Great problem with soft top mecanism

gbhrps · 09-11-2020, 05:51 PM

viiv,

I would add that instead of autocading the broken frame section, autocad the other side frame section that's not broken ... and reverse its dimensions where necessary to produce the broken frame section (assuming that's possible, and that the unbroken frame section is still good to use as a copy).

I think you have a good solution here for those who have the expertise and connections to go this route. Its not one I had thought of, but it certainly makes perfect sense.

If I needed just such a repair part, even if it eventually cost me $2000 to have the two new frame sections made in this manner, it would be well worth the money when compared to the massive dollar amount that Nissan wants for an entire new top.

Gene

alcheng · 09-11-2020, 06:30 PM

I have an update for you guys, on my roadster.

Same problem happened to mine last Oct and both sides are broken.

I thought it's a small-medium size hinge/component and I tried to so a search online and found nothing from Nissan

Eventually I talked to a shop and I was planning to have them remove the top and those broken components to see are they repairable or I can have a shop to machine/duplicate the part for me.

Eventually, right before I did that, I calculate the potential cost:

1) remove the top
2) take it apart
3) have someone to machine the parts (if possible since I have no idea exactly the size and the shape of it)
4) put the replacement parts and the top together
5) Put the top back onto the car then put the canvas back on.

This already will cost me around 3k to 5k

AND, I have to pray the top will work well since it's been taken apart and the new parts might still be slightly off than the OEM

Therefore, eventually, I found a whole top from ebbaaay, used one.

cost me about 3k, shipped it to Canada, cost a bit, then have the shop to just swap the whiole thing.

There's some glitch but at least it's all done now and I know it's a complate OEM top.

Regarding that broken parts, I am glad I chose the latter route.

I checked out the broke parts, it's actually a big piece that goes from the broken area to the back of the side window, and the shape is very weird which it's impossible to machine (or it'll cost alot if someone is willing to do it)

So... if some of you are still stuck with that broken part(s)/top, go get a used top and swap it.

pinky · 07-24-2021, 05:41 PM

well we are starting a class action against nissan on this top.

Come join our action
https://www.facebook.com/Nissan370ZTopClassAction

Akhan45 · 11-05-2023, 11:13 AM

Pinky, the link you posted seems to not work. Do you have an updated link?

Fcnismo · 11-25-2023, 11:26 PM

I have a used black full top in a crate for sale if anyone interested came off my car. The only thing wrong was a little hole in the fabric on the right that hasn’t
Penetrated the size of a dime so no water leaks through.
Pm me if interested

09-11-2020, 06:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
alcheng A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 28,894 Drives: 2011 ZR PW w/Clutch Rep Power: 418354	I have an update for you guys, on my roadster. Same problem happened to mine last Oct and both sides are broken. I thought it's a small-medium size hinge/component and I tried to so a search online and found nothing from Nissan Eventually I talked to a shop and I was planning to have them remove the top and those broken components to see are they repairable or I can have a shop to machine/duplicate the part for me. Eventually, right before I did that, I calculate the potential cost: 1) remove the top 2) take it apart 3) have someone to machine the parts (if possible since I have no idea exactly the size and the shape of it) 4) put the replacement parts and the top together 5) Put the top back onto the car then put the canvas back on. This already will cost me around 3k to 5k AND, I have to pray the top will work well since it's been taken apart and the new parts might still be slightly off than the OEM Therefore, eventually, I found a whole top from ebbaaay, used one. cost me about 3k, shipped it to Canada, cost a bit, then have the shop to just swap the whiole thing. There's some glitch but at least it's all done now and I know it's a complate OEM top. Regarding that broken parts, I am glad I chose the latter route. I checked out the broke parts, it's actually a big piece that goes from the broken area to the back of the side window, and the shape is very weird which it's impossible to machine (or it'll cost alot if someone is willing to do it) So... if some of you are still stuck with that broken part(s)/top, go get a used top and swap it. sx moneypit likes this.

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09-11-2020, 05:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
gbhrps Base Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 213 Drives: 2016 RDSTR TS 6spd Rep Power: 7997	viiv, I would add that instead of autocading the broken frame section, autocad the other side frame section that's not broken ... and reverse its dimensions where necessary to produce the broken frame section (assuming that's possible, and that the unbroken frame section is still good to use as a copy). I think you have a good solution here for those who have the expertise and connections to go this route. Its not one I had thought of, but it certainly makes perfect sense. If I needed just such a repair part, even if it eventually cost me $2000 to have the two new frame sections made in this manner, it would be well worth the money when compared to the massive dollar amount that Nissan wants for an entire new top. Gene

07-24-2021, 05:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
pinky Base Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Florida Posts: 57 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 10	well we are starting a class action against nissan on this top. Come join our action https://www.facebook.com/Nissan370ZTopClassAction

11-05-2023, 11:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
Akhan45 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 40 Drives: 2014 Nissan 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 8	Pinky, the link you posted seems to not work. Do you have an updated link?

11-25-2023, 11:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Fcnismo Base Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Nj Posts: 96 Drives: 2019 roadster Rep Power: 6	I have a used black full top in a crate for sale if anyone interested came off my car. The only thing wrong was a little hole in the fabric on the right that hasn’t Penetrated the size of a dime so no water leaks through. Pm me if interested