2014+ Top Replacement Source?
 

Gentlemen,

As a new 2016 Roadster owner I've done a lot of research here and at other sources, to try and stay ahead of the day when my top material goes bad, and needs replacing.

The guys at TopHydraulics seem to have us covered on the motor and hydraulic end of things, but there doesn't seem to be anything else out there for much else.

On eBay right today, a low mileage top mechanism from Germany is being auctioned off, including the Bourdeaux top material assembly.

But no where else can I find a source for the cloth top. Sure, they are advertised for the 2009 through 2013's, but has anyone found a source for the 2014's and up?

Surely there must be someplace other than Nissan, who want to just replace the entire top assembly for half the price of the car?

Gene

It's sold in such limited numbers that we are not likely to find an aftermarket part for this. My repair shop is even delayed in fixing the busted driver door glass because they cannot find any in the US lol. Gotta wait for overseas part to arrive next week.

The cloth top is part number 971521ET0A. It lists for about $1600 but can be had for a little over $1000. No idea if one would actually be the US.

A quick search yields:

Ready to be shipped Nissan 370Z 2015 Body, Glass & Molding Parts cover & components Cover Kit-folding Roof 971521ET0A

97152-1ET0A | Genuine Nissan | Top Cover : PartsForNissans | Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories

97152-1ET0A | Genuine Nissan #971521ET0A COVER KIT-FOLDING ROOF

No testimonials, just some examples.

Bummer,

Thank You!

Months ago, before I purchased the 370z, I started searching for a replacement for the cloth top for when that day comes, and my online searches never found a source.

From the reading I've done on this forum, in the Roadster section, not one thread listed a source for the top material alone, and suggested that Nissan dealers weren't selling individual top parts, but entire top assemblies only. At least this was the message I was reading into the 250 posts or so that I read.

I'm relieved to see that this is not the case. Thanks once again.

Gene

My understanding is you can order pretty much anything.

The problem is that if it's a warranty claim they know so little about the top that they just replace it all. When it comes to driving in and fixing it out of warranty they're going to default to the same thing because that's all they know.

A few pages printed out of the service manual isn't going to make the mechanic, no matter how well he was initially trained in auto-mechanics, knowledgeable about a very rare car. We can't really fault him for that. Has Nissan gone over 9,000 roadsters sold since they first came out? With natural on the road attrition we'll be lucky if there are 5 or 6 thousand actually out there. That's barely one good day of Mustang or Camaro sales. I like the exclusivity, but it comes at a cost.

Seems to me the best bet will be to order the part then take it to a top shop that has experience and have them do the work. At least they'll be used to working with cloth tops.

Bummer,

Yes, one of the reasons I purchased the 370z Roadster was its exclusivity as well. They are a rare beast on the roads in my area. After having owned a 71 240z before I was married, then an 84 300zx, and a 90 300zx for the last 27 years, it was a natural progression.

I have to say that the top's intricacy with the 8 hydraulic pistons, most of which have two sensors each, is daunting for a DIYer like myself, if mine should ever require fixing. But armed with the service manual, all of the time in the world, a good shop to work in, the tools and 50 years of working on cars, I'd certainly try to do the repair myself, within reason.

I'm hoping that that day doesn't come any time soon, if never though.

Thanks for the followup.

Gene