IT HAS ARRIVED!!! - The 1st DIY-350Z Roadster - Top / Canvas Replacement Guide
completed
All finished!
Just snapped a couple pics during the whole thing with my Iphone. Its actually pretty straight forward, I barely had to look at the DIY. You can make it a lot rougher on yourself if you don't put the top into the right positions throughout the removal and install. I'd say the hardest part was right above the door handles. There is a a screw on each side and I couldn't figure out the appropriate top position to get it out and back on easily.
A shortly Phillips was still too long. I ended up using a Phillips drill bit connected to a small socket wrench. One of those thumb screw drivers would have been perfect, but I didn't feel like going to go buy one.
I purchased a Robbins 2150 from Ebay for $689 including shipping. I bought it on Friday and it arrived on Wednesday morning. This top is quality, had ZERO alignment issues. It came with replacement bow straps, and rivets. Plus, the back glass is no longer stitched in (looks a ton better IMO).
It took me about 2.5 hours to get the top off while learning its assembly and then 3.5 hours for fitment. I went what I felt was pretty slow as well. All in all I would definitely recommend this DIY as apposed to paying a dealership 1k$ or a shop $600. Shame on them.
If anyone as questions let me know.
BG
Just snapped a couple pics during the whole thing with my Iphone. Its actually pretty straight forward, I barely had to look at the DIY. You can make it a lot rougher on yourself if you don't put the top into the right positions throughout the removal and install. I'd say the hardest part was right above the door handles. There is a a screw on each side and I couldn't figure out the appropriate top position to get it out and back on easily.
A shortly Phillips was still too long. I ended up using a Phillips drill bit connected to a small socket wrench. One of those thumb screw drivers would have been perfect, but I didn't feel like going to go buy one.I purchased a Robbins 2150 from Ebay for $689 including shipping. I bought it on Friday and it arrived on Wednesday morning. This top is quality, had ZERO alignment issues. It came with replacement bow straps, and rivets. Plus, the back glass is no longer stitched in (looks a ton better IMO).
It took me about 2.5 hours to get the top off while learning its assembly and then 3.5 hours for fitment. I went what I felt was pretty slow as well. All in all I would definitely recommend this DIY as apposed to paying a dealership 1k$ or a shop $600. Shame on them.
If anyone as questions let me know.
BG
Last edited by bigbirdmodeZ; Oct 25, 2012 at 10:24 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
God I had a horrible time doing this top... I had it off in less than 2 hours, but putting it back on took me 10... EZ-ON my *** lol
Blame it on the ADD, repeated several steps due to screwing up the order, and the horrible instructions that came with the EZ-ON top.
Blame it on the ADD, repeated several steps due to screwing up the order, and the horrible instructions that came with the EZ-ON top.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Hey everybody I bought a 2004 350z convertible (daytona blue metallic color) and its fantastic. I want to replace the convertible top. I got a few quotes locally and they are about 1500-1800 installed with cloth top.
There are quite a few members here with Robbins 2150 Cloth Top. How are they holding up? Did you guys select the cloth top or the vinyl? Please let me know. Thanks.
There are quite a few members here with Robbins 2150 Cloth Top. How are they holding up? Did you guys select the cloth top or the vinyl? Please let me know. Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Looking for the installation instructions for a new ragtop for my 2004 350Z
Looking for the installation instructions for a new rag top for my 2004 350Z. Does anyone have a detailed set of instructions or video to share? Thanks!
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 919
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Texas
haha looks really good! i got the same top and i paid 600 for install haha..
All finished!
Just snapped a couple pics during the whole thing with my Iphone. Its actually pretty straight forward, I barely had to look at the DIY. You can make it a lot rougher on yourself if you don't put the top into the right positions throughout the removal and install. I'd say the hardest part was right above the door handles. There is a a screw on each side and I couldn't figure out the appropriate top position to get it out and back on easily. A shortly Phillips was still too long. I ended up using a Phillips drill bit connected to a small socket wrench. One of those thumb screw drivers would have been perfect, but I didn't feel like going to go buy one.
I purchased a Robbins 2150 from Ebay for $689 including shipping. I bought it on Friday and it arrived on Wednesday morning. This top is quality, had ZERO alignment issues. It came with replacement bow straps, and rivets. Plus, the back glass is no longer stitched in (looks a ton better IMO).
It took me about 2.5 hours to get the top off while learning its assembly and then 3.5 hours for fitment. I went what I felt was pretty slow as well. All in all I would definitely recommend this DIY as apposed to paying a dealership 1k$ or a shop $600. Shame on them.
If anyone as questions let me know.
