Nissan 350z Soft-Top Replacement

[@depressoul]

Hi!!! I want to thank you for this video, it saved me 1,000 plus for the installation of the top. I have no experience at all in upholstery and everything went good at first try. Very helpful and easy to follow steps. it does take time but if you have the right top, tools and follow the steps in 6 hours can be done.

[@murry001]

6 hours? god damn lol

[@zenalife1977]

@@murry001 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@newlife45692]

@@murry001 🤣🤣🤣

[@motor_rad]

😂😂😂

[@chrismcfixit]

@@murry001 6 hours and 6 blunts and it’s done😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️ 😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️

[@sandracastillo6687]

Thank you for making this video! Dealership wanted 10k to replace our soft top. Spent around $750 doing it on our own with your help! Thanks so much!

[@thomaschrone4025]

10k is ridiculous! Average soft top replacement for a Nissan 350z is like 2k

[@blackwolfthedragonmaster]

For 10k you could buy another 350z

[@sherrymurillo9451]

Hi, wanted to let you know your directions are spot on! I am 65yrs old and my sister is 57 and we completed the soft top on my 2006 z350 in about 10 hrs. Thank you Jonny for your help. could not of done it with out it.

[@corvettejeanette]

Just added a top to a 350 I have had for years. This video was very helpful. Top was around $500 and I took my time. There were some issues getting on some of the corners on the back but if you you take your time and pay attention to how the top comes off then it goes on and thus video is very very helpful. Top is very tight but it has to be. Just took it to a car wash and it did very well. Actually just as good as the original. Thank you for this video.

[@lacsapdukeharm9547]

Johhny!! We did it, I followed step by step and had great results alone. About 9 hours of work in total. Amazing help. Great video!!

[@housepumpinpc3983]

My man...I'm checking out a 350z convertible with a bad top. Just looking to see how easy/difficult it was. Saving this video and much appreciated. Great video.

[@majidshavandy3170]

Jonny, I followed your instructions step by step and I am amazed by the result. It looks sharp and securely tight as it was a brand new car. You saved me a ton of time. Thank you very much for making this video!

[@cycleinsun]

Great video, covered everything one could go wrong. Its 8 hour job for a first timer who is mechanically inclined and can do riveting. I am using 3/16" rivets with 1/2" to 5/8" grip length. Window flaps in my new top are not reinforced? I installed them with metal brackets. Its a learning process for me, but this video answered lots of questions and can make the process smoother.

[@esjihn]

thanks a ton for this. I had one of these and wanted to get this done myself to save from it costing 3500 at the local shop. now ill be getting another one of these cars soon and the FIRST thing im going to do is replace the top.

[@willyz95]

My entire car cost 4k 🤣🤣 jesuuusss

[@ccfonder1947ify]

Thanks for the excellent job of removal and installation. I have been in business since 1975 and watched your video to refresh my memory. Thanks again. Well done.

[@Tiffanie5366]

My dad taught me how to put the pieces all on the same side abs just like I took them off. Great job!

[@kevinthompson3762]

The best explanation on how to correctly remove and install this soft top!! Thank you so much I appreciate it.👍👍👍

[@kurtrivera9201]

When you get to the point where you are putting on the new top, I had trouble again right after putting the wire through the holes. When you have to wrap the first top flap around the rod there is a clip that locks in the new fabric once it’s wrapped around. I found it easier to widen or pull open the long clip for more room to push in the new fabric. I also found it useful to use a small flat head screw driver to help “stuff” it in. They are tiny screw drivers you can find at a dollar store. Then use pliers to bend back the metal when done wrapping it around the rod. 14:23

[@doylehale6353]

Great video, Jonny. I was looking for a good video in order to troubleshoot a problem with a top that was installed by a professional shop. The top was not folding up into the tonneau well and I was able to see that the rear glass was interfering with the 1st bow trim. The hard tonneau would not close fully and stuck up more than an inch. Further inspection showed that the glass was sliding down the 5th bow when opening the top, causing a dangerous binding of the rear window between the 1st and 5th bow. At about 14.02 in your video, you show the rear glass tabs being positioned and riveted, creating a sort of soft hinge. It appears my guy riveted the plastic tab upside down without folding the strap under the tab... allowing the window to slide down the 5th bow. I'm taking it back to the shop with a link to the video. Thanks for documenting this so thoroughly.

[@russellwhisnant7566]

I appreciate the work you put into making this video, just did it over the weekend and helped immensely. Only trouble I ran into was putting the inside pieces on the bows. The resolution was pretty poor on the back bow and confused me.

