Reputable Repair Shops for Roadster Top

mrthomr

Lets hear it. How bad was your repair and who did you trust to fix it? I'm starting my search this week for someone to take my top off and identify the parts that need replaced. I definitely need a hydraulic replaced and both sides need some bent pieces replaced.

gbhrps

mrthomr,

I posted almost an identical thread back in Sept. or Oct. of last year when I purchased my 2016 ... and got no response.

The problem I've discovered is that there are so few roadsters in North America, that each dealership pretty much has a first time learning experience when a roadster with a top problem comes in.

What I can share with you, is that downloading the 370Z factory service manual (FSM) and really studying the RF section (RF = roof) is a godsend. Hours of reading and going back through sections has shown me a basic understanding of the top's workings. That and following all of the top problem threads on this forum.

Subaru techs can fix hydraulic line leaks, electrical shorts in the system from frayed wires, replace the top material, etc., but as to diagnosing serious issues ... the most Nissan techs just do not have the experience to deal with them. Hence, Subaru USA and Subaru Canada generally just replace an entire top assembly as one piece and be done with it.

That is their approach. Charge a huge replacement cost for the entire package ($13 000 I seen posted) and be done with it. Often because the tech couldn't find the offending issue. Subaru doesn't even sell the individual parts in some cases. With 8 hydraulic rams, each with two hydraulic lines and one or more sail switches (magnetic switches that signal the ram's full extension or retraction) you have to appreciate how involved the system is.

Top Hydraulics out of Oregon, can rebuild the hydraulic rams individually and provide the hoses and hydraulic pump required, and in superior quality (so they advertise), and subie will sell you a new cloth top material and some of the bungee cords that help the system fold up, but the expertise of this roadster system and people who can fix it just doesn't exist on a large scale.

So, like you, I follow this forum very closely every day, just so I can learn about the top and its issues .... because I know the day is coming when I'm going to need it fixed.

The 370z top is not at all like the one on the new Miata MX 5's. But then again, I don't fit the new MX 5, I don't have to put up with the snob looks driving a Z4 or a Boxster and the 370Z is more exclusive ..... and that's why I bought it. That and my memories of my 71 240Z , my 84 300ZX, and my 90 300Z. (sniff, a kleenex please).

It pretty much comes down to ... we have to do the research ourselves to learn the issues, and then point/lean/drive the techs towards the fix.

Its either that or ... buy a different convertible.

Gene

mrthomr

Thanks for the reply Gene. I found a local automotive engineering shop that is willing to dig into it. I do have one blown hydrolic and will be ordering one this week. I'll keep everyone posted along the way as I hopefully get this thing fixed.

SouthArk370Z

To find the vert top threads that gbhrps mentioned, go to any major web search engine and add
to your search string. Eg, convertible site:the370z.com

__________________
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mrthomr

I get my car back on Monday. I was lucky to find a repair shop local.

https://www.facebook.com/wildfireengineeringwv/

I'll let you know how much it set me back.

mrthomr

The repair set me back $2000 for labor, and $380 in parts. Not too bad considering the stealership wanted to charge me over 20k. The top works perfect now!

OldGuyFla

Not too bad at all, glad it all turned out O.K.

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gbhrps

mrthomr,

Glad to hear that you've got your baby back and she's all better.

But help us non tech old guys out here, the ones who don't do facebook, twitter, etc., .... what is the the top specialist's website that you took the car to?

Gene

mrthomr

Sure thing. Pat's website can be found here, Wildfire Engineering - Home

I cant get over how good the top is working. Came home and worked it some more for good measure.

mikeshay

what was the problem with it ?