Serious issues with the GZ canopy design
I purchased a GZ canopy directly from the manufacturer in South Africa, and UK/EU buyers should be aware that the same product sold here under the GZ Hardtop Canopies name has several serious design and quality issues.
The canopy I received had multiple leaks from the front panel and the front window. Water enters the frame and then pushes out through the rivets on the inside. I eventually had to drill drainage holes myself just to manage the water buildup. When opening the rear flap, there is no proper water management, so water runs straight into the load bay.
Several components, including brackets and fasteners, are powder‑coated mild steel rather than stainless or properly treated materials. Despite the coating, they began rusting quickly. The rear locks also started to seize and corrode even after being lubricated with graphite, and they have become extremely difficult to open.
There were also basic quality‑control issues: missing screws and fasteners, a fitment kit that didn’t line up with the frame, and no assembly manual included.
These problems are inherent to the product design and construction, not installation errors. Based on my experience with the manufacturer, the warranty from the South African supplier may not be meaningful in practice. Buyers should ensure that their local distributor provides strong after‑sales support, because the main brand offers very little if issues arise.