Soft top replacement

[Shaun1]

Hi I'm new to the site...Own a black 1.9 BMW Z3 and have this some years ....getting on in miles and have done work on it over the years... I am looking to know if anyone can help me with where to buy Butyl tape (double sided) to stick the rear bow to the car when replacing the soft top for a new one. ..also the old one has a black inner lining that Id like to include in the new one(which has none) is this possible? Im not yet ready to start the project but getting close. Thanks

 

[Duncodin]

Hi I'm new to the site...Own a black 1.9 BMW Z3 and have this some years ....getting on in miles and have done work on it over the years... I am looking to know if anyone can help me with where to buy Butyl tape (double sided) to stick the rear bow to the car when replacing the soft top for a new one. ..also the old one has a black inner lining that Id like to include in the new one(which has none) is this possible? Im not yet ready to start the project but getting close. Thanks

I bought my butyl tape on amzon

My car doesn't have the inner lining so I can't be sure but I do hear from others that it's not a problem to refit/keep the inner lining when replacing the roof.

 

[AntStark]

Installation reverse of removal

How To Guide - How to remove z3 facelift inner roof liner

A quick guide on how to remove the roof lining from later z3 facelift models I started by unscrewing the Phillips screws that hold the roof down at the front edge. I took the torx bolts (3) out of this panel the reveal two more Phillips, don’t think you have to though. Then having...

zroadster.org

The liner is attached to the frame not the outer roof, so unless you are replacing that the new roof just goes over the top

 

[Shelly]

 

[Shaun1]

Thank you..I have now purchased the Butyl tape, plastic pry tools, a Rivet gun with different size rivets (if needed) the canvas top came from California which was expensive so i'm going to tackle this on a fine day and take my time..Just wondering what the two canvas window shapes are for that came with the new top in the box..are these to just protect the plastic window while shipping or are they for covering the window when folded down in the car? Thanks

 

[Shaun1]

Thank you..I have now purchased the Butyl tape, plastic pry tools, a Rivet gun with different size rivets (if needed) the canvas top came from California which was expensive so i'm going to tackle this on a fine day and take my time..Just wondering what the two canvas window shapes are for that came with the new top in the box..are these to just protect the plastic window while shipping or are they for covering the window when folded down in the car? Thanks

 

[ExMX5owner]

G'day Shaun..Welcome

 

[AntStark]

The window shapes are probably there to protect the plastic screen from scratches etc whilst installing it.

 

[Shaun1]

Thanks for that ...thats most likely it ...

 

[Shaun1]

These are some of the jobs ive done to the car since owning it ....rear plastic zip in window, new brake discs, took seat apart to replace seatbelt guide, refurbished the spoke alloys, replaced headlight bulbs for dipped lights to more distance, replaced small bulbs in dash console, replaced headlight switch, drivers door card handle fix...all my work has been based on youtube videos and reading online... its great to know that you are all there to answer my questions ...much appreciated

 

[Duncodin]

Thank you..I have now purchased the Butyl tape, plastic pry tools, a Rivet gun with different size rivets (if needed) the canvas top came from California which was expensive so i'm going to tackle this on a fine day and take my time..Just wondering what the two canvas window shapes are for that came with the new top in the box..are these to just protect the plastic window while shipping or are they for covering the window when folded down in the car? Thanks

You didn't mention staple gun. You need that to staple the back edge all round to the rear bow.

I'd recommend doing the job in a heated ie hot workshop. It needs to be nice a warm to be stretched properly. I did mine in the middle of summer. Once it was fitted I left it outside baking in the sun before closing it and even then it was a struggle to close it.

If you're planning on doing it in winter outside or in a unheated garage I'd postpone it till summer.

 

[Mint]

Hi Shaun and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England. Good luck with your project