3rd Party Trader Soft-Tops for Z1, Z3 and Z4

[FRANKIE]

Hi everyone, thanks for the comments/help. H/T, thanks for the abundance of info.

Jon at CHD said the hood comes with instructions also so I'll contrast and compare these with the link above and go from there.

Just hope the hood turns before the weather turns here.

Lex.

Make sure you have suitable containers for all the screws you remove. It could be a blessing if you take ABUNDANT pics of what you're doing BEFORE you do it so there is NO QUESTION as to what goes where and in which sequence. I had bought a small storage tray for the hardware and used it as it was needed. Screws from EACH section went into separate sections of the tray. When going back together, I went backwards with the sections referring to the pics so that there was no doubt as to what went where and when. Actually very easy. The toughest part is the bow along the back. MAkE SURE that it is stretched enough so that either end, which you should attach first butts up against the door window when the door is closed. You MUST do this to assure complete closure when the top goes up. Some pros insist it is easier to remove the top frame and put it on a work bench to install the top then install the top with frame back into the car. A guy that does it for a living told me this but i don't know if I could have done that. Also, after the top is on, it will be very difficult if not impossible to close. Some people lower the top as far as possible and then if it doesn't close, place some weight on the end of the very front for a while until it gives enough to contact the windscreen. This may take a day or two if its really tight. Eventually it will close and you MUST LEAVE IT CLOSED FOR ABOUT A WEEK OR SO, depending on how tight it was. You will really feel pleased as hell with yourself when you see the finished product. Its not really difficult, just tedious. MAKE SURE you take ample PRECAUTIONS to protect the paint job along the edge of the top where it meets the body of the car. No amount of protection is too extreme. You'll be GLAD YOU DID. Good luck with it and don't be afraid of it. Also, the bow screws are not all the same length, a few are longer. There is an access hole at either end where the bottom of the top meets the car. This is a small drainage compartment for the water that drains off the top when it is up. The bow extends around to either side ending where this small compartment is. You might be able to see it right away, but at the bottom front of this compartment is a hole that you should take the time to make sure is not clogged. I blew compressed air down it then poured a little water down it to make sure it was clear. This compartment has an access hole on the inner face of the hole, that is to say, the face that is closest to the inside of the car. You will be using a 10mm socked on these screws but you'll need a small extension to reach this one going through the access hole first. Also, this small compartment has a rubber piece along the top of it that can come off. Don't lose it. Take careful notice of any rubber parts you remove where the door meets the back of the car when it is closed. I'm not sure what model your car is, so I don't know what's there. Take a pic first before removing. Frankie

 

[Carhoods Direct]

For your info:

1. NEVER TAKE THE FRAME OFF - it has been rattling along with your car for tens of thousands of miles. If you do take it off you will never get it back in the exact same position again which will result in leaks, wind noise etc.
2. You do not need trays for this that and the other! Just place screws etc in the front footwell for each side of the car
3. The only rubber seals you need to remove are the first and third on each side of the car when standing facing the side of the car
4. When removing the rear bar remember it is bigger than the apperture you are getting it out of so it is "springy". Get someone to help if you can otherwise the end you are not holding may hit the top of your rear wing and it will scratch it.
5. The rear bar set up is easy, just fix the hood at each end so the edge binding of the hood is just protruding about 1-2mm in front of the bar. Then fix the hood to the middle of the rear bar - it then naturally centres itself.
6. As for leaving it closed for a week - no. Only badly fitted or patterned tops will need this on this car. Overnight closure at most is all that is required and maybe (in colder weather) a quick run out with the heater on full belt.

 

[oldcarman]

Very interesting getting these different points of view from different sources. I will attempt to install my new top, which is an el cheapo until I can afford a proper dark green one, but will definitely reread all of the tips out there from everyone. Just curious as to the cost of the hood and do you ship to Canada @Carhoods Direct ? Thanks everyone for your comments hopefully it will make it easier for those of us attempting this install!! JIM

 

[Carhoods Direct]

Very interesting getting these different points of view from different sources. I will attempt to install my new top, which is an el cheapo until I can afford a proper dark green one, but will definitely reread all of the tips out there from everyone. Just curious as to the cost of the hood and do you ship to Canada @Carhoods Direct ? Thanks everyone for your comments hopefully it will make it easier for those of us attempting this install!! JIM

Hi

Yes we do ship to Canada. The cost is £97.50.

 

[Gremlin]

Hi
I have just purchased a new Hood from Carhoods Direct and I must say I'm very impressed with there help and service. I first sent an email stating that I'd seen them advertising as a third party trader on the Zroadsteers,I ask them if there price list on there site was up to date, and if Zroadsteers members still eligible for the 10% discount as when I tried to use the code it wouldn't work. They came back with an email stating that since the advert they had been bought out but because of the add on here they would allow the 10%. They were also helpful with all my questions when I phoned to place the order. My only complaint would be that I wanted to pay on my credit card and they place a 2% surcharge on that, however even with that and postage they were still cheaper than 3 other companies I approached not a fantastic amount around £30 but every little helps.
The other unfortunate thing was they didn't have a black Hood on the shelf so they are making one up for me will take approx 3 weeks.
I would suggest that any one looking for a new Hood give them a try.

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi
I have just purchased a new Hood from Carhoods Direct and I must say I'm very impressed with there help and service. I first sent an email stating that I'd seen them advertising as a third party trader on the Zroadsteers,I ask them if there price list on there site was up to date, and if Zroadsteers members still eligible for the 10% discount as when I tried to use the code it wouldn't work. They came back with an email stating that since the advert they had been bought out but because of the add on here they would allow the 10%. They were also helpful with all my questions when I phoned to place the order. My only complaint would be that I wanted to pay on my credit card and they place a 2% surcharge on that, however even with that and postage they were still cheaper than 3 other companies I approached not a fantastic amount around £30 but every little helps.
The other unfortunate thing was they didn't have a black Hood on the shelf so they are making one up for me will take approx 3 weeks.
I would suggest that any one looking for a new Hood give them a try.

