TOP Tearing issue

HybridFusion · 06-08-2011, 10:20 PM

Well, just to keep everyone posted on my case, and to document my experience...

It has been 14 working days now since the car's been at the dealer. They replaced the outer and inner fabric of the top. Now there's a new problem: the "opening operation" of the top mechanism gets stuck about 5 to 8 seconds after you press the "Open Button"; basically right after the top unlatches from the sun visors area and is about 6 to 7 inches away from it. When it stops, there is no beep or any other indication. Keep in mind that under normal operation, if you inadvertently release the top mechanism button while opening it, for example, the car beeps, or if the trunk is open it beeps too, etc.

Their Nissan mechanic specialist took a look at the car, and determined that the top needed to stretch, since it was new, but this happened on the 5th or 6th day. After several additional tests, and blaming the weather for not stretching the top enough, they want to put my car on one of those "Car Paint Ovens" to force the top to stretch.

Oh, and let me just add that this is the first roadster where they perform this type of service.

I immediately filed a claim with Nissan North-America, to seek some assistance, and they promised that a claims rep will call me tomorrow.

I am more than open to reactions, comments and ideas. I'm sure that those of you who have gone through this, know exactly what I'm going through, and I just have no words to describe what I think about their resolution proposal.

B52EWO · 06-09-2011, 01:22 PM

My last post was Feb 18th and at that time my top replacement experience was satisfactory - and it still is. I cycle my top at least twice per day and more on the weekend. It has only failed to close properly maybe twice since I took back to the dealer for an adjustment, which was about three weeks after the replacement (the entire top plus the struts). If you aren't seeing this problem on your car, keep a close eye on it to ensure it's corrected while still in the warranty period, which I believe will ensure it will be covered for as long as you keep the car.

I've had two other 350ZR's, and an Infiniti G37, and this is the best of those.

HybridFusion · 06-09-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B52EWO

My last post was Feb 18th and at that time my top replacement experience was satisfactory - and it still is. I cycle my top at least twice per day and more on the weekend. It has only failed to close properly maybe twice since I took back to the dealer for an adjustment, which was about three weeks after the replacement (the entire top plus the struts). If you aren't seeing this problem on your car, keep a close eye on it to ensure it's corrected while still in the warranty period, which I believe will ensure it will be covered for as long as you keep the car.

I've had two other 350ZR's, and an Infiniti G37, and this is the best of those.

How long did it take them to replace the top? Did they wait a few days for the top to stretch, or did they describe the replacement as "plug-n-play"?

BlackCherry · 06-25-2011, 11:11 AM

Our 370Z Black Cherry Roadster arrived early in 2010 A couple months ago we noticed a couple spots in the top that were wearing through. The two inside were the most noticable and another on the outside - all near the 4th Bow from the back. The dealer replaced the top (just the fabric parts) and told us that the factory had not placed the protective pads on the hinged joints correctly. Got the car back a couple weeks ago and are dealing with "issues." The dealer now says that the factory does not install pads on any of the bows other that the one nearest the windsheild and they fabricated pads for the other four bows. The top no longer fits like a new top. A little lumpy near the bend in the bows and one fairly large crease where the fabric won't tighten. I am concerned about the absence of protective pads at the factory. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for the factory to add protective material on all the bow?

Hi-Step'n370Z · 06-26-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackCherry

Our 370Z Black Cherry Roadster arrived early in 2010 A couple months ago we noticed a couple spots in the top that were wearing through. The two inside were the most noticable and another on the outside - all near the 4th Bow from the back. The dealer replaced the top (just the fabric parts) and told us that the factory had not placed the protective pads on the hinged joints correctly. Got the car back a couple weeks ago and are dealing with "issues." The dealer now says that the factory does not install pads on any of the bows other that the one nearest the windsheild and they fabricated pads for the other four bows. The top no longer fits like a new top. A little lumpy near the bend in the bows and one fairly large crease where the fabric won't tighten. I am concerned about the absence of protective pads at the factory. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for the factory to add protective material on all the bow?

