Whats up guys... I'm going to attempt to replace my convertible top cloth myself... I already ordered the top and it should be here Friday or Saturday... If you guys have run across any write ups on how to do this please let me know. I have not found anything but have talked to a few upholstery shops and the two of the main top replacement manufactures ( Robbins & EZ ON) Both of their technical support staff said its doable by an mechanically inclined person. They said a professional can knock it out in 3 and a half to 4 hours so it should take me 7 to 8 hours.. If I go through with it then I will take maddddddd pics to create a write-up. If anyone is in South Florida please let me know if you want to help out...


UPDATE 1:
Soft Top Cloth Replacement has been COMPLETED!!!!!! Finished Product Pics... remember the top has to sit in the sun for 4 to 5 days to let it stretch out.... DIY will be coming soon... its gonna be like a 50 page PDF file.....

CLICK THE IMAGES for DETAILED SHOTS:



UPDATE 2: Link to The 1st DIY-350Z Roadster - Top Replacement Guide thread

 

I applaud your ambition... but don't think I could be of any real assistance. GLGL

 

knock it out........Then stick it in the DIY SECTION!


-J

 

done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! only 4 and a half hours!!!!!! not bad for a first time install!!!... I will be posting a DIY when i get a chance.... its not as bad as everyone made it out to be!

 

Damn! Good job! I can't wait to see the final product & the DIY! This will help a lot of ZR owners out BIG TIME!

 

Holy **** bro... you have some major ***** to do something like this. This is gonna help the ZR family a great deal. I know I'll be reading up on this and see if I take that step. Slash top blows

 

Question, was the top you installed OEM (Nissan) or where did you get it. I'm replacing mine and have found two different resellers selling online. How would you rate the quality of the one you got? I'm trying to decide if I should go with the original fabric or switch to a real canvas top.

 

I got mine from EZ ON... there was a guy selling it on craigslist for $250 shipped... and it was brand new.. thats the only reason i even attempted to install it my sell... There are three main aftermarket companies that sell the tops...

Best and Easiest to install with the best fit is GAHH, then Robbins, lastly EZ ON.. This is based on my research by calling many many different local upholstery shops.... and they all said i cannot do it... thats BS though.... if you call Robbins and EZ ON and talk to their technical deptartment they say if you are somewhat mechanically inclined then you can do it...

1. GAHH (www.gahh.com)
2. Robbins (www.robbinsautotopco.com)
3. EZ ON (www.ezonauto.com)

 

great job man...any specific reason why you replaced the top? Was it simply due to wear and tear?

 

Congratz on finishing the project. Look forward to seeing your DIY file. How much do you think you saved ?

 

I found the EZ ON online for 528 shipped, the Robbins at topsonline.com in the 800-900 range. Did you need any special tools or glue? I just got to get mine replaced, the getto look tape just won't work now that it's hot outside.

 

you need a rivet gun, rivets and a drill to drill out the old rivets...

 

I got quoted from $350 to $700 for labor.... average was around $450... and paid half for the top... so I saved about $700... but if you pay retail for the top then you'll save about $400 to $500 depending on where you get quoted from.... if your a perfectionist then i said pay the money to get it installed so you can nit pick... my top has been down everyday unless its raining since October '09....

 

did you have to remove the frame from the car?

 

no.. you do all the work with the frame on the car... every upholstery shop i talked to said to leave the frame on the car....

 

This is some awesome news and information... I think every ZR owner will at some point have to replace the top aught to save these posts... and for a bit of levity I can't help but mention - Oct 09 has not arrived yet...

 

While in the Navy I spent quite a few days in florida, rained every day. I went thru the pictures you posted, looks fairly straight forward. I'm glad you included a pic of the rivet size. My top should be here in 10 days, $537 shipped.

 

UPDATE 2: Link to The 1st DIY-350Z Roadster - Top Replacement Guide thread

 

Well I did mine today, a little more work than I expected but not too bad. I started at 9 took a break from noon till 2 and done by 4. It came out better than I expected it would, I had to re-do some rivets on the number 5 bow. I can see why I was quoted 385 for a shop to install.

 

Did the write-up help you?