Roof hitting the tonneau when opening

High_Octane

This is just to give you guys some information in case any of you encounter this issue.

After replacing my top, I noticed that whenever I attempt to open the top, the edges of the tonneau cover will hit the metal support arm (where the adjustment nut is) of the soft top. It was really bad and the paint started to chip off.



After countless attempts with the workshop to resolve this, we finally figured out this was due to the bungee cords. Specifically the 5th bow bungee cords.


In my case, the workshop adjusted the cord and managed to get enough tension for the roof to be pulled more upright with more clearance for the tonneau cover.
If the tension is not sufficient, your bungee cords have been stretched out and will need to be replaced.
The part numbers are:-
971F8-1ET0A
971F9-1ET0A

Replacing of the bungee cord can be found in the service manual RF, under the section "5TH BOW BUNGEE CORD"

Another thing I noticed after this was done was previously, when the roof was closing (when the 5th bow opens up to latch with the tonneau cover lock) there will be a loud sound (something like when you attempt to open a huge umbrella with force) when the cloth top stretches open. After the tension of bungee cord was done, I don't get that loud sound anymore.
All these while when I got the car, I thought that sound was normal but right now the top closes more gracefully too.

Hope this information will help out fellow roadsters owners!

OldGuyFla

Great info. Thanks!
Did you have the complete top replaced or just the canvas?

I'm going to check on the load sound you are referring to.

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High_Octane

I got the canvas top replaced as it got torn in the accident.
Was quite an experience understanding how the top works.

High_Octane

Here is a video of the top closing while sitting inside.
Before this, the "pop" sound was really loud.

OldGuyFla

I think that is about how mine sounds, all of them are pretty loud.
Thanks for the video.

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High_Octane

This is after the bungee was done... Before it was really loud... I'd say like 3 times louder compared to this now.

Bummer

Thanks for the info.

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Steve

LHMBP

Good post. I think mine (2011) is doing the same thing. I also posted a thread a couple of months ago about the loud umbrella sound (good description). I was concerned that may not be normal. Did you have a mechanic change the bungees? I was wondering if I should attempt or leave to a professional. I'm not very experienced.

BTW thanks for the video. It seems to close more smoothly than mine does.

High_Octane

I believe what you have now was what I experience since I got my car, prior to this fix.
It was a really loud pop sound. I guess with not enough tension from the bungee to resist, the hydraulic will open at full force, thus that loud pop sound.

After the bungee was "fixed", upon my first closing of the roof, I was really puzzled by the much quieter operation.

My bungee was "fixed" by the mechanic, but it seems fairly simple once you know where the bungee is.
You can refer to the Service Manual here:-
370Z 2012 Service Manual - RF

Look for the section, 5th bow bungee cord.

LHMBP

Thanks again. Did you see a labor hour estimate? The dealership says 4 hours, which seems high to me.

gbhrps

Gentlemen,

Looking at the exploded diagram of the top frame showing the bungee cords, its easy to assume that changing them is straight forward. However, if you peruse the FSM RF section for replacing the top material, and YouTube the video showing how the top material is removed and replaced on a 350z, you'll appreciate the 4 hours needed.

The bungee cords are sandwiched between the top material and the interior lining of the top, and there are screws and rivets to remove and replace, ensuring a tight fit and clean look.

I'm certain its not for the beginner, but after some study, I believe its something that I would tackle on my own car. Anyone used to wrenching on cars and has worked on several convertibles should have what's needed to do the job. The only special tools needed may be just a rivet tool for the large rivet install, if needed.

Gene

LHMBP

Dealership wants $575 to do this job. Looking for alternatives in the NW Houston area.

LHMBP

Now the back part of the roof is not hitting the tonneau. Also when closing the back portion closes more smoothly. Hoping I won't have to mess with the top for a while.

OldGuyFla

What did they do to actually fix the problem?

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LHMBP

Oh sorry...they replaced the 5th bough bungee chords.