Notices
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Current best place to buy a convertible top?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 19, 2023 | 08:34 AM
  #1  
Dallasmavs92's Avatar
Dallasmavs92
Thread Starter
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Ft. Worth
Default Current best place to buy a convertible top?

As with most companies and items things change, companies go downhill whether in service or product quality, so I am curious where the current best place to get a replacement soft top is?

I don't necessarily need OEM, but if OEM has parts or features some of the cheaper ones don't I'll go that route so it's a clean looking repair. Amazon has some for about $700 but I question the authenticity of quality and the reviews. Anyone do this repair recently or know of someone who did and had a good experience with a particular part? And tips or tricks I'd also need to know before tackling this?

Looks like I'll need a rivet gun, offset Phillips screwdriver, double sided tape, putty knife to pry apart mid bars, anything else?

Last edited by Dallasmavs92; Nov 19, 2023 at 09:51 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2023 | 03:33 AM
  #2  
Heel Til I Die's Avatar
Heel Til I Die
New Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 1,305
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

I did this about 1.5 years ago. Not bad. Just take your time. I used this thread with the FSM.

https://my350z.com/forum/350z-roadst...ent-guide.html

I would recommend the Haartz/Robbins Stayfast cloth. Much better quality than OEM.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2023 | 04:11 AM
  #3  
Dallasmavs92's Avatar
Dallasmavs92
Thread Starter
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Ft. Worth
Default

Originally Posted by Heel Til I Die
I did this about 1.5 years ago. Not bad. Just take your time. I used this thread with the FSM.

https://my350z.com/forum/350z-roadst...ent-guide.html

I would recommend the Haartz/Robbins Stayfast cloth. Much better quality than OEM.
Thank you, and yes I will be going with a stayfast top from one of those companies to hopefullyske life a little easier. Anything in particular you know now that would help with another one if you installed today?
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2023 | 05:02 AM
  #4  
Heel Til I Die's Avatar
Heel Til I Die
New Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 1,305
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Nothing really I can think of offhand since that write-up is pretty detailed. One thing I would say is when you drill out the old rivets, the pieces will inevitably fall into the hollow tube/frame. Just make sure you shoot A LOT of compressed air into the tube to force all of the pieces out of the openings at the ends. It can be a little tedious to get all of the remnants out, but it is well worth it so that you don't hear them rattling around overhead when you're driving and making turns.

You can certainly do it alone, but it's much easier with two people.

After install is complete, try to let it "bake" in the sun for about a week to stretch the material out.

I think I got my top from topsonline.com since it was the cheapest at the time. I like the rear window and how it is molded into the fabric as opposed to the raised rubber trim piece like the OEM top.

I put on some tint film while the new top was off as that was much easier than trying to squeeze in that tiny space once it's on. If you have tinted windows, I would do that prior to putting it on.

Reply
Old Nov 20, 2023 | 05:55 AM
  #5  
Dallasmavs92's Avatar
Dallasmavs92
Thread Starter
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Ft. Worth
Default

Originally Posted by Heel Til I Die
Nothing really I can think of offhand since that write-up is pretty detailed. One thing I would say is when you drill out the old rivets, the pieces will inevitably fall into the hollow tube/frame. Just make sure you shoot A LOT of compressed air into the tube to force all of the pieces out of the openings at the ends. It can be a little tedious to get all of the remnants out, but it is well worth it so that you don't hear them rattling around overhead when you're driving and making turns.

You can certainly do it alone, but it's much easier with two people.

After install is complete, try to let it "bake" in the sun for about a week to stretch the material out.

I think I got my top from topsonline.com since it was the cheapest at the time. I like the rear window and how it is molded into the fabric as opposed to the raised rubber trim piece like the OEM top.

I put on some tint film while the new top was off as that was much easier than trying to squeeze in that tiny space once it's on. If you have tinted windows, I would do that prior to putting it on.
Very helpful again! And great idea with the tint, I never thought to do that. Much appreciated!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
osman09
Engine & Drivetrain
3
May 22, 2014 07:56 PM
jeffie7
Mid-Atlantic
23
Apr 7, 2008 05:21 AM
yusoslo
Wheels & Tires
3
Jan 22, 2008 11:31 PM
Ghettorab
Audio & Video
2
Jul 31, 2004 12:34 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:04 AM.