Hard Top for Roadster
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Calgary
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Question](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon5.gif)
Just bought a Silverstone roadster.....it's so sweet!!
I want to get a removable hardtop for the winter and for more security. Anyone know if Nissan or any after market suppliers make these things. Also has anyone installed a proximity alarm on their ride?
Cheers.
I want to get a removable hardtop for the winter and for more security. Anyone know if Nissan or any after market suppliers make these things. Also has anyone installed a proximity alarm on their ride?
Cheers.
#2
Registered User
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nissan does not have plans for this. My theories on why are, 1. Not all 350z are verts, so since the market is smaller there will be far less demand for something like this. 2. If you look at our body, there is really no where for the hardtop to attach too.
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ambler, PA
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I wouldn't worry about security as much. I've had a convertable since 1994. When I got my first I worried about people cutting the top and getting in the car, or leaving it with the top down and people getting in the car. It doesn't happen. I worry more about unexpected rain when I park with the top down. With the Z though, it is so easy to put the top up and down that won't even be an issue.
rich
'03 FX 45 w/tech, Black/Brick
'96 911 C4 Cab
'04 350 ZR, SS/BO, 18's & NAV
rich
'03 FX 45 w/tech, Black/Brick
'96 911 C4 Cab
'04 350 ZR, SS/BO, 18's & NAV
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Texas City, TX
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've always been a little tickled at folks that buy a convertible and then buy a hard top for it. Makes me wonder why they bothered buying a convertible in the first place.
Actually, I understand doing this for folks that live areas that experience significant winters. Meaning, three or more months of snow and ice! Glad I don't have to deal with that.
There is one other scenario that I've run into. I've talked with folks over on the S2000 web forum who run that car with a hard top 100% of the time. When I asked them about why they did that, their response was that they really liked the S2000 but don't like convertibles. So, they bought the car and paid for the hard top option. If Honda had offered the car as a coupe, like Nissan does with the 350Z, they'd have bought it. It's just that they didn't have that option in this case.
FWIW,
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
Actually, I understand doing this for folks that live areas that experience significant winters. Meaning, three or more months of snow and ice! Glad I don't have to deal with that.
There is one other scenario that I've run into. I've talked with folks over on the S2000 web forum who run that car with a hard top 100% of the time. When I asked them about why they did that, their response was that they really liked the S2000 but don't like convertibles. So, they bought the car and paid for the hard top option. If Honda had offered the car as a coupe, like Nissan does with the 350Z, they'd have bought it. It's just that they didn't have that option in this case.
FWIW,
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally posted by 006Roadster
Just bought a Silverstone roadster.....it's so sweet!!
I want to get a removable hardtop for the winter and for more security. Anyone know if Nissan or any after market suppliers make these things. Also has anyone installed a proximity alarm on their ride?
Cheers.
Just bought a Silverstone roadster.....it's so sweet!!
I want to get a removable hardtop for the winter and for more security. Anyone know if Nissan or any after market suppliers make these things. Also has anyone installed a proximity alarm on their ride?
Cheers.
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Staten Island, NY
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I also was wondering about a hardtop more b/c of the New York winters. I have yet to see any after market. The best guess I can come up with as to why Nissan hasn't made one is because your paying for the option of a convertable, why bother with a hardtop(weather, DOY). And because theer was only a limited number sold in the states. Either way I'd like to have the hardtop so I don't have to worry about the weight of snow stretching out the soft top.
Also I don't see why from an structural standpoint it can't be.done. Tuck the top and latch it into the two latch point one in the top one in the back.
Also I don't see why from an structural standpoint it can't be.done. Tuck the top and latch it into the two latch point one in the top one in the back.
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: maryland
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't think Nissan has any plans. When I was at the auto show, I had asked a Nissan Rep/ Engineer. He had said that Nissan had developed a folding hardtop, but the cost would have jumped it to 5000.00. he also said that Nissan won't add one until the next body change if any! I personally don't see how a top could tightly seal unless it would go in the back were the canvas top hooks into.
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: maryland
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The problem is, it wouldould only seal in three places. The tannau hook spot, and the front top latches. This may work though since the canvas top seals that way anyway. I would use a rubber seal w/ a gasket, that wway it won't scratch or mar the protective tape and paint; plus it will insure a tight seal
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Calgary
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally posted by Intrepid175
I've always been a little tickled at folks that buy a convertible and then buy a hard top for it. Makes me wonder why they bothered buying a convertible in the first place.