[@DominicClifton]

Was able to replace the soft-top on my Nissan 350z today after referencing this bit. would just say that it's not a good idea to fully stretch the roof until the 7 silver metal pieces are re-installed as they help distribute the tension of the roof instead of the roof pulling at the rivet holes.

[@SouthSideNoobs]

The best guide I've seen! Thanks for making this.

[@kleycota5334]

This dude saved 350z droptop owners least 1k$ in exchange for 24 mins of our time

[@jamessimoes1791]

Thank you. Your video was super helpful. I was able to get the whole job done in about six hours. Thanks again.

[@brunothorr5806]

Excellent video. Well done. Well thought out explanation and process. I took my time and had zero problems. Took about 8 hours. Thanks!!

[@Lolatyou332]

Bruno Thorr 8 hours?? Damn

[@MultiCWB]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO BY THIS TALENTED YOUNG MAN.

[@cherene562]

Thank you so much for making this video. It will save me $900!!! Your instructions are clear and I'm actually looking forward to the challenge of replacing the top myself. I'll let you know how it goes...I'll be watching this video every step of the way :-)

[@djhex]

Nope never ever will I buy a soft top vehicle again.... maybe I just have bad luck, but if anything could go wrong it did.... rebuilt 5th bow motor, had to adjust latch actuator, cause the top fit too tight everything worked too hard.... my weather seals I now have to glue together because they wont seat properly cause they cracked down the center. I'm just sayin maybe i had bad luck with this, but I'd 100% give it to someone who knows how to do this specific top cause 6 days later I'm still not done. Taking it apart, super easy, everything else.... man, crazy hard. Will never ever do that again! Great video and all, but man you made it look easy, just be prepared people, it's far from easy, but doable. Again thanks for the video I wouldn't have got far without it.

[@BenbenDesalapen]

I thank you so much for uploading the video. you made the job in a scale of 2 with 5 being the hardest. I was able to replace mine in about 6 hours with a lot of break time. Originally, I was planning to hire professional but now I have $1400 to splurge. Again, thank you.

[@TheGangstaAsian]

Thank you very much for making this video, I followed step by step on my 03 roadster and although it didn't take 30 minutes, it was quite easy, just before the rain too! Appreciate it homie

[@raykohnert2588]

Great detailed video. Just got my new top from E-bay 2 days ago. Going to attack it on the first dry day, after watching the video a couple more times. If it works out, I may attempt to add it to my services at my auto shop.Thanks.

[@jaycrazy714]

Perfect information. Done my top in 3 hours

[@kurtrivera9201]

That’s incredible! I’m Jealous! I’m still trying to get mine on.

[@Johnnyaco10927]

I’m writing after my 3rd attempt to install this top. I recommend carefully remembering how the rubber seals stay on, the nuts, and bolts location, and how to wrap the leather latches inside, have access to a blow dryer in case the leather isn’t stretching to the holes where you need it go, and be careful with the metal ball joint because the plastic can break easy. I suggest to buy the same brand top used in this video sadly from Amazon and get ready to spend 24hrs getting it all right. Difficulty on this project is second to changing a head gasket. Get ready to hurt your hands and frustrated along the way.

[@cng3734]

Very informative video! Thanks for recording in awkward and uncomfortable positions for the sole purpose that we can see what's going on better.

[@GregDervan-r8l]

jonny followed the video all went well! one question, the 2 rods on either side of rear window still push up on cover adding pressure and a bulge in cover.the rods seem to be high tensile spring steel and are difficult to bend down. any sugestions?

[@jeffkinsey9721]

Thank you sir about to get me a top and do it my self had a hail storm and busted my back and front window needed a new top any way great video sir have a great day.

[@surggx]

video was so helpful just did mine .. had problems with getting in the rubber seals gonna try again tomorrow

[@esauvarela5143]

Great job on the work and the patience of explaining 🤗

[@liquidmccloud6590]

Great vid, when ordering online i went to ebay and brought a replaceable soft top.I wanted the nissan dealership to install it but they said the top i had was a track model. They installed it but i can't put my top down because it was the wrong one.

[@JonnyBarajas]

+liquid mc cloud I didn't know there was a different one, so why exactly can't you put the top down?

[@liquidmccloud6590]

+The Car Doctor | AB Auto Sales They said it had something to do with one of the bars inside.

[@JonnyBarajas]

+liquid mc cloud Its Nissan, they should know why it doesn't go down and how to fix it. A soft-top that doesn't go down defeats the purpose of a soft-top.

[@tigersbloodboom]

Hey bro that was real helpful I’m tryna do mine today, I got the same one same color, everything, great detail explanation

[@davidwarren2128]

This is a great video. I am having trouble with the top bar, getting the fabric to wrap around the top bar and get it to stay in the channel.

