Soft Top

[paulgjohnston]

Looks like I may be looking for a new hood. Rear window in my new Z3 has gone and after being in touch with a few local trimmers/body shops they have all said they would be unwilling to attempt to fit it. One chap sews in a new window at the cost of £250!

Apart from a breakers can anyone recommend a company that will supply or supply/fit (Ayrshire Scotland) a new one.

Any thoughts on these guys?

http://www.prestigeautotrim.com/uk/bmw-z3-carhoods-aftermarket.html

http://www.carhoodsdirect.co.uk/

 

[Brian4]

Car hoods post on here give them a call.

https://zroadster.org/threads/soft-tops-for-z1-z3-and-z4.8115/#post-116095

 

[paulgjohnston]

Brian

Many thanks, just gave them a call, very helpful, said they could try to fit the new window first. Quoted me £670 supplied and fitted.....

Not sure if that's good or bad..

 

[Brian4]

I had my rear window replaced here 4 years ago approx 200 I think but no good for you as only in Coventry.

http://www.softtops.org.uk

 

[paulgjohnston]

Thanks Brian, too far I'm afraid. Every local upholsterer/car trimmer has said the replacement window option is very difficult due to the shrinkage of the hood. £70 wasted on Ebay then....

 

[Parmst]

if you have already bought the window why not have a go and fit it yourself?

 

[paulgjohnston]

LOL outwith my comfort zone.

 

[Davyhoogy]

Mines due to arrive by the weekend and I'll be doing it myself.... or trying

 

[paulgjohnston]

I have spoken to 3 local companies, all specialise in retrims of cars/boats etc and they have all said that as the hood shrinks over time the job becomes extremely difficult or in some cases impossible.

 

[Grumps]

I recall @Paul Rice doing his and I think he had a mare with it. It's well documented as a horrible job and often with a poor outcome. Becareful!!.....

 

[paulgjohnston]

To be honest, if professional trimmers are saying no then there's no chance of me having a go. I'll return it through Ebay and get a hood. The hood on the car looks like the original, nearly 19 years old...

 

[Grumps]

Mines ready. My roof has shrunk around the window and is beginning to fray. As usual it's getting the funds together to get it replaced. Can't see me getting more than another season out of it.

 

[Paul Rice]

I recall Paul Rice doing his and I think he had a mare with it. It's well documented as a horrible job and often with a poor outcome. Becareful!!.....

Not known for falling out with the other half this pushed us close! To be fair i have heard of people having no problems. I trust you have the replacement window with the Zip fitting. the problem is that as the window is tight fitting as you work the Zip round it keeps seperating in other parts already zipped if that makes sense, the other issue is working at the back inside the car with the roof up, often thought afterwards how hard would it be to remove the roof completely off the car frame then fit the window. I have a complete new roof now with a stitched back window so if it rips it will be going back to Softtopshop at Stockport for them to do.

 

[paulgjohnston]

It's a minefield by the looks of things!

 

[hard top]

It's well documented as a horrible job

@M666BMG lobbed his down the drive way.....

 

[littlefeller]

Thanks Brian, too far I'm afraid. Every local upholsterer/car trimmer has said the replacement window option is very difficult due to the shrinkage of the hood. £70 wasted on Ebay then....

Maybe not wasted, I may need a new one

 

[oldcarman]

Personally I'd get a helper and give it a go!! Watch the video put out by the supplier, I take it at £70 you bought the German window. You can also slip a few stitches in as you go around which should prevent the separation problems. Take your time and go slowly, might be easier than you think!! JIM

 

[paulgjohnston]

Give me a shout. Happy to sort something out with you as I really don't want to waste £70.

@littlefeller

 

[duckhunt]

I too got told by several local car trimmers 'they wouldn't touch it' but determined I did it myself, and it's held well for over a month in all weather with roof going up and down.

You need two people ideally for the stitching as I reinforced mine in places with high strength thread.

Although a new roof is really inevitable.

That price sounds a lot for just a window fitted. Try to find someone to stitch one in maybe.

As you see needs someone in and out to pass the needle

 

[mwpe]

I think quite a few people on here have replaced their rear windows. I did mine a few years ago, and it wasn't too difficult. It is still fine.