Actually, I understand doing this for folks that live areas that experience significant winters. Meaning, three or more months of snow and ice! Glad I don't have to deal with that.
There is one other scenario that I've run into. I've talked with folks over on the S2000 web forum who run that car with a hard top 100% of the time. When I asked them about why they did that, their response was that they really liked the S2000 but don't like convertibles. So, they bought the car and paid for the hard top option. If Honda had offered the car as a coupe, like Nissan does with the 350Z, they'd have bought it. It's just that they didn't have that option in this case.
FWIW,
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
I've always been a little tickled at folks that buy a convertible and then buy a hard top for it. Makes me wonder why they bothered buying a convertible in the first place.
Actually, I understand doing this for folks that live areas that experience significant winters. Meaning, three or more months of snow and ice! Glad I don't have to deal with that.
There is one other scenario that I've run into. I've talked with folks over on the S2000 web forum who run that car with a hard top 100% of the time. When I asked them about why they did that, their response was that they really liked the S2000 but don't like convertibles. So, they bought the car and paid for the hard top option. If Honda had offered the car as a coupe, like Nissan does with the 350Z, they'd have bought it. It's just that they didn't have that option in this case.
FWIW,
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Texas City, TX
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally posted by 006Roadster
Yeah....ok.......do you even own a Z?
Yeah....ok.......do you even own a Z?
And what has that got to do with the price of tea in China? I simply made a comment based on input I've gotten from other conversations. I don't think I put anyone down or insulted anyone.
I've haven't seen anything, anywhere that says you *have* to be an owner to comment on certain subjects.
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ambler, PA
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Intrepid, your comments are welcome even if you don't own a Z. I trolled on the board months before I got my Z. I bought my first convertable in '94 at a repo auction (an '89 911) and have had a convertable ever since. Where I live, I can start driving top down on some days in February up until some days in October, so having a hard top option isn't worth the expense or hassle. I imagine that in Calgary there is a longer and more severe winter. An aluminum hard top would make sense. The ride would be quieter and it would add some stiffness to the chasis. Porsche offers them for the 911 and boxster, Honda has it for the S2000, and I believe you can get them for the Miata also. Don't know about BMW though. I imagine that you (006) have another vehicle besides the Z. Even with snow tires, I don't see the Z getting around very well in the snow.
rich
rich
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Texas City, TX
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally posted by Richardew
Intrepid, your comments are welcome even if you don't own a Z. I trolled on the board months before I got my Z. I bought my first convertable in '94 at a repo auction (an '89 911) and have had a convertable ever since. Where I live, I can start driving top down on some days in February up until some days in October, so having a hard top option isn't worth the expense or hassle. I imagine that in Calgary there is a longer and more severe winter. An aluminum hard top would make sense. The ride would be quieter and it would add some stiffness to the chasis. Porsche offers them for the 911 and boxster, Honda has it for the S2000, and I believe you can get them for the Miata also. Don't know about BMW though. I imagine that you (006) have another vehicle besides the Z. Even with snow tires, I don't see the Z getting around very well in the snow.
rich
Intrepid, your comments are welcome even if you don't own a Z. I trolled on the board months before I got my Z. I bought my first convertable in '94 at a repo auction (an '89 911) and have had a convertable ever since. Where I live, I can start driving top down on some days in February up until some days in October, so having a hard top option isn't worth the expense or hassle. I imagine that in Calgary there is a longer and more severe winter. An aluminum hard top would make sense. The ride would be quieter and it would add some stiffness to the chasis. Porsche offers them for the 911 and boxster, Honda has it for the S2000, and I believe you can get them for the Miata also. Don't know about BMW though. I imagine that you (006) have another vehicle besides the Z. Even with snow tires, I don't see the Z getting around very well in the snow.
rich
I genuinely didn't mean to put anyone down as far as their desire to put a hard top on the roadster. When I first ran into this phenomenon over on the S2000 forum, especially those who run the hard top 12 month a year, I thought, "that's crazy, why buy a convertible and then slap a hard top on it?"
I finally asked and got the explanation I mentioned in my previous post. It wasn't anything I would have personally thought of but it made sense to me and if that person is happy with the car that way, who am I to pass judgment. To each their own.