[@DavidJohnston_deadhat]

This makes me happy that I paid the shop to do it.

[@kurtrivera9201]

The directions so far have been excellent. However, I am stuck in the installation phase near the start. The wire that goes through the holes has been a challenge. I have spent 3-4 hours trying to pull it through with another wire. I got them through, but then the rubber, orange grommets fell apart. The wire then decided to go backwards and now I’m at square one. Say a little prayer for me or any advice would kind.

[@us3rnam3ch3cks0ut]

Dude, I learned so much from this video. Thank you for putting it together and posting it. Cheers.

[@brunothorr5806]

Excellent detailed instructions. Did you have to use any glue? What size rivets? Are plastic rivets recommended? Thank you.

[@sprydo7113]

Hey Johnny, thanks for the reply. Took my car out today, was a not too cloudy of a day in Cali...with the Top down. So noticed my 2004 350zr around the window starting to get a little brittle around the rubber frame seal area. I know its a matter of time before it ALL falls apart little by little. What is the top of the line BEST on the market. Nissan's top I blieve are part vinyl/cloth, not sure how many layers. Btw...where are you located?? Your comments are appreciated...Thanks in advance!

[@JonnyBarajas]

Sprydo7 I used a top made with stayfast fabric, quality material. Im in AZ

[@WarriorPhilosopher1]

Awesome video, incredibly informative and great explanation of steps.

[@djhex]

Very good video, so far just got the top off, but without this video even that would have been a pain in the ass, ran out of daylight though, so will put new one on tomorrow, maybe clean the garage incase she rains tonight lol.... but just wanted to say thank you as so far your steps have effortlessly got my top off and I'm working alone, took about an hour by myself to get it off. Thanks bro

[@alanmitchell323]

The best video I’ve ever seen. Heart job and thank you .

[@smalldog221]

awesome vid....even the same year as mine..thank you very much.. great job..your a good instructor. should be teaching a shop class...

[@christopher88719]

Excellent video! Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@5150nicoya]

Great video bro thank you! Unfortunately I think I must’ve messed up somewhere I installed everything but it doesn’t close or open all the way. The back part where the window is doesn’t go all the way fown

[@kennethpryor3089]

outstanding video really appreciate you making the video ,it helped me so much thanks again.

[@derekchipman1876]

Jonny, you're awesome! Couldn't have done it as well with out your instruction. Thanks, Derek

[@Gonzo021778]

I need your help putting mine together! I bought an 05' and the previous owner screwed everything up from cutting the harness and components are missing or out of place. There are also bolts that do not belong and the latch that locks the top to the rear is missing. Great video and highly detailed.

[@freddymartinez5406]

Why not take it all apart and restart? My Z need a new top. Local shop wanted $1,500 labour lol.

[@Johnnyaco10927]

Today was day 2 working on the top. The one I got didn’t match up to the holes where the black screws go and on the back side of the top. I kept having to pull hard and adjust to get slack. How do you loose up the material so it will be more flexible?

[@dionrhoden9636]

I'm currently working on replacing the roof too, I used a hair dryer to stretch the material to the holes. I'm struggling to get the back to seal properly do you know how to fix that?

[@veronicaperea9967]

Wow I did it exactly like your video. Perfect fit. The only problem I’m having is I can’t get the weather stripping to stay in place. Other than that awesome videos. If u could give a few tips on my issue I would appreciate it bro. Thx

[@lisathibodeaux155]

Awesome Video...I installed soft top this past weekend with the help of your video. All seemed to work well before completing except the bar above the window doesn't seem to line up very well with the seam (you mentioned at 18:18 in video) which causes metal latch below window to catch on car... The metal bar is about half way between the window. I have to manually move it so it can close. Any suggestions would be wonderful!

[@lisathibodeaux155]

I figured it out!!!! Velcro wasn’t wrapped around bar. Thanks again for the detailed video!!😀

[@DrowzyJonny]

Appreciate this tutorial so much! Also my first time seeing someone else besides myself spell their name "Jonny" with no h 😎the way it should always be spelled .

[@oneseriousguy]

Thanks for shedding light on what I have to do on my Z, although I don't have to change the soft top. But I am having water leaking on both sides through the rubber seals on both doors, by where both window glasses curve down the doors, leaking on both side door ac vents, and door handles. Are those rubber seals replaceable? Where can I purchase them? And what are they called?

[@kathyvega3484]

This is a great video. I’ve got a 2007 350Z and the top would not close so my son pulled the cable inside the trunk and we closed it manually. Problem now is the latch that hooked in to the back of the top and we haven’t found a dealer or mfg who can release the latch so I can get the top replaced. I hope this makes sense and if you could help with how to release it, I would be so grateful!!!

