I bought my '04 ZR used less than 2 weeks ago. I didn't notice this before but yesterday I noticed the soft-top slightly torn on the seam. I'm waiting for the dealership to call me back, because I don't believe I should be responsible for this! Anybody have any problems with the soft top and if so, how was it resolved?

 

stick on them.. better yet if you can you MUST take it to them right away.. other wise they wont do squat for you.. Good luck.

 

You should not have a problem getting it replaced if it's still under warranty. Mine looked similar to that although not quite as bad and it was replaced last summer. If not under warranty I wish you luck. Too bad the previous owner didn't get that taken care of

 

Yup this is the classic seam seperation issue. I had my top replaced cause of it when it was under warranty.

 

It is under warrenty, the dealer said it could go to an upholstery shop to get repaired... but I should just make them replace it cause its under warrenty right? How long of a job is it to do?

 

They should give you a new top since it's warranty (they'll probably need to order it). I've heard varying stories re: how long it will take so probably depends on who does the work. I dropped mine off at the dealer 8AM, they sent it over to a upholstery shop for the replacement, and it was done by 2PM that day.

 

I dont think it would be under warranty anymore if it is an 04. The warranty is for 36,000 or 3 years and it has most likely been more than 3 years.

 

i just had mine replaced (04) under warranty and the warranty ended the same day. i lucked out, they raplaced one of the top motors too.

 

There are some late builds out there. The warranty on my 04 (built in July 04) just expired about 4 days ago

 

If I am not mistaken, the 3/36,000 warranty is effective from the date the vehicle is first sold. My 2004 ZR has a March registration and I had some warranty work done up through March 2007. You can look at your registration to determine the month it was sold and if it is August or later it is still within the 3 years and your top should be covered. If your vehicle has more than 36,000 miles, than you will probably be responsible. That said, I would also work with the dealer that sold you the car. Even if it is sold "as is," you still might be able to work something out with them.

I had to have my top replaced under warranty for the same reason.

 

Yup -the dealer replaced mine ('05) under warranty - no questions asked - as soon as I started seeing daylight through the seam!

 

I have the same problem on an 04 19,000 miles on it, but it's not as bad. Mine is also out of warranty. I took it by a recommended top shop. They just happened to be the one that does the warranty work for Nissan. They have done 15 warranty jobs. They mentioned that Nissan pays 7 hrs for the top replacement. They said it was a bear the first couple of times to replace it, but now they say they have the system down.
He did not recommend repairing it, but would charge $500 labor to replace. If I bought a Vinyl one from them, they said the top with glass was $825 and a fabric one would be $1,200. He mentioned that any decent aftermarket top would be better than the OEM, but the Fabric one was the way to go. The frabric looks much better than the original vinyl. He even would allow me to purchase a top from an outside source. I found a fabric top through a vendor for $825 with glass. He'd want to check out the manufature first, but he said go for it. I will be replacing it later this year. The website I found was www.cabrioworld.com.
They also have a vinyl one that is around $700. It make me comfortable knowing they have done many of the 350z tops.

 

I'm puzzled that a 2004 roadster is pictured with a grey top. According to my 2004 350Z sales brochure, 2004 roadsters came with either black or dark blue tops. Could this one have already been replaced?

 

It looks that way under certain lighting.

 

His top is probably just faded from a bit to much sun, which means he's not riding with his top down

 

I also need a new top. My local dealer has gotten the replacement approved, but he doesn't want his mechanics doing it due to the had on a previous (non 350Z) installation. He'll pay some one else but dosn't know who.

Anyone know of a good installer in north central IL. LaSalle 61301

 

Update: I just moved to Alabama and went right to the Nissan dealer down here. The guy was very friendly, ordered the soft top (expenses paid by Nissan) and then scheduled my appointment at an upholstery shop (labor also paid by Nissan). Apparently I have a late model '04... (manufactured in July) and the warranty remains. I get my car back tomorrow!!

 

I found a local upholstry shop to replace my top. I found a canvas top for $649 on the net...brandnew....

I am going to get the work done early next month...

 

I also have a 2004 Roadster with 38,000 miles on it with the same problem except I also have it on the left side as well as the right side. Although the car is out of warranty, I purchased the Extended Warranty and fully expected it to be covered. The whole reason I paid for the extended warranty was due to the top and the expectation that there would be problems with it. I was assured by the dealer that no matter what went wrong, I would be covered. Yeah, right.
When I took it to my local dealer in Clearwater they said that the extended warranty only covers mechanical problems and separation of the fabric is not a mechanical problem. I contend it is caused by the mechanical action of the top being raised and lowered and is, therefore, mechanical.
The southeast factory rep also denied that I was covered. At the moment I'm trying to engage Nissan of North America. If I get no satisfaction there then I hire a lawyer or go to a consumer reporter.

 

jmmcnea im in a similar situation, let me know how your plays out. I have an 04 ZR and both corners are starting to seperate. Which extended warranty did you get?