This is unacceptable. You should have the top looking and functioning like factory new. Nissan pays the dealership for the warranty work they do, and if you don't say anything to Nissan, they will assume that the job was done to your satisfaction and leave it at that. You need to speak up to Nissan, unless the dealer is willing to continue working with you and Nissan, and re-do what they've done, to get the top back to where is should be, and done the correct way as dictated by Nissan. The dealer should not be making any modifications to the top that are not factory authorized by Nissan engineers. It looks like you will probably need to speak to a Nissan factory rep to get this resolved properly. Ask the dealership to send a request for a factory rep come to the dealership and investigate the whole issue. Tell them that you are not going to let it end as it is now, and that you will only accept the top being fixed properly and correctly, and that you will do whatever it takes to get that done. Nissan is not warranting the top to look "kind of" OK, and function "kind of" well. Nissan has proven that they want the customer completely satisfied, and what the dealer has handed you is NOT anywhere near completely satisfying to you. If you need to, you may have to contact Nissan directly. It will take a little effort, but in the long run you'll be glad you did it. Don't settle for less than quality repairs on this, or any other, issue. Nissan is on your side, remember that. You need to get them involved in this as soon as possible.
.
.
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Merlin · 06-27-2011, 09:05 AM

I fully agree! What's happening to you is unacceptable. Call Nissan North American ASAP! Get them involved. And if you haven't been doing this, start tracking and documenting everything every step of the way. I called Nissan North American and eventuallly a factory tech came and personally replaced my top. It looks better than new, and there are no "pad" issues. Be aggressive and do not accept anything less than your full satisfaction. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hi-Step'n370Z

This is unacceptable. You should have the top looking and functioning like factory new. Nissan pays the dealership for the warranty work they do, and if you don't say anything to Nissan, they will assume that the job was done to your satisfaction and leave it at that. You need to speak up to Nissan, unless the dealer is willing to continue working with you and Nissan, and re-do what they've done, to get the top back to where is should be, and done the correct way as dictated by Nissan. The dealer should not be making any modifications to the top that are not factory authorized by Nissan engineers. It looks like you will probably need to speak to a Nissan factory rep to get this resolved properly. Ask the dealership to send a request for a factory rep come to the dealership and investigate the whole issue. Tell them that you are not going to let it end as it is now, and that you will only accept the top being fixed properly and correctly, and that you will do whatever it takes to get that done. Nissan is not warranting the top to look "kind of" OK, and function "kind of" well. Nissan has proven that they want the customer completely satisfied, and what the dealer has handed you is NOT anywhere near completely satisfying to you. If you need to, you may have to contact Nissan directly. It will take a little effort, but in the long run you'll be glad you did it. Don't settle for less than quality repairs on this, or any other, issue. Nissan is on your side, remember that. You need to get them involved in this as soon as possible.
.
.
.

BlackCherry · 06-28-2011, 05:21 PM

Our local Nissan Dealer has agreed to replace the top (again) and this time they will stick to repair procedures authorized by Nissan technicians. As of now, things look good. I wish I was more optimistic but "things looked good" the first time they agreed to replace the top. Two tops in two months! In this case I hope "two's a charm!"

Retropete · 04-30-2013, 06:03 AM

Mine starting to show wear after 18 months - will probably have a hole shortly.
Has Nissan found a permanent solution to the problem or are they just continuing to replace tops?

Parrotguy · 05-01-2013, 05:28 PM

I thought everyone might benefit from my experience with the ragtop.
I have a 2010 and the drivers window was wearing on the top every time it opened and closed. The window was rubbing on the fabric - it didn't clear the top when it dropped down to gain clearance. It created a 1" fray in the top. Not a big problem but I knew it would get worse over time.
The dealer first moved the drivers window forward 1/4" then told Nissan USA who approved a top replacement. Their manual says if the top is damaged under warantee the only remedy is to replace it. They told me that Nissan gets charged $12,000 for the total replacement.
The North San Diego dealer replaced it when the fabric came in, about 2 weeks.
The top works great, like new, no problems. Based on what I've read here some dealers can't seem to install it properly. My dealer did it OK. No charge to me. I am very happy with the result. Replacing the whole top for a 1" fray seemed overkill to me. I was just worried it wouldn't come out as good as the original.
The dealer didn't give me much info at all, like how they handled the pads needed to stop abrasion.
I hope you guys have good luck with your issues.
Gary

IDZRVIT · 05-02-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parrotguy

I thought everyone might benefit from my experience with the ragtop.
I have a 2010 and the drivers window was wearing on the top every time it opened and closed. The window was rubbing on the fabric - it didn't clear the top when it dropped down to gain clearance. It created a 1" fray in the top. Not a big problem but I knew it would get worse over time.
The dealer first moved the drivers window forward 1/4" then told Nissan USA who approved a top replacement. Their manual says if the top is damaged under warantee the only remedy is to replace it. They told me that Nissan gets charged $12,000 for the total replacement.
The North San Diego dealer replaced it when the fabric came in, about 2 weeks.
The top works great, like new, no problems. Based on what I've read here some dealers can't seem to install it properly. My dealer did it OK. No charge to me. I am very happy with the result. Replacing the whole top for a 1" fray seemed overkill to me. I was just worried it wouldn't come out as good as the original.
The dealer didn't give me much info at all, like how they handled the pads needed to stop abrasion.
I hope you guys have good luck with your issues.
Gary

