Originally Posted by vifferman

Well, Merlin - first, the tech's clumsy effort (deep tool marks, et al) is outrageous. I know exactly how you feel; it's like your beautiful new car has been violated and it will never be "new" again. I'm the poster boy for OCD, and I've been in a couple of similar positions with new cars. My ZR is just four months old and the odometer shows just 1,700 miles (I drive the Z only for pleasure/sport); yet the tell-tale driver's side wear spot is already quite evident, and I abhor the prospect of a top replacement and the nightmares that will likely accompany such an ordeal. That said, it appears that the diagnosis re: your "top-tearing issue" differs from that of the OP (Z_U_Later), as his diagnosis referrred to sharp edges on the 'folding assembly' and they had to cut the top fabric to see it. Frankly, your diagnosis makes far more sense to me, as my indentation, crease & discoloration clearly has to come from something rubbing on the outside of the canvas. Tomorrow, I will open the top part-way to reveal the hatch arm, and attempt to confirm the diagnosis. I'll post my findings.

Thank you for the update, Merlin and best wishes for a successful resolution. Please keep us fully posted. BTW, I too have feelings of buyer's regret, but other than the top issues, my Z is nearly flawless, and I love it, so...