spyder top" similar to the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder? I know Nissan wanted to go "upscale" with the power top but I much prefer the reliable and quick operation of the top in my 2018 Miata ND.

I also found this video on Youtube about a manual top conversion on a Porsche 987.......anyone try something similar with the Z?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOLhAR8bLio

That's an interesting video, thanks for sharing. I am thinking that it might be hard to do something similar with the ZR because there is no manual latch to keep the top up in place.

I don't see this as hijacking a post, you're just throwing another thought out for consideration. If it bothers anyone, then we'll start a separate thread because I think it would be worth pursuing.

As much as the overall mechanism of the top on the Z seems much more complicated than the one on the Boxter, your reasoning regarding converting it to manual operation may be very much worth taking under consideration. I had thought along the same lines myself when I remembered the much more simpler convertible tops on the cars back in the old days, and how much I'd appreciate the choice of option between automatic and manual operation. For the most part; when they broke, all you needed to do was to replace the one and only electric motor, or a simple part, and that was it. These days, and it effects all the verts that I'm aware of, the repair is monumental, especially in terms of dollars.

Yes, I'd like to see more investigation into this possibility

Hello Guys & Gals

Sorry for the lack of updates.

I have made several attempts to communicate with the manufacturer and have not had any response. I requested to purchase a top and provide feedback to the group on form and fitment. This in turn should help get the orders and production going.

As many of you know my long quest for this solution came from a broken top out of warranty. This top took a full year to develop and the donor car was key to make this happen. I am very impressed with the final product (pictures posted) and would like to have this even if my top was not broken.

You are welcome to reach out to the manufacturer Smoothline Tops and report back here if you can get a response.

Smooth Line
Email: info.smoothline@gmail.com
phone: 724-575-0882


I truly believe this option would really help the 370Z Vert community. I worked on this for a long time not only or myself but for all others in my situation. Hopefully we can get this going and provide a good option for all.


Thank you.

Hardtop Option
 

Interested - keep me posted. Thanks.

Hi blueranger - Any More Pictures - Any Sold Yet?:pics:

I really want this top...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0e2b8f484e.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4002e00c19.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0fb217f4bf.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...774a01ce41.jpg



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Is that top? I’m good with that.

Hardtop options
 

They are stating they have a hardtop

https://www.smoothline.com

I left a VM and will post If i hear back from them.

Hardtop is now available
 

https://www.smoothline.com/nissan?fb...cRNxTzLD-xWwp4

Hardtop cost will be $2300 - $2900 depending on what you have added to it and shipping.

I'm late to this thread but yes I'm interested. My top on my 2012 Base works fine but I dread the day when it craps out.

The top looks awesome. I’m impressed with this option....

This Is A GREAT OPTION If Your "Soft Top" Has Issues And Costs Much Less Than Having A Dealer Fix The Soft Top For 10 Grand:driving:

It looks great. If it could fold up and be stored in the current Top Storage area, Id be all over this! If I left the house mid morning with the top down (off) and I am gone til late night, Id be screwed..lol
But yes, its great that theres another option now.

I have a top on order, carbon fiber, black interior, they said about 10 weeks. I’ll post once it comes in.

:happydance::happydance::happydance::happydance:
I Just Know I'll End Up With One Of These!!!

Any updates... Is your top finished?

I will be ordering a top a soon as I finish my 10pt. roll cage upgrade.

If fitment is on-point I will gut out my entire top mechanism for weight reduction on my drag car.

Sorry, but smoothline is pretty much a scam. https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/cheswick/p...119/complaints
I am working with my CC company and taking action against them. The "owner" Jack does not seem like someone you want to do any kind of business with. Learn from my issue and avoid them. Buyer beware for sure.