Replace Elastic Bands (no drilling)
 

I purchased some Knit Elastic band material at the local fabric store.
It had to be cut it to the right size. You will also need 3M heavy duty double sided tape.
There is enough to do this fix several times.

Attachment 451739

First position the top so that you can cut the old bands out.

Attachment 451740

Next wrap the 2nd bow with tape and apply the elastic band so that it will wrap all the way around the bow.

Attachment 451741

Next add tape to the 3rd bow and wrap the elastic band around it. Make sure it is tight enough to pull the 2nd bow into position when top folds.

Attachment 451742

Neat idea, mine are loose may give this a try.

It works man. There is enough material to replace the elastic 5 or 6 times and you spend less than $10.

Clever!

I may supplement my replacement bands with something like this, as my top doesnt like coming down fully when its cold. I replaced my worn factory top, and the elastic strips with a HAARTZ Stayfast Canvas, by EZ-ON Autotops, but my top still hangs up at the ~85% open.

I'd like to buy some. Is there a website you bought this at?
Thanks,
Ryan

bump

Hobby Lobby

I bought the elastic at the local fabric store. They sold it by the yard or in pre-packaged lengths. I'm sure you could find it at a hobby store as well.

When the top on my '06 has trouble opening, I think it might be just that it's less than 50 degrees out. Opens fine after it's been in the sun for a few minutes and heats up. The elastics do appear worn out to me tho, and this is a great way to restore them. Thanks for putting this out there for us to use!

Ryan

You should try pushing back on the 2nd bow as the top folds to assist the elastic bands. I did this for about three years before I decided to replace the bands for the second time.

sweet thanks.

I pointed out to the dealer I bought my roadster from that the top doesn't like to open fully when it's cold out. I already knew why (elastic bands), but wanted them to look into it and fix it while the car is still under warranty.

They looked at it today. "It's the elastic bands sir. Common problem. We're buying the kit from Nissan and installing it for you. Parts should be in tomorrow. Take this loaner for a few days."

Yay!

I would continue to monitor it after it is fixed. I replaced my elastic bands and after a few months they were loose again. When the elastic bands are working properly you can see them contract and pull the 2nd bow back during the folding process. If the bar is not positioned correctly there will be added strain on the top motors, and the top fabric will begin to wear.

I'll make sure everything is operating smoothly. Thanks for the info!!

How do you get the 3rd bow tight?

They left the rivet pieces in after the repair. Took it back and they vacuumed them out. Fixed now tho.

Wow. That was fun

first post
I am looking to buy a z350 here in Japan. One of the cars I went to look at is the color that I wanted but the roof did not fold down so I walked away from it since I read the 5th bow engine stories here.
After reading It seems that the engine brushes wear out really fast and it is not that hard to replace.
then I came along the elastic band issue. Finding this thread has helped me to get the confidence to probably buy a z 350. I have one question
how do you get at the metal bars ? aren't they covered with some cloth on the inside ?
sorry for the long post.
best regards

SHILOW....Thanks for sharing!

The 350ZR does not have a headliner so the bows are exposed. Also the brushes on the 5th bow motor last a long time. My car is a 2005 and the brushes have only been replaced once (cost me all of $10). I feel the elastic bands are more problematic because when they are not working properly they cause added strain on the top motors and fabric.