My top replacement was similar as you have described. I had to take my car back a second time because the padding on the bows was installed incorrectly. That was a year ago and the top hasn't had any issues since then. I was told the cost was Cdn$1200 plus the labour but it was all covered under warrany. The dealer also said that Nissan would never send a car out to a third party for warranty work as some have mentioned happening with their car. Who knows?

zakimak · 05-02-2013, 12:35 PM

Might need to do it again...now the front passenger side has developed a small rip...sigh...still under warranty though

sue z · 05-18-2013, 12:28 PM

Mine was recently replaced (under warranty) due to same wear issue. Do it under warranty as it can be expensive!

emotionr · 06-03-2013, 05:06 PM

Ok so reading some of your stories, and the fact that I just purchased a 2010.

Is this a hit and miss or will happen thing to all 370Z roadsters?

Is it a 2010 issue or later or 09?
I do not have these symptoms, but I would like to prevent and be prepared if it does.

I still have warranty since I purchased mine with only 6k.

Please assist, inform or help~

Thanks!

IDZRVIT · 06-04-2013, 07:15 AM

Check to see if your door windows are contacting the top upon opening and closing of the doors. If it is making contact, it will wear away the top material so you'll need to get your windows adjusted. BTW, there weren't any '09 370Z roadsters.

Zaggeron · 06-04-2013, 08:31 AM

Different people have problems in different areas. There are at least two reported issues -- the window rubbing issue described above and wear from the inside of the frame in the center of the side of the top between the door and wheel.

I'm concerned about the later since I have some of the early symptoms though I can't tell whether it is just creased there and hence collects dirt and that's the reason for the discoloration or if there is wear from the inside.

I'm out of warranty now so I'll just wait and see.

06-08-2011, 10:20 PM	#136 (permalink)
HybridFusion Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: CA Posts: 31 Drives: 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 16	Well, just to keep everyone posted on my case, and to document my experience... It has been 14 working days now since the car's been at the dealer. They replaced the outer and inner fabric of the top. Now there's a new problem: the "opening operation" of the top mechanism gets stuck about 5 to 8 seconds after you press the "Open Button"; basically right after the top unlatches from the sun visors area and is about 6 to 7 inches away from it. When it stops, there is no beep or any other indication. Keep in mind that under normal operation, if you inadvertently release the top mechanism button while opening it, for example, the car beeps, or if the trunk is open it beeps too, etc. Their Nissan mechanic specialist took a look at the car, and determined that the top needed to stretch, since it was new, but this happened on the 5th or 6th day. After several additional tests, and blaming the weather for not stretching the top enough, they want to put my car on one of those "Car Paint Ovens" to force the top to stretch. Oh, and let me just add that this is the first roadster where they perform this type of service. I immediately filed a claim with Nissan North-America, to seek some assistance, and they promised that a claims rep will call me tomorrow. I am more than open to reactions, comments and ideas. I'm sure that those of you who have gone through this, know exactly what I'm going through, and I just have no words to describe what I think about their resolution proposal. Last edited by HybridFusion; 06-08-2011 at 10:24 PM.

06-09-2011, 01:22 PM	#137 (permalink)
B52EWO Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 7 Drives: 2010 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 15	Updated Update My last post was Feb 18th and at that time my top replacement experience was satisfactory - and it still is. I cycle my top at least twice per day and more on the weekend. It has only failed to close properly maybe twice since I took back to the dealer for an adjustment, which was about three weeks after the replacement (the entire top plus the struts). If you aren't seeing this problem on your car, keep a close eye on it to ensure it's corrected while still in the warranty period, which I believe will ensure it will be covered for as long as you keep the car. I've had two other 350ZR's, and an Infiniti G37, and this is the best of those.

