Official Hardtop thread

[VitaminT]

Of the people that have had their tops repained, about how much did it run? Did you pull the interior lining off, or just hand it over to the painter? Did the back glass come out for the repaint? I saw somewhere it might be about $400. I am going to call around tomorrow but wanted some sort of a baseline.

Also, did you have any problems with the repaint not matching the car perfect?

I don't think Jet black on my BSM car is going to look good so a repaint is going to be needed.

[bucko521]

Originally Posted by VitaminT

I don't think Jet black on my BSM car is going to look good so a repaint is going to be needed.

Go for a long drive and bring that JET BLACK top to me here in Canada. You can paint another one you find, or find the right colour one.

[Jmanscotch]

I got a quote for $900 to repaint mine...wow. They noted the headliner, spoiler and rear glass would need to be removed (the price included them doing the removal, etc).

[ZStig]

shop around. $600 is more reasonable and realistic. Or maybe remove the trim yourself before getting it done

[misterawa]

What a good thread. Nice to see a bunch of Zs with the hardtop...totally transforms the car!

[VitaminT]

Thanks for all the help guys.

[Jmanscotch]

So, since the hardtop trunk stopper rubber bits are NLA, I've been buying random rubber bits to try to mimic their function.

Finally found something that'd stay put well and offer what I think is enough limit to the trunk opening to serve the original parts purpose.

Autozone special:

Made by "HELP" - P/N 90100 - Fuel Injector O-Rings - $8.99 (so comparable to the OE solution - IF they were still available)

Here on their website: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...mString=search

The pack is a 30 pieces, and ofcourse, you'll only be using four of them....don't hate me, hippies.

Those noted in this picture are the six rings you'll need four of;









My comment about them staying put well is based on their original size and their ability to stretch to fit. They fit snug on the stopper, which should help prevent loosing a few. The one in my fingers is the static size, compared to them being stretched to fit.





Due to how narrow that are, and that this risk the stopper not contacting them correctly, I went ahead and placed two o-rings on both sides of the trunk to increase the surface area.

They seem to work well. Soft enough to stretch but fit securely, yet not so soft that they get squashed and can't maintain the intended purpose of limiting the travel of the trunk lid.

Showing how they retain their shape well:

[Loogey Clapp]

Thanks Jmanscotch!! That looks like an excellent workaround.

[Beedub]

alternatively you can order the acutal bmw trunk stoppers from here..... they've even in stock.... perfect.

http://www.bmminiparts.com/

[Jmanscotch]

AHHH, you suck Beedub! Where were you a few weeks ago!

I see they are only $1.68 for two. The dealer I prefer in the states wanted $7.44 for two (before they made be aware they were NLA). I wonder if shipping them to the states kills the price...

For those going to the site, here's the UK part number to plug in: 0309364 TRUNK LID STOPPER

Three in stock (though it says they come in quantity of 2 (Set) so I presume they mean three sets in stock.

[Beedub]

jman, lol sorry bro.... just had to piss on your parade!! lol

anyhow they mean 3 in stock, not sets they are selling as an individual..... i know as i brought 2 and they were showing 5...... listen if you guys need these let me know shoot me some change on paypal and ill pick em up my end and send them over to you, im a well known member on here and happy to help...... :-)

also youll note i posted this up when i got my hardtop as my pre installed hardtop pack didnt come with the trunk stoppers....

from what i believe these are the last of the trunk lid stoppers actually available..... anywhere!!!!!

[beta]

BTW I bought my euro headers and cats from bmwminiparts. Parts were shipped fast, best price from all the online stores I tried in europe. Recommended.

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by beta

BTW I bought my euro headers and cats from bmwminiparts. Parts were shipped fast, best price from all the online stores I tried in europe. Recommended.

proper people... these people ship and ship FAST!!!! order by 10 and buy 12 the order has been shipped!! awesome service...

[VitaminT]

Add me to the club. Picked up my hardtop, lock covers, tool, and the bag/cover for it. No stand.

I will try to post up some pics when it is warm enough to wash the car.

Get get wind noise up front. I checked it with a business card and it to tight for a wide part in the center and then tight on the very outside edges but maybe where the latches are or something you can get a business car in on both sides. Haven't adjusted the rear lock down pins yet as it was 47deg and crappy outside today.

[Beedub]

had a lovely long drive today with the hardtop in place, the longest since i purchased the thing and i have to say, its so nice to drown out some of the noise from the rpis, in the roadster the hardtop makes a huge difference on how much of the noise enters the cabin, for the first time in ages i actually heard the sound from my motor, and lots of new ones from the blower that ive never heard before!!!

Really pleased with the hardtop and well worth sourcing one if you can :-)

[puciorek]

does it make sense do buy one from BMW dealer and pay aprox. $4,000, since it's really hard to find one used?

[-c-]

Originally Posted by puciorek

does it make sense do buy one from BMW dealer and pay aprox. $4,000, since it's really hard to find one used?

No dealers sell them for 2700 now the more. BMW is getting rid of ther stock so it's actually cheap now .... Even do a search on Tisher BMW and put in the part number for let's say a black one as many of the colors are no longer available and it comes in around 2700 for the roof.

[VitaminT]

While the silver grey top on black saphire metallic didn't look bad, I have stripped my top and it is ready for the painter to respray BSM.

You wouldn't believe how many little parts come from a top. Interesting that the window gaskets have little tiny shims I assume to ensure a perfect fit.

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by VitaminT

While the silver grey top on black saphire metallic didn't look bad, I have stripped my top and it is ready for the painter to respray BSM.

You wouldn't believe how many little parts come from a top. Interesting that the window gaskets have little tiny shims I assume to ensure a perfect fit.

ive taken mine apart as well and inside its quite technical, lol.... Some serious beefy frame-work tie the car together, if that doesnt ADD to the structural rigidness id be amazed...... So far one of my favourite purchases:-)

[Newff]

I'd really love to see a picture of a Black hardtop on a Montego Blue Z4. Doubt anyone here has it done though.

[VitaminT]

Got my top all back together after paint. Adjuster the front mount points to help move the front edge of the top tight against the gasket. Car looks great with the top and it now has zero wind noise.

[psygnosis]

How did you go about adjusting the front?