I *do* appreciate your comments though, Rich. Thanks! As for the cars you mention, I have seen Miata's with hard tops on them. I don't know if they were Mazda built or aftermarket. I have seen one BMW Z3 with a hard top. I don't know about the Z4.
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
#15
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Calgary
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally posted by Richardew
Intrepid, your comments are welcome even if you don't own a Z. I trolled on the board months before I got my Z. I bought my first convertable in '94 at a repo auction (an '89 911) and have had a convertable ever since. Where I live, I can start driving top down on some days in February up until some days in October, so having a hard top option isn't worth the expense or hassle. I imagine that in Calgary there is a longer and more severe winter. An aluminum hard top would make sense. The ride would be quieter and it would add some stiffness to the chasis. Porsche offers them for the 911 and boxster, Honda has it for the S2000, and I believe you can get them for the Miata also. Don't know about BMW though. I imagine that you (006) have another vehicle besides the Z. Even with snow tires, I don't see the Z getting around very well in the snow.
rich
Intrepid, your comments are welcome even if you don't own a Z. I trolled on the board months before I got my Z. I bought my first convertable in '94 at a repo auction (an '89 911) and have had a convertable ever since. Where I live, I can start driving top down on some days in February up until some days in October, so having a hard top option isn't worth the expense or hassle. I imagine that in Calgary there is a longer and more severe winter. An aluminum hard top would make sense. The ride would be quieter and it would add some stiffness to the chasis. Porsche offers them for the 911 and boxster, Honda has it for the S2000, and I believe you can get them for the Miata also. Don't know about BMW though. I imagine that you (006) have another vehicle besides the Z. Even with snow tires, I don't see the Z getting around very well in the snow.
rich
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: maryland
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
After owning an S2000 for 3 years I can say I wish there was a Hard top availible righ when I purchased mine! I combed the interent for 6 months trying to findout if Honda was bringi thiers over--finally found a company to import one for around 3300.00 by then Honda was releasing them in the US. Any one who has a a convertible or currently owns one finds out the need for a hard top. I hope Nissan will come out w/ one or on the next model have a folding hardtop--I would be willing to fork another 2000 - 3000 for that!
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally posted by RANDY350Z
After owning an S2000 for 3 years I can say I wish there was a Hard top availible righ when I purchased mine! I combed the interent for 6 months trying to findout if Honda was bringi thiers over--finally found a company to import one for around 3300.00 by then Honda was releasing them in the US. Any one who has a a convertible or currently owns one finds out the need for a hard top. I hope Nissan will come out w/ one or on the next model have a folding hardtop--I would be willing to fork another 2000 - 3000 for that!
After owning an S2000 for 3 years I can say I wish there was a Hard top availible righ when I purchased mine! I combed the interent for 6 months trying to findout if Honda was bringi thiers over--finally found a company to import one for around 3300.00 by then Honda was releasing them in the US. Any one who has a a convertible or currently owns one finds out the need for a hard top. I hope Nissan will come out w/ one or on the next model have a folding hardtop--I would be willing to fork another 2000 - 3000 for that!
I don't know if I'd want a folding hardtop. I like the ragtop. However, I probably would eventually buy an aftermarket hardtop like the S2000.
Do you have to do something strange to the S2000 to put on the hardtop? Is it a hard thing to do?
#19
Registered User
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
if anyone knows of a prototype hardtop needing a home, or a manufacture needing help with the development of a true hardtop for the Roadster we would be willing to help.
we have had over 20 inquires for such a product, my trip to SEMA last year yielded no takers on the production side.
If someone has info on a company planning to make one, please have them contact me asap...
we have had over 20 inquires for such a product, my trip to SEMA last year yielded no takers on the production side.
If someone has info on a company planning to make one, please have them contact me asap...
#20
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://my350z.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I was thinking about the same thing. There are 3 latch points on the front. The rear latch point would be inside the toneau cover. You could actually make the top look like a coupe by extending it out to the trunk. It would be hinged on the top where so that the top and the trunk move together. I just hate looking at a Miata with a hard top thinking that's what it would look like. (Come to think of it I hate looking at Miatas) I think you could put enough of a pull on a toneau latch to seal the top.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MAsSIVrOOM
Engine & Drivetrain
2
10-20-2023 10:50 AM
Tonyz_2004_350z
South East Marketplace
1
10-04-2015 12:53 PM