Hard Top Option...

snakebite

So you're skeptical?

You don't think they designed it to actually stay on the car?

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Zingston

3m double sided... I hope.

gbhrps

snakebite,

How quickly they pounce!

Yes, I want to know how the hard top will be fastened at the rear and at the sides behind the doors, and you obviously don't have the answers, or you would have given them.

How does the top fasten to that center lock mechanism in the tonneau cover? How is that hydraulic lock get triggered? Is there rewiring and a new switch installed somewhere just to activate it?

And what about those two square shaped plastic flapper covers that swing up out of the way during opening and closing operations, so that the swing arms can operate. They're spring and cable operated. Do they need to be disconnected/removed from the car, and what is the hard top clamping onto at those swing arm areas?

And is the hard top even compatible with a working soft top still installed in the car? Or is this hard top just for those who don't want the expense of replacing and entire soft top mechanism, and have removed the entire soft top completely from the car?

I've owned both a 450 SL and a 55 Thunderbird over the years, both of which had the hard and soft tops from the factory. Each was designed so that their hard tops were firmly attached to the car while the soft top was properly open and stowed. Neither top option would interfere with the other while on the car. Is that going to be the same with the Z?

So, yes, before I commit to putting my name on a list to purchase one of these hard tops, I need these and some other questions answered.

From what I see so far, the hard top is gorgeous, has the right texture (much better looking in my opinion than a shiny surface like the older hard tops of the Miata's), and may solve the issue for the people with very expensive soft top repairs.

Gene

snakebite

Gene, it's true that I do not have the answers.
I doubt anybody does. It's a prototype in development.

I guess I just have some faith that the manufacturer knows they will have wasted their time and resources if they create a product that doesn't function. (won't actually latch to the car sufficiently)

Surely they know what is required?
Isn't this what they do?

I too have to "wonder", since there's no answers yet. I was just messing with you. Couldn't resist.


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gbhrps

Snakebite,

I appreciate your response, and I have to admit that I came back too harshly as well. (Why is it we all look back at how we could have approached things differently without ruffling someone else's feathers?) Part of being human. We don't come with a handbook.

As to the topic at hand ... the hard top designers are not new to this game, as they have made these kinds of tops for other convertibles, and the same fastening issues will have come up many times. They will have the answers.

I just wish I knew at this time what they are. I don't have an issue with my Z's top at this time, but as we all know ... that day may well come when the car is off warranty.

I will have this 2016 for many years (my 1990 300ZX, owned for 27 years with only 49 000 miles, was sold, along with my 55 Thunderbird and a 1954 MG TF Roadster) (downsizing the fleet) for this 370Z, and at 69 years of age, this may well be my last sports car. I have a special nephew who I want to pass it on to when I can no longer take care of it. And I want it to be as trouble free as I can make it when that time comes. He's drooling as I write.

If that means a hard top gets added, to get around any future soft top issues that may well break the bank, or not even be available due to the age of the car and parts availability, then I'm on board for this hard top.

But I've got to be convinced that it is a viable solution. As I mentioned in my last post, my 450 SL and the 55 Thunderbird had factory hardtops that were designed for those cars at concept and were fastened well to those cars. This hard top for the 370Z ... not so much, ... at this point. So, I think we need some answers, when they are available and properly developed.

I look forward to the manufacturer's followups.

Gene

blueranger

Hello,

Just want to say this Hard Top is close to completion.

I have worked on the manufacturer for over a year. Going from them not being interested, to convincing them of a serious demand due to Nissan's inability to repair a broken top. I personally have always been interested in a hard top for my roadster for looks alone. When my top broke out of warranty and Nissan only offered a full replacement for $13,000.00 I decided to do something.

I asked the manufacturer straight up how many interested owners will it take for them to develop and they asked for 15 (got many more). It took me months to gather enough interested owners and show the manufacturer so they could start the process.

So of course as of right now I do not have every single answer as it is not 100% complete. I know completion is near and will have more details soon.

I can honestly say all of my efforts this past year were in the end worth it, and hopefully will offer an option for many in our roadster community.

Hope to have more pics soon!

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snakebite

And I THANK you sir for your tenacity.

I mean that. Very appreciative.

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blueranger

Pictures and pricing are coming....

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anon1ski

Has there been an idea on even on pricing so far?

bunk

Is it too late to add me to the list?

blueranger

Not at all... This will be a first come first made basis.


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F.I. Stage 1 Twin Turbo #48 | E85 FlexFuel | Built 7AT | F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler | F.I. Flex Plate | F.I. 19 row Trans Cooler | MT ET Street S/S | ECUTEK Tuned by Seb | RPM Roll Bar

blueranger

This is pricing the manufacturer shared with me:

$2399.00 Top (Primed & Ready for Paint) with standard felt interior.
Shipping cost: Residential $375.00 & Commercial $275.00


I have been at a standstill waiting on final fitment feedback.




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F.I. Stage 1 Twin Turbo #48 | E85 FlexFuel | Built 7AT | F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler | F.I. Flex Plate | F.I. 19 row Trans Cooler | MT ET Street S/S | ECUTEK Tuned by Seb | RPM Roll Bar

bunk

Blueranger, not sure if this has been asked already, but if so please bare with me. From the pics, I assume the top is one solid piece. Will there be an option for it to fold manually or mechanically into the soft top storage on the Z? I kinda like the idea of being able to have top up or down on a whim!

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blueranger

The top is a solid single piece that can be placed or removed similar to the existing hard tops for the S2000 and Miata roadsters.

__________________
F.I. Stage 1 Twin Turbo #48 | E85 FlexFuel | Built 7AT | F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler | F.I. Flex Plate | F.I. 19 row Trans Cooler | MT ET Street S/S | ECUTEK Tuned by Seb | RPM Roll Bar

HollaZed

wow. I like the outcome so far. I'm interested now.