ohw

Fellow ZR lovers, there have been a few discussions about the soft top having “separation” problems where the seams are coming apart above the rear window. If I remember correctly, it occurs more on the passenger side.

Wonder how many of us have this problem? And how many of you do NOT have the problem at all.

My ZR is a 04.5 with about 10,000 km (about 6,000 miles, I’m in Canada). It is stored from Nov to March for the winter, and I only drive it when it’s sunny and dry in the summer. This mean it is driven may be a total of 3 to 4 months in a year. The top may be opened and closed, say, average once a day during the 3 to 4 months. Using a rough calculation, my top shows the separation problem after about 200 open/close cycles. What is your experience?

To keep things simple, 2004.5 is defined as the ZRs with knee pads and 2 ***** for driver seat adjustments

Bubble

iTrader: (50)

yup. Got the same problem. They replaced it for me 4 months ago. Dealer know about this but i don't think they want to issue TBS for this. Just bring it to your local dealer for replacement.

maxpowers

iTrader: (3)

Good poll. Looks like the new tops still have the problem.

CAN0802

I keep hearing the term "new top" as in there is an "old top." Anyone got a pic of an old version?

Bubble

iTrader: (50)

i assume new top as 05 model

350ztoronto

iTrader: (10)

fawq what is the warrenty for the ZR?

CAN0802

I have seen 04 and the 4.5 model tops, and have not seen a difference. My guess is that they were replaced, which might be why I have not seen the old version.

maxpowers

iTrader: (3)

I don't have a picture but I have had both versions of the top. If you look at the seems on your top (above the side windows for example), you will notice double stitching. The original version of the top only had single stitching. The funny thing is, the previous version of the top had a problem with pinholes forming (not a seem issue). The second top has a problem with the seems.

Penderwheels

Similar problem. Mine was a hole - not seam separation. Hole was at about 2:00 position about 3 " from top right corner of window,

Dealer looked at it about 30 seconds and then ordered a new top.

A few weeks after top was installed, I noticed gouge marks on tonneau on each side in the headrest "bulge. Dealer had installed 2 gas cylinder struts on the opposite side. A different dealer repaired - All repairs were under warranty. Dealer #2 wants to charge dealer #1 $507.00 to fix gouges. Dealer #1 wants to fix it themselves in the spring when I return north from Florida. Got several perks from Dealer #1 for waiting.

My warning to you: watch out that dealer installs parts correctly when replacing top.

sluggoZ

iTrader: (129)

Here's a link to an old thread....
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ight=pin+holes

bricklyzr

I have a early 04,prod. #084
No seam separation, but there is a pin hole midway up at second bow, drivers side.

ohw

Interesting results so far, with total 30 responses and exactly 1/2 and 1/2 split of no problems vs. having a problem. We have too small a sample to be scientific, but a 50-50 chance that the ZR tops would give a problem is too high for Nissan. Hope they find a better solution as this will not help their sales. On the other hand, I still have the biggest smile every time I drive it, which I have to wait for next spring. Bummer.

For the record, I should have labeled the polls as “Yes, my top has a similar or other problems” to cover the pin hole issues. For those who read this, please treat the poll as such. Also I did not include the 2006’s because they are still too new.

CAN0802

Thanks, there is an obvious differnece.

CAN0802

You guys will not believe this crap. I looked at my top before putting it down just before I left work this afternoon, and then I saw it. Nope, not a separation, but the seam along the driver's side on the back side of the glass, the seam isn't straight, and missed the fold of top, leaving an area where it can be separated easily. Looks like I will be getting yet another top replaced(this will make #4 for those counting). I guess the good thing is that I really won't blame Nissan for this one, as it is a quality defect at the time of manufacturing.

maxpowers

iTrader: (3)

That sucks dude, you bring up a good point though. Although Nissan is ultimatley responsible, I'm sure they outsourced the soft top mechanism to a third party and they are the ones stuck with all the replacement costs.

I bet you will hold the record for most tops replaced.

sluggoZ

iTrader: (129)

Dang Bro..That is a record!!

ohw

Look at the bright side, it's under warranty. Make sure you get a good one before it expires.

CAN0802

This is not a separation issue, it is something the dealer could have noticed, or the shop they sublet the work out to could have looked it over, but obviously they didn't.
As for holding the record for having the most tops replaced, I hope I hold it for some time, and no one else has to go through this. Despite the bad tops, I still love this car.

CAN0802

One more note, shouldn't I be able to vote three times in this poll?

ohw

... if you have 3 ZRs, yes.