BG
Just snapped a couple pics during the whole thing with my Iphone. Its actually pretty straight forward, I barely had to look at the DIY. You can make it a lot rougher on yourself if you don't put the top into the right positions throughout the removal and install. I'd say the hardest part was right above the door handles. There is a a screw on each side and I couldn't figure out the appropriate top position to get it out and back on easily.
A shortly Phillips was still too long. I ended up using a Phillips drill bit connected to a small socket wrench. One of those thumb screw drivers would have been perfect, but I didn't feel like going to go buy one.I purchased a Robbins 2150 from Ebay for $689 including shipping. I bought it on Friday and it arrived on Wednesday morning. This top is quality, had ZERO alignment issues. It came with replacement bow straps, and rivets. Plus, the back glass is no longer stitched in (looks a ton better IMO).
It took me about 2.5 hours to get the top off while learning its assembly and then 3.5 hours for fitment. I went what I felt was pretty slow as well. All in all I would definitely recommend this DIY as apposed to paying a dealership 1k$ or a shop $600. Shame on them.
If anyone as questions let me know.
BG
Registered User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: orlando, fl
New Top Install Help
I posted this in the maintenance forum but I think adding here might be a better location...
I am 99% finished installing a new Robbins cloth top top on my 2006 350Z, and I have run into a big snag.
I used a combination of the my350z.com top install guide and the Robbins guide. When all was said and done, I realized that I can not get the rear of the top to close all the way. I notice that when the rear of the top closes onto the hatch, it is getting pulled down, and it seems like the hatch is getting pulled up a little bit. There is a gap of about 1/4" between the hatch and the gasket. Originally I could not close the front latch at all, but Now I can, but I have to pull a little. Everything seems too tight. The top is "Drum" tight The to I know that the Robbins instructions said on step #3:
"Align front edge of #3 Listing with rear edge of the plastic strip on #4 listing, make sure L&R ends are in alignment and then attach velcro together."
With a caution note "Overlapping Velcro too far will make the listing panel too short causing a gap between the rear weather seal nd the deck Lid"
I am not sure is is screwed up because of this?? I got really confused about where the 4th Bow goes in relation to Velcro areas of the top. I am confused as to whether both 3 and 4 should be in the same loop. Should #4 have been in the other Velcro loop above the window? Please see pictures. There is a big velcro loop that I Think holds the the 3rd and 4th Bow, but what is the other velcro loop for?
I am 99% finished installing a new Robbins cloth top top on my 2006 350Z, and I have run into a big snag.
I used a combination of the my350z.com top install guide and the Robbins guide. When all was said and done, I realized that I can not get the rear of the top to close all the way. I notice that when the rear of the top closes onto the hatch, it is getting pulled down, and it seems like the hatch is getting pulled up a little bit. There is a gap of about 1/4" between the hatch and the gasket. Originally I could not close the front latch at all, but Now I can, but I have to pull a little. Everything seems too tight. The top is "Drum" tight The to I know that the Robbins instructions said on step #3:
"Align front edge of #3 Listing with rear edge of the plastic strip on #4 listing, make sure L&R ends are in alignment and then attach velcro together."
With a caution note "Overlapping Velcro too far will make the listing panel too short causing a gap between the rear weather seal nd the deck Lid"
I am not sure is is screwed up because of this?? I got really confused about where the 4th Bow goes in relation to Velcro areas of the top. I am confused as to whether both 3 and 4 should be in the same loop. Should #4 have been in the other Velcro loop above the window? Please see pictures. There is a big velcro loop that I Think holds the the 3rd and 4th Bow, but what is the other velcro loop for?
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 919
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Texas
I posted this in the maintenance forum but I think adding here might be a better location...
I am 99% finished installing a new Robbins cloth top top on my 2006 350Z, and I have run into a big snag.
I used a combination of the my350z.com top install guide and the Robbins guide. When all was said and done, I realized that I can not get the rear of the top to close all the way. I notice that when the rear of the top closes onto the hatch, it is getting pulled down, and it seems like the hatch is getting pulled up a little bit. There is a gap of about 1/4" between the hatch and the gasket. Originally I could not close the front latch at all, but Now I can, but I have to pull a little. Everything seems too tight. The top is "Drum" tight The to I know that the Robbins instructions said on step #3:
"Align front edge of #3 Listing with rear edge of the plastic strip on #4 listing, make sure L&R ends are in alignment and then attach velcro together."
With a caution note "Overlapping Velcro too far will make the listing panel too short causing a gap between the rear weather seal nd the deck Lid"
I am not sure is is screwed up because of this?? I got really confused about where the 4th Bow goes in relation to Velcro areas of the top. I am confused as to whether both 3 and 4 should be in the same loop. Should #4 have been in the other Velcro loop above the window? Please see pictures. There is a big velcro loop that I Think holds the the 3rd and 4th Bow, but what is the other velcro loop for?
