TOP Tearing issue

Hi-Step'n370Z

This may not be related to the top tear issue that's been plaguing the Roadster. The window is supposed to drop slightly when the door handle is pulled, and if you pull the handle too quickly while pulling the door open, the window can not drop fast enough to clear the fabric, and it's gonna catch the fabric.

I remember back when I first got my Roadster, I would tell this to passengers so they would let the window drop before they actually pulled the door open.

If this is happening with your Roadster, then the new top will fray again. Make sure the window drop is working properly. The window should not be catching like it did.

Raylyn

The window would actually catch on top and when I took it in they adjusted both windows and they work much better now, just wish they would get the other problem fixed now and give me my car back.

fmusignac

Just got a call from my dealer. They ordered a new top. I will update as soon as they get it and I take it in to get it installed. Hopefully they get it right. Said it would take 2 days for them to install.

Hi-Step'n370Z

Hang in there, seems like things will turn out good for you, glad your dealer's treating you right.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think you're the first to have this particular problem with the top. Now that this issue has happened with your Z, I'm hoping it doesn't happen to others, but with the strange things that have plagued the top up to now, sad to say that it just might.

I would respectfully suggest to everyone to make sure the windows on your Z are dropping the way they're supposed to - AND - that all passengers are aware that when they open the door, they do it correctly by pausing that little split second after pulling the handle, and allow the window to drop before they actually pull the door open.

Keep us posted.
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B52EWO

It's been awhile, so I'll give everyone an update on my top issue.

I took it back after the top was installed because, even after a couple of weeks to allow the new fabric to stretch, the hook on the top was still about a ¼ inch short of engaging the mechanism on the top of the windshield. The dealer had the car for a day and indicated they made an adjustment. However, the top still did not close consistently. I took it back again last week and, because of the “magic aura” that seems to exist at all dealerships, they couldn’t duplicate the problem.

The weird thing, though, is it’s now closing perfectly since I got it back.

So – it’s working. If another hole appears in the top, my issue has been documented so I should have no problem having it taken care of. The dealer, Sutherlin Nissan in Fort Myers, has been absolutely great about taking care of me.

Zaggeron

That's great news B52EWO -- especially about how the dealership took care of you. I've been worried myself about two of the issues discussed on this thread

1. unnatural wear on driver's side fabric in the center of the side panel
2. some fraying of the top near the middle of the driver's door caused by the edge rubbing when the top was extended or retracted.

I determined that the issue I was worried about with respect to (1) was not the same as another poster's problem. He had an issue with the frame rubbing a hole in the fabric from the inside. I determined that there is no wear on the inside in that location on my top and the issue I was seeing was simply that that area where it folds is susceptible to extra dirt because of the wrinkles.

The 2nd issue has seemed to correct itself. I watch carefully as the top goes down and I no longer notice it rubbing in that area. They is still a barely noticeable slight fray to the fabric, but unless it gets worse, I'm not going to worry about it.

Good luck and I hope you have no more issues.

__________________
2010 Platinum Graphite 370z Roadster:Touring/Sport
2013 Subaru BRZ Limited

Hi-Step'n370Z

This all sounds good, hope this is the end of your problems. Thanks for the update.

HybridFusion

I am having the same issues you all are having. I got my roadster back in Jan 2010 and everything looked perfect. 8,000 miles later I have the same tear on pretty much the same spots you guys do.

The first issue I want to share is what happened on the inside of my top. Just a couple of months ago, I noticed that it was about to be torn open on the driver's side. I took pictures so that you all can see. After I noticed this thread I started to read about these issues and I took a better look at my top and noticed that my top on the outside was showing the same issues you were all having.

The resolution with this case of the inside of the top, is that the dealer already agreed to replace it and ordered the part (I did not know the inside was separate from the whole fabric top itself).

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HybridFusion

The outside of my top (Bordeaux as well) shows severe wear on the same spots of your vehicles. The top will be observed tomorrow by a Nissan Technician for evaluation, but the pictures speak for themselves.

The Roadster is a great car, but this really needs to be handled better by Nissan.

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fmusignac

Just heard back from the dealer. They have had my Z since Tuesday and its Friday so you might imagine I am missing it. I am driving an Altima that the dealership provided free of charge. They have finished installing the new top, hopefully I wont have any more issues. Havent even made my first payment and the car has been there for the last few days. I willl post pics once it is back on Monday. They offered to fix a scratch that was there at the time of purchase, so it will take another day to get that done. Its still winter in Iowa so I dont mind not driving it THAT much...

fmusignac

Got my Z back yesterday. They installed the new top and it looks really good. The window/door issue definitely looks good. There is a rubber strip on the side that looks different and theres a little fold on both sides of the top that looks like something's pulling it in and gives it a weird shape. After inspecting it, it looked like it was one of the folds of how the top came in, so we decided to give it a few days to stretch out. They said if it doesnt get fixed they will take care of it.
Overall, even though it sucks to have to bring a new car back to service right away, I am extremely happy with the service and treatment that Nissan has provided. Will post pics as soon as I can get it back out.

HybridFusion

I got a call from the dealer this afternoon and was pleased to hear that they will replace the Bordeaux top as well, not just the inner part. Now I just need to find what should be done to avoid this with the new top...

vifferman

Don't allow them to replace your top (complex procedure that is rarely done properly, and/or without collateral damage) until they can explain the cause/source of the wear spots and offer a convincing fix/remedy. I have nearly identical (though less severe) wear spots, but have just 1600 miles on my ZR (built May '10 and purchased June '10). Please provide similar info (mileage, build & purchase dates) for the record.

Merlin

I first noticed wear at less than 1500 miles. I worked with the dealership initially and they tried to fix the issue, but could not. I will say my dealership is awesome and tried to make things right. I then went straight to Nissan North America and filed a complaint. Clearly there is an issue and I've not heard that Nissan is acknowledging it and making amends. Anyway, the tech they sent adjusted the hatch arm and wiring on the driver's side and replaced the canvas only. I must admit the tech they brought in to do the work did an incredible job. The new canvas looks tighter and better than the original. That said, I should not have had to go thru any of this and neither should anyone else. Nissan owes us answers and perhaps some sort of compensation for our trouble. I wonder what they'd think of a "class action lawsuit?"

HybridFusion

Hi vifferman.

Mileage: 9176 / Build: Black Cherry 2010 370Z Roadster Touring with Sport Package (No Nav, Manual Transmission) / Bought it on January 2010.