[@Mrkevi123]

I do this professionally at a great price. I'm located in Central California. I can also fix the 5th bow motor and fix top issues. Feel free to reach out for advice.

[@adamtinter6119]

How often do you see Frame breaks on the 370Z ? I’ve heard these cars can be nightmares and ridiculously expensive, but you always hear the horror stories, how often is really the question ?

[@munguia84]

How much would you charge for this job

[@cristhianagui]

Great vid tnx, off topic but u might have n answer for this question. I get water on the passenger side when it rains far bottom by feet on door any idea wt is causing this?

[@toddkeisler3202]

Hey Great video. Haven’t made it that far to try to replace the top. My problem is I can’t get the back window to unlock or unlatch to open the top. Does the fifth bow motor latch and unlatch the back window? Any help would be appreciated.

[@Yatusabe1029]

Will be using this video to replace my old top, thank you.

[@kta78]

Man, can't believe you got away with the cheap rivets. I ended up buying a factory rivet which cost about 20 bucks and matching it's spec up to the factory rivet. Those cheap ones knuckle over to one side. The factory ones compress uniformly to hold the sections really tight together. Good luck!

[@nateemail6416]

Thanks so much for making this video man, the tips really helped. Not a difficult job, a bit time consuming but not terrible. Well worth doing yourself if you are willing to :)

[@markh.2899]

Thank you! The top-tension wire (the one where you used another wire to pull it through because it's too hard to push through) is broken on my 06 350z top and just hanging. I had no clue what this cable did until watching this video. I've already bought the top, but I'll need to (somehow) purchase another cable for my installer to replace the broken one. Do you have any suggestions where I can purchase this cable? Thanks again!

[@dionrhoden9636]

Did you ever find out?

[@thotle90]

Question what would be the reason for the top not closing up all the way.. any suggestion what I did wrong

[@robmcguire9756]

Hey I have the same z as you same color any how I looked at all the videos on this and hands down no bull yours is the best one thanks man.

[@berkornek9052]

Thank you for this video man! You are a legend

[@SpaceMissile]

man that's a lot of work. great job filming and editing too

[@timwilliams5622]

thank you, thank you, thank you. thank you

[@MrErickpj]

Thanks for a such great video, keep up the good work, I got a question for you I bought a used 350z 2008 with 64000 miles and they told me the put a new top on the car with it does look new but after a year I noticed a leak on both side of my windows right where the ac vents are, and only happen now and then with a good rain now what would you think could be the problem the seal on the top or seal on the windshield itself? Thanks I hope you can give me a good tip...

[@mavrik11964]

Thanks for upping this guide! ... I'll be referring to this when I fit my new hood to my HR313 (UK) ...

[@Johnnyaco10927]

I started the top project with this video and so far I had the most trouble on the Velcro parts. I feel the video didn’t capture exactly how to tie up. There are 3 flaps and 2-3 Velcro pieces

[@jonathanbrown4961]

How do you pull the wire through the new top, what wire did you use?

[@buddyboy1548]

Nice instructional video but I'm not that inclined to do this job; thanks and good video.

[@neltev5700]

hola, el mejor video muy bueno gracias, que marca es el softop Nuevo,y donde lo puedo comprar desde ya muchas gracias

[@jonathanm8273]

Helped a lot, very easy installation. Just time consuming.

[@Flemo91]

Thx man great video....I hope it's still up in about 3 years when I'll need it ;)

[@charliebeane5549]

I am in the process of ordering a replacement top on my 2006, 350Z. I talked the guys at Convertible Top Guys and the guy I spoke to told me I would have to use a staple gun to secure the top. But I didn’t see you use one in your video ? Please let me know what I need. Also is there any cutting or trimming on the new top. Thanks for your video and your help. Charlie Beane

[@BEEBEE159]

Great video. Thank you for uploading this.

[@victorzickefoose7667]

You did a great job on this video. Being in West Virginia I’m having a difficult time to find someone to do this. You’ve almost convinced me I can do it. I have a large garage so even if I can’t finish in a day it won’t be a problem. Do you ever come to West Virginia? Had to ask, lol. Thanks again.

[@sprydo7113]

Awesome job guy within 24:37 lapse in time...I wanted to say Thank you for your video. Actually how long did it take you for the full install?? Purchase my 04 roadster, its getting little tears here n there...purchased a special glue from a Ebay vendor in UK made for the factory tops just for temporarily. So, you are stating the "STAYFAST" is the best. I also heard another company called HAARTz...are they the same company? I need some tips, because I'm shopping around for a top that last longer than my OEM, which is vinyl it did the time. Please feel free to comment at your earliest. Thank you very much in advance!!