05-01-2013, 05:28 PM	#144 (permalink)
Parrotguy Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 51 Drives: '10 Roadster Touring Rep Power: 16	Ragtop replacement I thought everyone might benefit from my experience with the ragtop. I have a 2010 and the drivers window was wearing on the top every time it opened and closed. The window was rubbing on the fabric - it didn't clear the top when it dropped down to gain clearance. It created a 1" fray in the top. Not a big problem but I knew it would get worse over time. The dealer first moved the drivers window forward 1/4" then told Nissan USA who approved a top replacement. Their manual says if the top is damaged under warantee the only remedy is to replace it. They told me that Nissan gets charged $12,000 for the total replacement. The North San Diego dealer replaced it when the fabric came in, about 2 weeks. The top works great, like new, no problems. Based on what I've read here some dealers can't seem to install it properly. My dealer did it OK. No charge to me. I am very happy with the result. Replacing the whole top for a 1" fray seemed overkill to me. I was just worried it wouldn't come out as good as the original. The dealer didn't give me much info at all, like how they handled the pads needed to stop abrasion. I hope you guys have good luck with your issues. Gary

05-02-2013, 12:35 PM	#146 (permalink)
zakimak 6/2/80 - 9/29/14 - RIP Lukas Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 450 Drives: ZR; Q45; VTR1K, GT65 Rep Power: 17	Might need to do it again...now the front passenger side has developed a small rip...sigh...still under warranty though __________________ What doesn't kill you might make you a cripple so chose wisely. Free Stuff for Premium Members - Yeah Really

05-18-2013, 12:28 PM	#147 (permalink)
sue z Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: erie pa Posts: 6 Drives: 370 z Rep Power: 14	Roof wear and tear Mine was recently replaced (under warranty) due to same wear issue. Do it under warranty as it can be expensive!

06-25-2011, 11:11 AM	#139 (permalink)
BlackCherry Base Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 14	Our 370Z Black Cherry Roadster arrived early in 2010 A couple months ago we noticed a couple spots in the top that were wearing through. The two inside were the most noticable and another on the outside - all near the 4th Bow from the back. The dealer replaced the top (just the fabric parts) and told us that the factory had not placed the protective pads on the hinged joints correctly. Got the car back a couple weeks ago and are dealing with "issues." The dealer now says that the factory does not install pads on any of the bows other that the one nearest the windsheild and they fabricated pads for the other four bows. The top no longer fits like a new top. A little lumpy near the bend in the bows and one fairly large crease where the fabric won't tighten. I am concerned about the absence of protective pads at the factory. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for the factory to add protective material on all the bow?

06-28-2011, 05:21 PM	#142 (permalink)
BlackCherry Base Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 14	Our local Nissan Dealer has agreed to replace the top (again) and this time they will stick to repair procedures authorized by Nissan technicians. As of now, things look good. I wish I was more optimistic but "things looked good" the first time they agreed to replace the top. Two tops in two months! In this case I hope "two's a charm!"

04-30-2013, 06:03 AM	#143 (permalink)
Retropete Base Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 10 Drives: 2011 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 14	Mine starting to show wear after 18 months - will probably have a hole shortly. Has Nissan found a permanent solution to the problem or are they just continuing to replace tops?

06-03-2013, 05:06 PM	#148 (permalink)
emotionr Base Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: san antonio Posts: 28 Drives: Z Rep Power: 12	Ok so reading some of your stories, and the fact that I just purchased a 2010. Is this a hit and miss or will happen thing to all 370Z roadsters? Is it a 2010 issue or later or 09? I do not have these symptoms, but I would like to prevent and be prepared if it does. I still have warranty since I purchased mine with only 6k. Please assist, inform or help~ Thanks!

06-04-2013, 07:15 AM	#149 (permalink)
IDZRVIT A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Halifax Posts: 1,659 Drives: '13 CTS-V, '76 Vette Rep Power: 27	Check to see if your door windows are contacting the top upon opening and closing of the doors. If it is making contact, it will wear away the top material so you'll need to get your windows adjusted. BTW, there weren't any '09 370Z roadsters. __________________ "America.... still builds rockets!" Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp '13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

06-04-2013, 08:31 AM	#150 (permalink)
Zaggeron A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,951 Drives: '10 370ZR '13 BRZ Rep Power: 18	Different people have problems in different areas. There are at least two reported issues -- the window rubbing issue described above and wear from the inside of the frame in the center of the side of the top between the door and wheel. I'm concerned about the later since I have some of the early symptoms though I can't tell whether it is just creased there and hence collects dirt and that's the reason for the discoloration or if there is wear from the inside. I'm out of warranty now so I'll just wait and see. __________________ 2010 Platinum Graphite 370z Roadster:Touring/Sport 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited

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