Replacement Roof/Repairs Scotland

[BTM1988]

Hello All,

My first post on here!

About to (hopefully) purchase a Z3 that may have a repairable roof, but I was hoping to just get it all replaced. I have just had a quote of £1200 + VAT from Convertible Hoods Scotland (Broxburn) which made my eyes water as I have seen full replacements done for as low as £380, with me thinking locally it might have been around £600-ish.

Anyone know any old skool artists that will do the job for a more reasonable price?

Many thanks!

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland.
Unfortunately when I had a look about a couple of years ago ( when I bought the wife's zed with damage around rear window) couldn't find anyone up hers who would do one at any kind of reasonable price I re stitched the roof but it does still need replacing.
When I get round to this I have decided that a trip to Jack Smith trimmers in Swansea will be on the cards he has done a number of forum members roofs charges less than £400
So even with a hotel and fuel still cheaper than getting done here.
Stephen.

 

[BTM1988]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland.
Unfortunately when I had a look about a couple of years ago ( when I bought the wife's zed with damage around rear window) couldn't find anyone up hers who would do one at any kind of reasonable price I re stitched the roof but it does still need replacing.
When I get round to this I have decided that a trip to Jack Smith trimmers in Swansea will be on the cards he has done a number of forum members roofs charges less than £400
So even with a hotel and fuel still cheaper than getting done here.
Stephen.

Hi Stephen, funny you say that the guy selling it also mentioned him. The car is based in Weston-Super-Mare so almost makes sense to get it done on the way back up the road even putting a pal up for a night in a hotel.

My wife might not like be disappearing for a few days as our second daughter is only 2 weeks old!

Is that £400 including the rear plastic window?

 

[Bampz]

Hi and from Pembrokeshire ,
Yes price is roof complete , the rear screen is stitched in

 

[DrWong]

Hi Stephen, funny you say that the guy selling it also mentioned him. The car is based in Weston-Super-Mare so almost makes sense to get it done on the way back up the road even putting a pal up for a night in a hotel.

My wife might not like be disappearing for a few days as our second daughter is only 2 weeks old!

Is that £400 including the rear plastic window?

Doing it all in one journey when you pick the car up would be what I'd do, if you're dead set on replacing the roof that is. I understand Jack Smith is a busy man though, so there may be some logistics/timings to consider.

Welcome btw and congrats on your little girl

 

[Robert Hill]

Welcome from Alloa Scotland try SR Auto trim in Tillicoultry 07854439348

 

[BTM1988]

@DrWong yes I appreciate he will be busy. It will be an annoying timing issue. Probably won't work out as soon as I would like it to...

@Robert Hill thanks for the recommendation, I will give them a call. That Mora Red car of yours is stunning. I have considered finding one of these too but I have opted into wanting an early 2.8 for the wide hips and extra power as I used to have a Boxster S, but want something half the price for now...

 

[BillyB]

from Edinburgh. Do you know for sure that it needs a new top

 

[BTM1988]

Hi mate! Funny you say that. Got a reasonable quote to repair the stitching from aforementioned SR Auto Trim Tillicoultry

However...after asking the seller if there's any external rust I finally got him to send these pics and it's just starting to turn into a project....

That's external sills (underside sills done as part of MOT fail) , front wings and probably the 2 rear wings. It could get patched in and painted but the rust would come back as we all know...

Falling out of love with it before you buy isn't a good start!

 

[DrWong]

The rust on those panels doesn't look to bad tbh, have seen much worse. Sand back, repaint and they should be good. I'm not sure patching would be needed.

If the roof just needs stitch repair, it's possible to achieve a factory finish yourself with a little patience and the right widget, see here: Window stitching repair (with photos!) | BMW Z1 Z4 Z8 Z3 Forum and Technical Database - ZRoadster.org

 

[ATM]

Hi from A to B I’d heard about a guy in Loanhead (Edinburgh, by IKEA) who has a really good reputation but don’t know what he charges. He’s Called Willie Ramsay.

 

[BTM1988]

I've told the guy no for now there was a list of stuff which kept growing that I wasn't getting told about and just lost a bit of confidence in it.

I did read on this forum that people have used the speedy stitcher with great results. I just feel the back window is letting in so much water that the time it will take me to do it is kinda critical. See pics. First one is just the stitching coming away from the window and it's border

 

[BillyB]

Hi @BTM1988 sounds like you may have had a lucky escape. Remember there are lot,s of owners on here who would gladly look over a car for you ( when we have more freedom ) if you still want to purchase a Z ,and have a look on the for sale as there may be a good one for you on the forum. Remember there will always be work to be done on them as they are quite old now but most peps on here will have done a lot. Keep looking.

 

[BTM1988]

@BillyB I don't mind doing bits and pieces on a car at all but I grated on me that I asked about external rust on several occasions and I had to really fight for the info. There was no pics of the front of the car hiding flaking paint off the middle of the bonnet and funny looking area at the bottom of the bumper. Fault list also extended to: Roof repair, remote central locking, sticky drivers window. When I HPI'd the car the last keeper change was February. When I asked for an explanation he said he was travelling during lockdown last year and didn't register it til he came back. Yet, he has 3 kids? The story just wasn't stacking up and trust factor gone!

There's a really nice looking but high miler at 149k miles, but it looks tidy with hard top and lots of history. There's a lot of bubbling of paint on sills/wings as per usual and also needs the fabric roof stitched/replaced but the overall condition is lovely and seems well documented so not put off. I've never been so careful to buy a car in all my days!

 

[1UP]

Hi mate! Funny you say that. Got a reasonable quote to repair the stitching from aforementioned SR Auto Trim Tillicoultry

However...after asking the seller if there's any external rust I finally got him to send these pics and it's just starting to turn into a project....

That's external sills (underside sills done as part of MOT fail) , front wings and probably the 2 rear wings. It could get patched in and painted but the rust would come back as we all know...

Falling out of love with it before you buy isn't a good start!

View attachment 177763View attachment 177765View attachment 177767

Hey, welcome to the forum that’s my car for sale the cars legit nothing shady about it it was a bank holiday weekend and I was working I don’t think my personal life should be questioned over the sale of a car so I’m not going to go there.
But if the cars not for you it’s not for you it’s priced accordingly with room for negotiation.
Anyway good luck with your hunt I’m sure you’ll find something more local to you