Removable hardtop?
#82
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I hope not... I was looking forward to this... Maybe Peter over at M1 Auto Body might be up for the project. He's somewhat local to me and I wouldn't mind them using my car as the mold... I need to replace my top anyways.
There's one thread that he asks for peeps to add what type of kits they want to see and he makes them... I'm sure if people share costs... he'll be up for it.
There's one thread that he asks for peeps to add what type of kits they want to see and he makes them... I'm sure if people share costs... he'll be up for it.
#84
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This would be nice. I use my soft top as little as possible. I've replaced it once already. The next time, I hope it's with a removable hard top. Then I can remove the soft top and motors saving 130 lbs.
#89
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Removable Hardtop
Heads up for all roadster owners still interested in a hardtop.
I have worked out a deal with Smooth Line (www.smoothline.com) to use my 05 350Z to develop the first hardtop. This is there only business and they have been at it for over 50 years. They are real pros and their designs are awesome. They told me the latching would not be a problem and the Z would not hav eto be modified. The work would begin in the fall of this year and by Spring of 2010 they should be ready for production with all the tooling complete.
I would suggest you give them a email indicating your interest so they can let you know about all the details when they are available. It would be cool if I had the only hardtop in the world but this is a business venture and we all agreed that there would be a good demand for this.
I have worked out a deal with Smooth Line (www.smoothline.com) to use my 05 350Z to develop the first hardtop. This is there only business and they have been at it for over 50 years. They are real pros and their designs are awesome. They told me the latching would not be a problem and the Z would not hav eto be modified. The work would begin in the fall of this year and by Spring of 2010 they should be ready for production with all the tooling complete.
I would suggest you give them a email indicating your interest so they can let you know about all the details when they are available. It would be cool if I had the only hardtop in the world but this is a business venture and we all agreed that there would be a good demand for this.
#90
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^^ just went to the website above and the top for the Solstice is only $1400. Sounds like a pretty good deal if the Z top is around that price. I'm sure a lot of northern Z's would be all over those.
#93
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if you go to the website, you can email the them and ask for updates. They said they would more than willing to give updates when any are available. They also stated that the more that people contact them and show interest, the quicker it will get done. Can't wait!
#94
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I just spoke with them too... They are very serious about the development. You can email them or call with ?'s 1-877-368-4533. They informed me that the hardtop with be a very lightweight FRP or optional carbon fiber design. This is all this company does so it's going to be perfect! It will shed over 100 pounds off our roadsters and damn sexy too! This is great news!!!
#95
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They should make a vendor profile... they have a 350z they are currently using. The guy didn't know about the forum. If they jumped on and see all the hype and demand someone would speed things up.
#96
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dang im pretty close to these guys (prob about an hr and a half south of Tarentum) i just realized they r in tarentum i emailed them showing interest. i hope they jump on this id love to get one of these.
Last edited by gixxerfrog; 07-09-2009 at 11:28 AM.
#97
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CF removable hardtop would be sick! I'm going to rip all the convertible "guts" out of mine and put a good ol' roll cage in the car (see chris forsburg lol).
#98
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Oh man... I just got chills knowing that someone has made it possible. All other vendors that I contacted just simply said no or didn't bother to answer. I can just imagine how much money they're gonna make off this. that will show the vendors that said no
I just emailed them too letting them know that I'm willing to leave a deposit to speed up the process. I just wonder what style they're going to go with.
I just emailed them too letting them know that I'm willing to leave a deposit to speed up the process. I just wonder what style they're going to go with.
Last edited by na_350z; 07-09-2009 at 02:33 PM.
#99
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Here's what Smoothline sent me. Just an FYI for the peeps interested.
Thanks for your interest in our upcoming 350ZR removable hardtop. This is an exciting project for Smooth Line and it will look awesome based upon initial thoughts on the styling. This will compliment the great ZR styling and will look as factory as if Nissan designed it. It will have the styling lines of our Corvette C6 hardtop (double bubble) and will have a lower look than the soft top. It will also use the Corvette C6 hardtop rear window (Plexiglas, AS2 glass and defog) which will allow greater visibility Latching will be simple and positive and will not require any mods to the Z. It should weight 45-50 lbs. Your ZR will be allowed to run on the track without using a roll bar. The project is scheduled to start in the fall of 2009 and production hopefully by Spring 2010. Pictures may be available once the prototype is done. Pricing is not available at this point. We will keep you posted and we will be developing a 350ZR webpage down the road so you can check as well. Please tell any of your fellow ZR owners /club members and have them email us. The more interest that is generated the faster the project will move ahead.
$2699 for the C6 top though... I'd imagine the ZR's would be near that price.
Thanks for your interest in our upcoming 350ZR removable hardtop. This is an exciting project for Smooth Line and it will look awesome based upon initial thoughts on the styling. This will compliment the great ZR styling and will look as factory as if Nissan designed it. It will have the styling lines of our Corvette C6 hardtop (double bubble) and will have a lower look than the soft top. It will also use the Corvette C6 hardtop rear window (Plexiglas, AS2 glass and defog) which will allow greater visibility Latching will be simple and positive and will not require any mods to the Z. It should weight 45-50 lbs. Your ZR will be allowed to run on the track without using a roll bar. The project is scheduled to start in the fall of 2009 and production hopefully by Spring 2010. Pictures may be available once the prototype is done. Pricing is not available at this point. We will keep you posted and we will be developing a 350ZR webpage down the road so you can check as well. Please tell any of your fellow ZR owners /club members and have them email us. The more interest that is generated the faster the project will move ahead.
$2699 for the C6 top though... I'd imagine the ZR's would be near that price.
Last edited by na_350z; 07-09-2009 at 02:54 PM.