Convertible top main frame broken

alcheng · 02-15-2021, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crayz1

Looking for suggestions.
The main frame component is broken where it attaches to a "pivot" point. This appears to be some type of cast metal. My only thoughts are to try to buy one from a wrecked car (or buy the whole wrecked car).

Then I was wondering if maybe a machine type shop could fabricate and weld something to repair it.

Anyone else have experience with this issue.

I assume the top has other issues too, but this is the first one to resolve.

FYI: My 370z is a 2010 with 24K miles. I purchased it with the top broken. My guess is the top was having other issues and the previous owner broke the frame trying to repair or pry on it.

my own experience 16 months ago... both sides broke...

370z roof won't move warning light on

370z roof won't move warning light on

viiv · 02-16-2021, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcheng

my own experience 16 months ago... both sides broke...

370z roof won't move warning light on

370z roof won't move warning light on

Sigh, proof that once again the only permanent solution is to 3D scan and fabricate out of titanium.

alcheng · 02-16-2021, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viiv

Sigh, proof that once again the only permanent solution is to 3D scan and fabricate out of titanium.

you can consider that... however, the size and shape of that piece of metal is big, it looks like a small piece but in fact it extends all the way to the back of the side window, PLUS, it's very hard to remove from the top assembly.

the cost and work on removing the top is straight forward, but to remove the particular part is quite some work.

And to find a shop that can 3D print or fabricate to the same spec is possible but who knows how much work and the cost.

And to put it back together and make sure it works flawlessly is another challenge.

the whole process could take up to more than a month without firmly knowing it will work or not.

with so many unknown, thus I bought a used top for 3k and just do a simple swap.

viiv · 02-16-2021, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcheng

you can consider that... however, the size and shape of that piece of metal is big, it looks like a small piece but in fact it extends all the way to the back of the side window, PLUS, it's very hard to remove from the top assembly.

the cost and work on removing the top is straight forward, but to remove the particular part is quite some work.

And to find a shop that can 3D print or fabricate to the same spec is possible but who knows how much work and the cost.

And to put it back together and make sure it works flawlessly is another challenge.

the whole process could take up to more than a month without firmly knowing it will work or not.

with so many unknown, thus I bought a used top for 3k and just do a simple swap.

Ya, but then the same part in your used top will eventually break again...

It would cost less to custom fab the parts and have a permanent solution.

alcheng · 02-16-2021, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viiv

Ya, but then the same part in your used top will eventually break again...

It would cost less to custom fab the parts and have a permanent solution.

surely, can find a shop that can do that remove the top and the part, and then find another machine shop who can make you the part.

I am curious on how it will work out too.

opruitt · 10-28-2022, 05:57 PM

I know, old thread. Well sadly its my turn. Both of mine broke today. Has anyone had any luck with welding these back?

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10-28-2022, 05:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
opruitt Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 18 Drives: 2016 370Z R/TS A7 Rep Power: 15	I know, old thread. Well sadly its my turn. Both of mine broke today. Has anyone had any luck with welding these back?