That's ok. At least you know that you're not getting something that's been sitting on the shelf for 2 years. Also, don't forget how fresh the rear window will be since it's fresh material. Also, you're sure to get something that wasn't returned by another customer for who knows what reason. In the next 3 weeks while you're waiting, you can line up someone to install it so you won't have to wait when you receive it. If you're going to do it yourself, you can take the time to investigate the installation proceedure. If you have any questions regarding installation, I might be able to help as my car is a '96 1.9L. ........Frankie

 

[Gremlin]

That's ok. At least you know that you're not getting something that's been sitting on the shelf for 2 years. Also, don't forget how fresh the rear window will be since it's fresh material. Also, you're sure to get something that wasn't returned by another customer for who knows what reason. In the next 3 weeks while you're waiting, you can line up someone to install it so you won't have to wait when you receive it. If you're going to do it yourself, you can take the time to investigate the installation proceedure. If you have any questions regarding installation, I might be able to help as my car is a '96 1.9L. ........Frankie

I will certainly bear that in mind Frankie thanks, yes I've already stripped out all interior to sort out water ingress so I have been able to study all of how it's fixed and take a few pictures,I have also read on here a lot of other people's exploits in fitting them and I've watched a few films on YouTube. The guy where i am getting it from said if I get any problems give him a call and he would talk me through it if poss.
The thing I want to know is what is that black sticky stuff the rear loop is bonded in with and where I can get it from.
Roger

 

[FRANKIE]

I think it is a type of Butyl caulk. I used a caulk ribbon sold by 3M company that seemed to work well. You can check with BMW about it but I think the best advice would be from a professional installer if you can find one to talk to and is willing to give you the information. Frankie

 

[billz]

I am thinking of getting one for our Z4 but will not order till i know i can get it fitted as i have no room to leave it lying around for weeks on end.
So do any Zorgers know anywhere where i can get one fitted or is there any Zorgers willing to assist in changing it.
Thanks

 

[FRANKIE]

I am thinking of getting one for our Z4 but will not order till i know i can get it fitted as i have no room to leave it lying around for weeks on end.
So do any Zorgers know anywhere where i can get one fitted or is there any Zorgers willing to assist in changing it.
Thanks

I'm sorry I'm so far away..............Frankie

 

[Gremlin]

I am thinking of getting one for our Z4 but will not order till i know i can get it fitted as i have no room to leave it lying around for weeks on end.
So do any Zorgers know anywhere where i can get one fitted or is there any Zorgers willing to assist in changing it.
Thanks

I'm not certain but C.H.D I think do a fitting service but they are in Glasgow, may be worth giving them a call see if they know some one in your area. But I'm sure some one on here will know some where. Most places you purchase the Hood from do a fitting service I know monsoon do they are near Brighton and are on eBay.
Roger.

 

[Gremlin]

I think it is a type of Butyl caulk. I used a caulk ribbon sold by 3M company that seemed to work well. You can check with BMW about it but I think the best advice would be from a professional installer if you can find one to talk to and is willing to give you the information. Frankie

I was wondering if it's the same butyl jointing stuff used on fish ponds, was at my local pond store today to buy pond liner to replace my door membrane which has worked a treat and they do various widths of butyl sealer from around an inch up to 3 inch in around 3 meter lengths, surely if it keeps water in a pond on the liner joints it will seall a Hood to body.

 

[billz]

Monsoon want around 1300 quid for the hood fitted
Can get it off these for around 470 ish so should not expect it to cost 800 quid to get it fitted

 

[Gremlin]

Monsoon want around 1300 quid for the hood fitted
Can get it off these for around 470 ish so should not expect it to cost 800 quid to get it fitted

That is a crazy price, I'd not looked into the fitting as I'd decided I wanted to fit my own, is I'd set my mind on doing a complete restoration on this car, but I sure wouldn't pay £800 to have it fitted. Sorry I can't help.

 

[g8jka]

Wow £800 to fit a hood, I could almost have 3 new hoods supplied and fitted for that price going on the price I paid for mine. I know your on about fitting to a Z4 here but that's a joke. From what I was told most hoods are sourced from BAS and the extra price is all in the fitting, just depends how greedy the fitted wants to be.

 

[billz]

All fitted prices for the Z4 roof range from min 1250 upto 1500. Thats using all the ones that everyone else has mentioned. Some of the places dont even do the Z4 top

 

[yocky z3 2.0]

Have you tried jack smith auto trimmers Swansea 01792461022 g8jka as had is fitted there and mine is booked in for the 8th April only £300 supplied and fitted less than half price than everyone else worth a try bill cheers Tony.

 

[Neilc]

Be interesting to see a pick of the Z4 grey roof. I need one for my Stirling grey and curious how grey would look instead of black

 

[g8jka]

All fitted prices for the Z4 roof range from min 1250 upto 1500. Thats using all the ones that everyone else has mentioned. Some of the places dont even do the Z4 top

Yes you don't see many mentioning they have had a new roof on their Z4. The majority of Z3's are probably done due to the rear window splitting or coming away so people opt for a new roof and most are 15 plus years old now. You don't get that problem on the Z4 with it having the glass window but some maybe getting to an age where they need replacing. Maybe in a few years the prices for a new Z4 roof will start to become as affordable as a Z3 one.

 

[t-tony]

Good points there mate, each time I wash my car I do give the roof a good looking at, although it's low mileage age isn't on it's side and will start to show one day. As Neil said a grey roof on a Sterling Grey car, sounds interesting.

Tony.