Convertible precaution

Fcnismo

I have a 19 convertible that is garage kept and with a Nissan 7 year platinum warranty. What precautions can I take to protect this top from breaking. It seems like everyone has problems.

rspray2000

Not everyone has problems.

Rodd

Long post but I thought I put this out here for other as well.
My best advice is to do what I have done, and many others I assume is to read through all the posts here on roof issues.
I believe there are 3 areas of concern, 2 common ones with fixes available, one not so common but quite fatal.

1. I would say the most common one is the 5th bow bungees cords that help the roof open up become stretched/soft over the years as they are in constant tension when the roof is up. The issue is that over time the back frame of the roof starts to clip/hit against the deck lid as it rises. My 2012 now does this. At the moment I open roof by standing outside and open the roof by holding down the small silver button near door handle. As the deck lid rises I gently pull the back of the top forward an inch or 2 while the lip clears, no problem.
There is now a permeant fix though and that is to install the new improved Nissan 5th bow bungee kit via their service bulletin. Read through the posts and you will learn about this. The new kits now has extra springs for strength. A few people have already replaced theirs with excellent results. Would recommend a roof/convertible shop install as it’s quite a detailed task. I have just ordered mine and will have them installed shortly.
With you being under warranty I guess you would hold off on doing this.

2. Pinched wires. This can be a real headache but a very simply fix in nearly all cases with some knowledge. Another common problem especially when a top fails to open or stops half way, but can be easily fixed, costing nothing or $100 at an auto electrician. If you watch the deck lid raise and lower you will see the wire/hyd line bundle bend through 90 degrees just below the bracket that they are held in that is attached to the deck lid hinge /arm on the drivers side. Look through posts to see the pictures.
My wires pinched exactly at the location expected. Took wire bundle out of the housing, removed outer sheath and saw the break, two wires. Simply re-joined, fixed.

EVERY Roadster owner here be aware of this problem, and my best advice as preventive maintenance would to take those wires out the housing immediately before they brake/pinch. Let them hang naturally so they are not tightly held in place and cant bend 90 degrees-yes this is a design flaw. You can use some zip ties to LIGHTLY hold against bracket.

3 Last issue but much less common is a roof bracket actually breaks and is difficult to replace. Can’t buy part from Nissan so you would need to chase part from a wreckers. There have been a few broken ones reported here. I am hoping it was just an initial problem with the installation on some models.

Other than that you can lube all hinge points, protect roof material with fabric protection etc.

Also have a look at all the youtube videos from ‘top hydraulics’ on the 370Z-very helpful, almost essential I think if you want to maintain and have your Roadster for a long time like I do.

Long live the Roadster

Fcnismo

Thank you
This will be most helpful in the future

Fcnismo

I love this car but the fear of the convertible breaking makes me want to sell it. I use it rarely as my once in awhile car and love it when I do.

JVerge5363

I have a 2012, garage kept, not my daily, with 80k miles on it. With the last 10k of those being boosted, with plenty of supporting mods and have never had any issues with the convertible top.

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10MPlayer

I’ve had both #1 and #2 that Rodd laid out. I was clumsy with a box cutter when trying to take the wrapping off the wires causing me to cut through a hydraulic line. Using instructions from Klaus at the top hydraulics company I was able to replace the line. It helped that I had been an aircraft hydraulic specialist in the marines a lifetime ago.


I tried to buy the replacement bungees at my Nissan dealer but they were clueless and couldn’t help me. I tried to order the parts but couldn’t locate them because the part numbers have changed or something. In any case I can’t find the bungee kit. If anyone can point me in the right direction I’d be grateful.

My best advice is keep the car garaged when you’re not using it. Don’t set things on the top. Don’t let your cat sleep on it. If you aren’t good with mechanical things sell the car and get a Porsche. Nissan isn’t supporting the ragtops and no one knows how to fix them.

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10MPlayer

If you decide to sell do it before something goes wrong with the top. No one knows how to fix them including your Nissan dealer. Otherwise just enjoy it. It’s a fun little car to drive.

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ptremblay

I have a complete procedure to replace the bungees for $30.00. I can share a PDF if someone needs it.

ptremblay

I also have a procedure to fix a common wire breakage to the lid. If your OBD II dignostic tool reports CODE B177F – 5TH BOW STRIKER SENSOR (PWR-SHORT)
CODE B1777 – REAR DEFOG OUT SIGNAL (PWR-SHORT)
I have a procedure for you. Cheers!

PTYZ

I just got my 2010 Roadster and it is garage Kept. Only use it on weekends for a very short time. Everything works, the Top has been behaving with respect. I bought this car at Copart with the rear totally damaged, everything else in perfect conditions. First thing I did when I got it was to open the Top and it was working perfectly. I hope it keeps working for years to come. I live in Panama and I doubt there is anyone down here with enough knowledge on how to fix these tops. For now, I enjoy this Beast every time I take for a spin.

vtec to vvel

Here's an option:

Hard Top Option...

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group256

Hi,
This was so useful - I have both 1 and 2.
Would you mind pointing me at the posts/pictures/articles to read on how to go about fixing them?

group256

I would love to have that!

Fcnismo

Ever since I started this thread I started having issues with my top, the hinge on the right side rubbed against the top a created holes. I was able to get this warranty and waited
6 months for all pieces to come in. The parts finally came in late April and the cars been in the shop ever since. It was supposed to be ready for this weekend when I received notice the wiring on the left side was all destroyed and now I need a complete roof