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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

"04" 350Z installed new top, now it won't open or close

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Old Aug 26, 2019 | 09:35 AM
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Angry "04" 350Z installed new top, now it won't open or close

I bought a 04 350Z and it needed a new top. I installed one myself. it went pretty well. When i went to close or open it all the way it won't do either completely. I bought it from AutoBerry and they said it needs to just loosen up and to leave it out in the sun to allow it to stretch. I have for a couple days now and it still won't open or close. The top moves but it won't go all the way down in the hole. Closing it won't drop the cover.
Any thoughts on where I start to look to get it working? I only opened it a couple times before changing the top, it seamed to work fine.
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Old Aug 26, 2019 | 10:19 AM
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There is a limit switch on the back of the driver side frame which is easily bent. Ck that nothing is rubbing and the lever isn't bent.
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 04:14 AM
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Originally Posted by jhc
There is a limit switch on the back of the driver side frame which is easily bent. Ck that nothing is rubbing and the lever isn't bent.
Thank you. I checked and it looks fine. I put tape over it during the installation.
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 05:28 AM
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Originally Posted by jim80538
Thank you. I checked and it looks fine. I put tape over it during the installation.
Did you replace the 4 elastic straps? These ensure that it's snug going back into the Tonneau well. Mine was so tight I could barely get the front latch to lock with 1/2 gap at the back, so the stretching part is correct. Post up pics of your problem, there are several ZR owners active here.
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 05:45 AM
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4? I only know of 2. There were two attached to the top in the back center that were not attached to the old top. I did rivet those on. I'll attach some pics tonight when i get home.
Thanks for the help.
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 06:04 AM
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2 per side, stock photo-

https://www.google.com/search?q=350z...hxE9wbrA31M%3A
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Old Aug 28, 2019 | 06:28 AM
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This is as far as it opens

This is how far it closes.
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Old Aug 28, 2019 | 06:30 AM
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My new top only had the 2 replacement straps. No other were attacked to any other bars.
It's acting like the back cover won't move, whatever triggers it.
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Old Aug 28, 2019 | 07:29 AM
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Ouch! I'm not an expert, but you need to find the switch that activates the tonneau cover to move. I suspect there are 2, one that signals when the front latch is fastened, one when the canvas is fully stowed. Have you pulled out the vinyl to check all connections? Unless someone knows right off, it will require some reading. Start here-

https://www.google.com/search?q=wiri...&bih=800&dpr=2

Meanwhile I'll move your thread to the main forum for more visibility. Gl!
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Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:18 AM
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Did the top work properly before you installed the new canvas?
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Old Aug 29, 2019 | 08:36 AM
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Good day, I only had the car for a couple months and lowered the top once. it worked fine then.
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Old Sep 1, 2019 | 03:05 PM
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Still fighting with the top. My new tops inside fabric seems different. I'm not sure how the 4th bow gets attached/covered. Does someone have a pick of the inside of there top i can reference, please. And maybe a nissan manual.
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Old Sep 2, 2019 | 02:50 AM
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IIRC the 4th bow is attached by elastic straps to 3rd bow, and there's this whole drapery-like material covering that runs between 3 and 4. I'll see if I can get you a pic. There's a DIY thread on changing the top here somewhere, or you can pm user Sluggo. I think he has a pdf. Use the search button, hit advance search a d type user name.
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