TOP Tearing issue

BlackCherry

Our 370Z Black Cherry Roadster arrived early in 2010 A couple months ago we noticed a couple spots in the top that were wearing through. The two inside were the most noticable and another on the outside - all near the 4th Bow from the back. The dealer replaced the top (just the fabric parts) and told us that the factory had not placed the protective pads on the hinged joints correctly. Got the car back a couple weeks ago and are dealing with "issues." The dealer now says that the factory does not install pads on any of the bows other that the one nearest the windsheild and they fabricated pads for the other four bows. The top no longer fits like a new top. A little lumpy near the bend in the bows and one fairly large crease where the fabric won't tighten. I am concerned about the absence of protective pads at the factory. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for the factory to add protective material on all the bow?

Hi-Step'n370Z

This is unacceptable. You should have the top looking and functioning like factory new. Nissan pays the dealership for the warranty work they do, and if you don't say anything to Nissan, they will assume that the job was done to your satisfaction and leave it at that. You need to speak up to Nissan, unless the dealer is willing to continue working with you and Nissan, and re-do what they've done, to get the top back to where is should be, and done the correct way as dictated by Nissan. The dealer should not be making any modifications to the top that are not factory authorized by Nissan engineers. It looks like you will probably need to speak to a Nissan factory rep to get this resolved properly. Ask the dealership to send a request for a factory rep come to the dealership and investigate the whole issue. Tell them that you are not going to let it end as it is now, and that you will only accept the top being fixed properly and correctly, and that you will do whatever it takes to get that done. Nissan is not warranting the top to look "kind of" OK, and function "kind of" well. Nissan has proven that they want the customer completely satisfied, and what the dealer has handed you is NOT anywhere near completely satisfying to you. If you need to, you may have to contact Nissan directly. It will take a little effort, but in the long run you'll be glad you did it. Don't settle for less than quality repairs on this, or any other, issue. Nissan is on your side, remember that. You need to get them involved in this as soon as possible.
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Merlin

I fully agree! What's happening to you is unacceptable. Call Nissan North American ASAP! Get them involved. And if you haven't been doing this, start tracking and documenting everything every step of the way. I called Nissan North American and eventuallly a factory tech came and personally replaced my top. It looks better than new, and there are no "pad" issues. Be aggressive and do not accept anything less than your full satisfaction. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress.

BlackCherry

Our local Nissan Dealer has agreed to replace the top (again) and this time they will stick to repair procedures authorized by Nissan technicians. As of now, things look good. I wish I was more optimistic but "things looked good" the first time they agreed to replace the top. Two tops in two months! In this case I hope "two's a charm!"

Retropete

Mine starting to show wear after 18 months - will probably have a hole shortly.
Has Nissan found a permanent solution to the problem or are they just continuing to replace tops?

Parrotguy

I thought everyone might benefit from my experience with the ragtop.
I have a 2010 and the drivers window was wearing on the top every time it opened and closed. The window was rubbing on the fabric - it didn't clear the top when it dropped down to gain clearance. It created a 1" fray in the top. Not a big problem but I knew it would get worse over time.
The dealer first moved the drivers window forward 1/4" then told Nissan USA who approved a top replacement. Their manual says if the top is damaged under warantee the only remedy is to replace it. They told me that Nissan gets charged $12,000 for the total replacement.
The North San Diego dealer replaced it when the fabric came in, about 2 weeks.
The top works great, like new, no problems. Based on what I've read here some dealers can't seem to install it properly. My dealer did it OK. No charge to me. I am very happy with the result. Replacing the whole top for a 1" fray seemed overkill to me. I was just worried it wouldn't come out as good as the original.
The dealer didn't give me much info at all, like how they handled the pads needed to stop abrasion.
I hope you guys have good luck with your issues.
Gary

IDZRVIT

My top replacement was similar as you have described. I had to take my car back a second time because the padding on the bows was installed incorrectly. That was a year ago and the top hasn't had any issues since then. I was told the cost was Cdn$1200 plus the labour but it was all covered under warrany. The dealer also said that Nissan would never send a car out to a third party for warranty work as some have mentioned happening with their car. Who knows?

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