Hardtop Removal ??

[Russell O]

Good Morning all,

Took my Hardtop off yesterday as I don't need it and it's for sale on the bay.

Problem is I cant get my soft top to close.
There are some brackets and bolts in the boot and one bracket has a wiring plug on it.

Can anyone give me a clue as to what I do now.

 

[Antm72]

There is a rear screen heater connection does this not plug back into the car to enable power to the roof to use it.
Not sure if its a fail safe in that when disc from the car it stops any accidental use of the soft top when the hard tops on ?
I have the connections and they are connected to a loom near the passenger side rear roof mount ?

 

[Russell O]

Thanks I'll have a look although the heated screen wasn't connected.
Just don't want to push and pull stuff about when I know nothing about the procedure.

 

[Jack Ratt]

When I fitted my hard top I had to disconnect the hydraulic ram / electric switch connection for the soft top powered close and open. My hard top brackets prevent me from having a powered soft top.

My car is a 1997 2.8

 

[Russell O]

So basically I should just need to change the brackets over to the one's that were in the boot and connect up...

Thanks very much. It makes a bit of sense now. Don't like pulling things out unless I know it's not going to damage anything.
The advice on this fine forum is awesome.

Cheers dude...

Russell O

 

[g8jka]

Check the fuse for the soft top hasn't been taken out. I remove mine when I put the hardtop on just in case I or anyone else accidentally tries to close the roof and it can also be closed via my alarm remote so if that is pressed in my pocket it stops it closing and bending the frame.

 

[Greybloke]

Sorry if I going over this again but I brought my z3 with a hard top fitted. I hoping to take it off tomorrow.
If I remove the screws from the windscreen top loosen the two rear clamps can I then lift the top off? Do I need to do anything else to raise the hood. I'm completely new to this so sorry if I appear a bit thick.

 

[Sean d]

Sorry if I going over this again but I brought my z3 with a hard top fitted. I hoping to take it off tomorrow.
If I remove the screws from the windscreen top loosen the two rear clamps can I then lift the top off? Do I need to do anything else to raise the hood. I'm completely new to this so sorry if I appear a bit thick.

Thats about it, remember to press the brake pedal before trying to raise the hood, if electric of course

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Sorry if I going over this again but I brought my z3 with a hard top fitted. I hoping to take it off tomorrow.
If I remove the screws from the windscreen top loosen the two rear clamps can I then lift the top off? Do I need to do anything else to raise the hood. I'm completely new to this so sorry if I appear a bit thick.

Spot on mate, two torx bolts at front plus the two handles at back and it will lift off.

Be very gentle with the soft top as it wont have moved for a while.

If it's an electric roof you need to have your foot on the brake pedal when you press the button for it to do anything.

Enjoy

 

[gookah]

The hard top should fit without electrically affecting the soft top operation.
I know my soft top can still be operated with the hardtop on, power is still sent to the pump and motor, pressing the soft top up against the hardtop
When I remove my hardtop, I have to do nothing to re enable use of the soft top. it just works.

If however you are going to remove the fitting kit brackets, you then have to reconnect wires that you have disconnected to remove those brackets or it will not work, Those wires are to and from the microswitch in the left front hinge of the roof.. and supply the earth circuit that then goes through the open/close button to the relay coils in the boot.
Putting your foot on the brake sends the ignition controlled positive to the relay coils in the boot.
Having both earth and positive to the relevant open or close relay coils, will operate the roof in the desired direction.

 

[Greybloke]

Thanks guys. I've got the hard top off and the hood is part up probly an inch or two from the windscreen it's stopped and won't go any further or back down.

 

[Tufarlian]

Thanks guys. I've got the hard top off and the hood is part up probly an inch or two from the windscreen it's stopped and won't go any further or back down.

An inch or two from the screen is where it will stop. Use the slot in the centre if the header rail to pull it down while you lock the two handles, one either side, in place. If the handles are flush you need to pull them open, then close them to lock it in place.

To close the hood you need to put your foot on the brake, press the switch with one hand and then lift the front edge of the roof a few inches. Lifting the front edge of the roof closes the circuit - the motor will do the rest.

 

[Greybloke]

That's Great guys Thanks so much for your advice I was panicking a bit there