im so confused right now, I've got what i THINK is (and is registered as) a 2003 touring roadster, but looking online apparently they only produced the roadster from 2004 onwards? Checked the metal plate in the engine bay. Says it was built in September 2003, wouldn't that make it a 2004 model, built for the following year? Cant find any other info online at all. Would like some clarification please.
Also, I'm trying to repair/replace the roof as it has a large tear in it, would i be better off replacing the entire roof assembly or just the vinyl? I'm trying to fix it up so i can sell it but was wondering what the cheapest option would be, thinking of labor costs mainly. Waiting on a quote from an upholsterer to repair it but i don't want it to look like crap, unless they can do it ridiculously cheap.
If im going to replace the entire roof, which model years would fit my model? Seems like theres no many different part numbers and roofs that only fit certain years and i dont know which, if any will fit mine.
Thanks

 

If you're not sure about the year/trim, you can always use the VIN decoder. It's usually fairly accurate.

With respect to roof compatibility across that years, all of them are the same with respect to the roadster.

If there is a large tear, then you need a replacement roof. Any type of "fix" is simply not going to last. As far as replacing everything, that is unnecessary unless your current roof assembly is damaged or missing pieces. There are a lot of different tops you can choose. The OEM roof is vinyl and not very good quality. When I replaced my top, I went with a fabric top. It's thicker, more durable, and I think it looks nicer. It is more expensive than a cheap vinyl replacement.

Cheapest would be to DIY. That;s what I did. It's a little daunting, but the only specialized tool you need is a rivet gun. Here is a really good write-up.

https://my350z.com/forum/350z-roadst...l#post11009381

I attached the PDF files to post #178 since the original post links don't work.

This is also a good video tutorial:

For my top replacement, I went with Robbins/Haartz Stayfast cloth in black. It's probably the most expensive option for top replacement, but it looks great. No labor, since I did it myself.

 

Thanks for the reply, i hit up Nissan themselves and they confirmed it is a 2004 model, makes finding a replacement roof a lot easier. Wth regards to getting an entire new assembly vs just the vinyl, I was just curious whether the entire assembly was more of a bolt on installation vs the vinyl needing to be taken off the assembly and then the new one refitted, as i thought there would be a big difference in labor costs. Have decided to look at finding a replacement or will offer to sell it as is for a discount.

 

Definitely not bolt on! lol. There are a LOT of arms and pieces involved with the top assembly.

The old vinyl comes off and the new top goes on. Here's a pic when I was doing my install showing the "skeleton" of the roof with the old vinyl removed.



The top is basically secured to the roof with some clips, screws, double-sided tape, and rivets.

If you're looking for something cheap, then vinyl is the way to go. Prices as low as $350. However, you get what you pay for. If you're contemplating keeping your ZR for the foreseeable future, I would not skimp out and get something quality. It sounds like you're debating on selling it, though, so likely not a long term commitment. When I got my previously-mentioned cloth top, it was $700. It looks to be over $1100 now.