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Top won't close all the way

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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 11:31 AM
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Default Top won't close all the way

Hello,
I'm having a problem getting my '05 top to close all the way. Top cycles normally, up and down, all motors/switches/etc. are working properly, but the top stops moving about an inch short of the windshield, and perhaps 1/8 in too far forward. I can force the top down to the windshield, but it takes a lot of force (more than 50 lbs.). Once I pull the top down and nearly hang on it from the inside I can close the latch and the top stays shut. Has to be something mechanical, because the top is not that taut. I lubed all the corner joints and the 5th bow track.

Wondering if the "top up" switch that tells the top to stop raising can be adjusted?

Could weak elastic between the second and third bow distort the top enough to make it hit the windshield header a little too far forward?

No damage to the top mechanism that I know of, I don't lend the car to anyone.

Welcome any thoughts or suggestions!

Last edited by finsfanscot; Aug 6, 2011 at 11:49 AM. Reason: spelling
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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It looks like everybody's roadster is starting to show their age. I'm going to take it to the dealer and have them diagnose this. If it is over 500 bucks, I'm going to hold out. If I were you I wouldn't force anything by hand. A small repair can be a bigger one if you don't know what you're doing.
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Old Aug 12, 2011 | 06:48 PM
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other people have had the issue, gotten it fixed but it's never clear what was the root of the problem. Not having it close isn't a big deal but if I can fix it on the cheap then all the better. Charlie_rdstr_z you mind posting what the Nissan diagnosis was? I've heard it's the motor and the motor cost $1000. 1/8" is not a big deal if the solution is $1000.
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Old Aug 14, 2011 | 05:59 PM
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The first place I would check is the A Pillar Retainers and B Pillar Retainers to make sure they are not pinching or the weather stripping isn't pinching. Also make sure to check the spring and wire on each side. If the spring or the mount for it is damaged it can be causing the lack of slack it normally is suppose to give. Hope this helps. Also double check all joints thoroughly.
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Old Apr 7, 2015 | 12:46 PM
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My top popped open while driving and note won't close by about an inch. Did anyone ever find the problem before I give my new born child to the dealership?
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Old Apr 7, 2015 | 01:45 PM
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Holy back from the ded thred.
Simply push the black center and yank the silver bar down, close latch. Gl chris
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Old Apr 7, 2015 | 02:55 PM
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Just pulling it down won't work.. it offers too much resistance it would take two of me.
Attached Thumbnails Top won't close all the way-20150407_182913.jpg   Top won't close all the way-20150407_182906.jpg   Top won't close all the way-20150407_182901.jpg   Top won't close all the way-20150407_182854.jpg  
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Old Apr 7, 2015 | 03:01 PM
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It might also be the fact that I was doing 90 down the highway when it popped open... from now on I guess I'll slow it down.
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Old Apr 7, 2015 | 03:35 PM
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Mine looked about like that after diy top replacement in Jan. The side rails are very sturdy. Check the bows/tubes for bends. If everything is straight get a helper to watch all 3 latches. If good you pull he presses down.
Gl . Drive carefully and watch out for power poles.
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 01:12 PM
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The dealer told the frame is bent. They wanted to charge me 6100 for a new one which is obviously a no go. I'm going to look for someone around here who can do it for cheaper! I knew someone who got his done for around 500 but I lost his number. I'm going to contact the NC car club on this site since i'm in Greensboro. Thanks for your Help JHC.
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 01:25 PM
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$6100 ahhahaha they really are on crack huh
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 03:50 PM
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NP Chris.
Ck local junkyards.
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by oldschool350z
$6100 ahhahaha they really are on crack huh
Right! When he told me that I was like dude I could supercharge the car and forget about the freaking top altogether!

I've seen some tops on ebay for around 500 I just need someone to put it in.
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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Chris Moody
Right! When he told me that I was like dude I could supercharge the car and forget about the freaking top altogether!

I've seen some tops on ebay for around 500 I just need someone to put it in.
Did you ever get this fixed? I'm having the same issue with it not coming all the way down to the windshield. I went over a bump as well and it popped open on the high way.
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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 07:26 AM
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Originally Posted by chrisrice
Did you ever get this fixed? I'm having the same issue with it not coming all the way down to the windshield. I went over a bump as well and it popped open on the high way.
Originally Posted by Chris Moody
The dealer told the frame is bent. They wanted to charge me 6100 for a new one which is obviously a no go. I'm going to look for someone around here who can do it for cheaper! I knew someone who got his done for around 500 but I lost his number. I'm going to contact the NC car club on this site since i'm in Greensboro. Thanks for your Help JHC.
i told you this in your other thread, and dont hold your breath for chris to reposnd, hasnt logged on for over a year
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Old Aug 20, 2017 | 05:04 PM
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My 06 top popped open 3 times while driving on the freeway, got it to close twice and now it won't close, stops about an inch from the windshield Did anyone ever find the problem before I take it to the dealership where they love to hose ya? Any help would be much appreciated.

Last edited by dtodstr; Aug 20, 2017 at 05:19 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2017 | 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by dtodstr
My 06 top popped open 3 times while driving on the freeway, got it to close twice and now it won't close, stops about an inch from the windshield Did anyone ever find the problem before I take it to the dealership where they love to hose ya? Any help would be much appreciated.
frame prob bent as i stated in many threads....
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Old Aug 21, 2017 | 04:47 PM
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Thanks for the reply. I'm going to take it in and see what the ins. company saids.
Hopefully they can fix without totaling my car. Otherwise i'll check Ebay for used one and do it myself.
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Old Dec 20, 2019 | 04:49 PM
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Default Issue just happened to me, any solutions or pictures of the bent frame?

Issue just happened to me, any solutions or pictures of the bent frame?
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Old Sep 12, 2023 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by dtodstr
Thanks for the reply. I'm going to take it in and see what the ins. company saids.
Hopefully they can fix without totaling my car. Otherwise i'll check Ebay for used one and do it myself.
Did u ever get it fix?
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