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Dalek

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 23, 2017
Points
145
Location
Highworth, Wiltshire
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i Auto
I am having a new hood fitted next week and wondered about how I look after the new window to keep it pristine for as long as possible.
When folding the roof do you...
1. Use a small cloth to cover the perspex.
2. Place a length of lagging tube in the fold.
3. Use nothing, but get out (or ask someone else) and physicaly check the fold as it goes down.
4. Something else?
 

Slam

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 24, 2017
Points
168
Location
North Yorkshire
Model of Z
Zedless. Mini GP 1379
I do 1-2-and check the fold in 3
 

mrscalex

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Jun 10, 2016
Points
165
Location
Swindon & Swansea
You can be as careful as you like laying the hood down. But the damage is caused by the rearmost hoop in the frame rubbing against the window. Hence why it needs protecting with a small sheet.
 

Ianmc

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 12, 2014
Points
165
Location
New Forest
Model of Z
Z3 (M44)
I have an original OEM hood with zipped rear window. The hood is taut, no damage and the clear window is fine. I wonder if cheaper aftermarket hoods are less robust due to inferior materials, just wondering.:)
 

mrscalex

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Jun 10, 2016
Points
165
Location
Swindon & Swansea
I have an original OEM hood with zipped rear window. The hood is taut, no damage and the clear window is fine. I wonder if cheaper aftermarket hoods are less robust due to inferior materials, just wondering.:)
Only the hood covering is replaced when a roof is done and the damage comes from the frame so I think only the screen quality is in question here. And I would imagine modern plastic is potentially better spec than 20 year old stuff.

I wouldn't think OEM screens are immune from the frame damage either. Which is why BMW make their own protector.
 

DavidM

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Points
208
Location
Ireland
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
In addition to what you have said in your post @Dalek - use a small cloth to cover the perspex - both sides - to protect from rearmost hoop as previously mentioned.
If on your own when lowering the hood - do it in stages - checking at each stop the window does not kink - it's a pain > in and out of the car checking!!
I have had my new window on the car around four years and have taken care when folding with added protection and a slight mark has formed across the screen - fairly light though.
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
It's worth pointing out to NOT take the roof down when it's cold or brace yourselves for a dreaded "Bang!" sound! I lost my original window just before Christmas and was recommended a car upholstery trimmer called Dave who replaced it with a crystal clear new plastic window. Dave's appeared on several Car SOS programmes and Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars. He came highly recommended and did a brilliant job on my car.
 

Dalek

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 23, 2017
Points
145
Location
Highworth, Wiltshire
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i Auto
I have an original OEM hood with zipped rear window. The hood is taut, no damage and the clear window is fine. I wonder if cheaper aftermarket hoods are less robust due to inferior materials, just wondering.:)
Good point.
 
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