I am 99% finished installing a new Robbins cloth top top on my 2006 350Z, and I have run into a big snag.
I used a combination of the my350z.com top install guide and the Robbins guide. When all was said and done, I realized that I can not get the rear of the top to close all the way. I notice that when the rear of the top closes onto the hatch, it is getting pulled down, and it seems like the hatch is getting pulled up a little bit. There is a gap of about 1/4" between the hatch and the gasket. Originally I could not close the front latch at all, but Now I can, but I have to pull a little. Everything seems too tight. The top is "Drum" tight The to I know that the Robbins instructions said on step #3:
"Align front edge of #3 Listing with rear edge of the plastic strip on #4 listing, make sure L&R ends are in alignment and then attach velcro together."
With a caution note "Overlapping Velcro too far will make the listing panel too short causing a gap between the rear weather seal nd the deck Lid"
I am not sure is is screwed up because of this?? I got really confused about where the 4th Bow goes in relation to Velcro areas of the top. I am confused as to whether both 3 and 4 should be in the same loop. Should #4 have been in the other Velcro loop above the window? Please see pictures. There is a big velcro loop that I Think holds the the 3rd and 4th Bow, but what is the other velcro loop for?
Also, try and leave the front unlatched until the rear is finished latching. Then you can pull on the front to close.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans, Louisiana
I put my top on this weekend. I took my time and it seems to have gone on well. Unfortunately it rained today and I have a wet passengers seat. The water seems to be dripping from the weatherstrip/ front bow joint. I took off the weatherstrip of the passenger window and saw that the water channeled behind the weatherstrip and dripped down. I noticed that there was originally a sealant securing the weatherstripping to the stainless steel anchor channel. Does anyone know what sealant they used in this location?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
DIY Top Replacement? Read this FIRST!
Should you install your own top?
I purchased a top from convertibletopguys.com. Their website makes it sound pretty straight forward.. includes step by step etc.
They shipped me a top manufactured by Kee Auto Tops. The Kee website recommends having the top professionally installed. At the advice of the local Nissan dealership, I took the top to a local upholstery shop that has over 40 years experience - and does all the tops for the Nissan dealership.
The Kee Auto Top was ill-fitting to the point where the top would neither open or close without manually manipulating the top. It also had wrinkles in the rear left hand corner and the holes in the top didn't align with the holes in the car. There were some more issues but suffice it to say, it looked miserable.
Kee and convertibletopguys were of little help in resolving the issues. To be honest, there was virtually no support that was of any value from either of them. Despite what they claim on their websites - they were not forthcoming with any resolutions or credits toward a remedy.
The upholstery shop ordered a GAHH top for me and installed that top (of course - all at my expense... but they were fair). The GAHH top looks AWESOME.
A month and a half later, I got part of my money back for the top - but still was about $600 over budget on the whole adventure. My advice? Get a pro - and use a GAHH top (or one of similar quality) but stay away from Kee and convertibletopguys.com.
My conclusion was.. if I EVER do this myself... I'll at least start with a quality top.
I purchased a top from convertibletopguys.com. Their website makes it sound pretty straight forward.. includes step by step etc.
They shipped me a top manufactured by Kee Auto Tops. The Kee website recommends having the top professionally installed. At the advice of the local Nissan dealership, I took the top to a local upholstery shop that has over 40 years experience - and does all the tops for the Nissan dealership.
The Kee Auto Top was ill-fitting to the point where the top would neither open or close without manually manipulating the top. It also had wrinkles in the rear left hand corner and the holes in the top didn't align with the holes in the car. There were some more issues but suffice it to say, it looked miserable.
Kee and convertibletopguys were of little help in resolving the issues. To be honest, there was virtually no support that was of any value from either of them. Despite what they claim on their websites - they were not forthcoming with any resolutions or credits toward a remedy.
The upholstery shop ordered a GAHH top for me and installed that top (of course - all at my expense... but they were fair). The GAHH top looks AWESOME.
A month and a half later, I got part of my money back for the top - but still was about $600 over budget on the whole adventure. My advice? Get a pro - and use a GAHH top (or one of similar quality) but stay away from Kee and convertibletopguys.com.
My conclusion was.. if I EVER do this myself... I'll at least start with a quality top.
Does anyone have the first guide that was uploaded? It says the file is damaged in adobe reader. I'm installing my top in the next couple of weeks and a DIY guide would help big time lol