[@LILREMY458]

i used your video. after studying for a month i decided to step into the task. every thing is fine but the top don't close. if i close the top the back latch wont lock any suggestions

[@JonnyBarajas]

It's a little short, I had the same problem, just make sure you loosen it up and give it more cloth from the rear.

[@eX4Ltraining]

GR8 video.. I'll be doing this tomorrow. How can you give it more cloth if it is riveted in?

[@resoulband3129]

Mine wont close all the way either? What do you loosen? Also I used old straps, My top had 4 rivets in rear of window. Should i cut off extra material by door (it seems like a small strip to allow you to pull the material taut.) Great video btw! Thanks

[@RandyOllila]

I just bought a 2004 350Z Enthusiast Roadster and need to replace the top. A friend and I can do the replacement (thanks to your video!), but I'm curious about brands. I know Robbins is fantastic, but how about EZ-on? I'm going with the Stayfast fabric, but there's a $100 price difference. Any wisdom?

[@terrycosey2904]

Great video I have a soft top to remove so this is very helpful

[@adamtinter6119]

Johnny do you have any experience with the 370Z roadster ? I’ve heard the horror stories now I’m just trying to figure out how common those negative stories are ? Thanks !

[@rickpellonari5601]

Jonny, Could you tell me what the higher end material is, I have a hard time understanding in your video. Thanks for the info as I will be replacing this top soon!

[@JonnyBarajas]

It's Stayfast Cloth. Here's a link: amzn.to/2BtLhVU

[@rickpellonari7349]

Jonny The Car Doctor thanks!

[@williambeasley838]

how long would this take for someone who is comfortable working on cars? not a professional but a decent backyard mechanic.

[@JonnyBarajas]

I would be prepared to spend at least half a day working on a job like this.

[@visualjermm7879]

One question. On the bar that you have to tuck the material in how did you get it to go in?

[@steveenglish4979]

Does the new top include the 6" elastic straps that assist the top in going down? Ya know ? The elastic straps that wear out and cause it to not go completely down ?

[@JonnyBarajas]

yes

[@j007warren]

Outstanding video. I just ordered my top. What size rivets did you use to put back the top?

[@jerryduarte8287]

He used 3/16

[@evetsyeklig9934]

Many thanks for putting this up!

[@josephpalchizaca8793]

I want to my my z into a hardtop, is there a way to get rid of the convertible to make more space in the inside of the car ??

[@lacsapdukeharm9547]

Hi - Great Video! Should we re-install the rivets that were removed, what size were they?

[@lacsapdukeharm9547]

Sorry I asked too early...

[@johnathanbarajas3543]

If you buy a kit it will come with different sizes and just try to match with the ones removed.

[@karencushman1515]

What is the strip called that's between the convertible top when it's opened setting down on the actual car? Mine is clear/white. I have a 2006 350Z but that strip is beat up and needs to be changed out but can't find it anywhere. When the top is opened, it's very noticable.

[@Singkhorn.S]

In the 3rd bar supposed to be in the cloth?

[@stewartbenoit5355]

Thanks was thinking on changing mine really helped 👍

[@dave10425]

What is the best top to replace the factory one with?

[@Avenged1]

Great job. You made it look so easy. How many hours total did it take you?

[@gallido]

Doing it today thank you very much for the guide!

[@nickhennick]

Just finished my top replacement on a 06 350Z. Has taken 2 days. Back wont just by a few inches. Everything is riveted in so I have no slack. Does anyone know if the top stretches in the sun? Taking a breather right now as I am extremely frustrated. Anyone else experience the back not being able to close?? Thanks!!😊

[@howardostfeld3802]

Great Video!! I do everything myself also. Most shops rip you off today. Please tell me where you purchased your replacement top. I did not hear you clearly as to what type it was (vinyl or fabric). Please elaborate on the type of replacement tops available and the best one to get that lasts. I live in Las Vegas so it is hot and sunny as in AZ. One last thing, an upholstery shop in Northern California told me the only way to go was a vinyl replacement top. He said a Robins or RAHH (apparently these are manufactures) replacement top were good with RAHH being better for imports. Do you know what the OEM top is? Just to let everyone know, he said he had about 8 service bulletins about various problems with this top. Thanks for your time.

[@JonnyBarajas]

I got mine here: ebay.to/2fvb0FJ. The top I used was made from 'stayfast' fabric, which is used on most luxury cars and lasts longer. The OEM top is made from vinyl, and is notorious for ripping apart.