BMW Z3 Convertible Top Replacement - Part 1: Removal
Рет қаралды 11,869
Күн бұрынMy BMW Z3 is 25 years old and is in need of a new convertible top. Replacing the top in this convertible is an advanced project, but there is not a lot of detailed information out there on how to do it - that’s why I’m making these videos. In Part 1, I’ll walk your through the process to remove the convertible top from your Z3, pointing out some of the gotchas along the way. With patience and the right tools, you can have a beautiful, waterproof, new top on your old Z3. So hit the links below, kit up, and let’s give it a try!
Here is a link to part 2:
• BMW Z3 Convertible Top...
TOOLS:
TEKON 3/8” Drive 36-Piece Torx Bit Set - amzn.to/3L7odC1 (Amazon)*
TEKON 3/8” Drive Deep 6-PointMetric Socket Set - amzn.to/3OZ2Zas (Amazon)*
CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set - amzn.to/3szisqm (Amazon)*
Trim Upholstery Clip Tool Set - amzn.to/3sEt72X (Amazon)*
CRAFTSMAN Slip Joint Plier - amzn.to/3P2YFHa (Amazon)*
4-Piece Pick Set - amzn.to/3EkdbFJ (Amazon)*
Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool - amzn.to/3L6XKVf (Amazon)*
Brass Brazing Rods 3/32” 40-Pieces - amzn.to/3Eoevao (Amazon)*
Pop Rivet Tool - amzn.to/3OSu6Us (Amazon)*
Folding Utility Knife - amzn.to/3PmuKeu (Amazon)*
TEKON 3/8” Drive Ratchet - amzn.to/47ZdXWg (Amazon)*
Arrow Pneumatic Staple Gun - amzn.to/3QZc9GF (Amazon)*
DEWALT Impact Driver - amzn.to/3qP3TOW (Amazon)*
DEWALT Drill Kit - amzn.to/45NMdli (Amazon)*
DEWALT Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3L5SJwa (Amazon)*
3M Blue Painter’s Tape - amzn.to/45BST6G (Amazon)*
Black Duct Tape - amzn.to/3qXl2G1 (Amazon)*
Markal Paint Pen - amzn.to/3R4N2SJ (Amazon)*
PARTS:
**2024 Update**
There have been reports that the top linked below has changed since I purchased mine. The main difference is the lack of sewn-in plastic retainers around the side windows. I've been told folks have been successful installing this alternate version, but I wanted to let you know there may be a difference to what you see in the video.
Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top - amzn.to/3L5vjXJ (Amazon)*
** End 2024 Update**
3M Windo-Weld Ribbon Sealer 5/16”x15’ - amzn.to/3sK1q8I (Amazon)*
3M Super Trim Adhesive - amzn.to/3PnCNaM (Amazon)*
T50 Stainless Steel Staples (10mm) - amzn.to/3TX9MoT (Amazon)*
Black Domed Head Rivets - www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/...
BMW Covering Caps #51-71-8-401-844-BOE - www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
Tension Strap Set - www.convertibletopguys.com/ca... (scroll down to Installation Supplies)
LIGHTING:
GVM 50RS LED Light Kit - amzn.to/3BHJkqi (Amazon)*
CLAR 2-Light SoftBox Kit - amzlorCon.to/3eIV2Yp (Amazon)*
ColorChecker Passport Video - amzn.to/3U8gWET (Amazon)*
MUSIC:
Music from Epidemic Sound - 30 Day Free Trial
share.epidemicsound.com/fnsd2b
**As an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. There is absolutely no cost to you.*
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Intro
01:02 The Tools You’ll Need
01:49 The Parts You’ll Need
02:18 Starting At The Top
02:41 Removing The Gaskets and A Word About Organization
03:24 Removing The Front Cross Member and Retaining Cables
04:07 Don’t Mistake 1 - Tension Straps
04:24 Removing The Window Well Screws
05:04 Pulling Out The Cables
05:17 Removing the Top From The Cross Members Working To The Back
06:10 Cutting Off The Top
07:10 The Rear Tension Strap
07:32 The Hard Part Begins
07:44 Understanding How The Top Is Attached To The Car
08:31 The Corner 10mm Bolts
08:45 Which Bolts To Remove From The Bow
08:56 The Covering Cap and The Rear Gasket
09:13 Protection! - Tape It Up!
09:41 Removing The Bow
10:28 Removing The Rear Tension Straps
10:50 Wrap-Up
#mainejason
*Disclaimer:
This video is strictly for entertainment purposes. The content within portrays one particular solution and process, but in no way claims to be the only, or even the correct solution. Should you choose to follow any of the processes shown in this video, you do so at your own risk - the creator of this content is in no way responsible for damages to individuals or property resulting from using the information herein.
@tspit74 Ай бұрын
Followed these instructions today. So far, so good. The biggest pain so far is removing the old butyl. That alone took many hours and most of the time. Tomorrow I will be installing a navy blue Sierra top. I really like the navy blue top against the Atlanta blue paint.
@mainejason Ай бұрын
Really happy to hear the videos have been helpful to you. Great job completing part 1!! That color combination sounds very nice. Best of luck with the install - let me know how it goes. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@larney37 3 ай бұрын
This is such a gold mine! Thank you so much for these 2 videos. What a service to the z3/m roadster community. I am watching them repeatedly as I am waiting on supplies to be prepared.
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
It really brings me joy to hear these videos are helpful. Thank you so much for the very kind words, and thanks for watching!
@StephanieStroud-wl3jq 2 күн бұрын
Me and my sweets are attempting to restore a Z3 at the moment and I’m piling up as much information as I can considering I won’t be the flash light holder this time 😂
@mainejason 2 күн бұрын
Fantastic! It's a fun car to work on, and the rewards of getting it done are vast. I'm honored to be among your information trove! Best of luck with your restoration. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@alanbrown4 4 ай бұрын
I can't believe the strength of these adhesives after 37 years! Thank you Jason!
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
Agreed! They made some good stuff back in the day. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@alanbrown4 4 ай бұрын
@@mainejason You Betcha Jason!
@drifter2090 3 ай бұрын
Amazing video! Just ordered the top, thanks so much!
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
I’m glad the video inspired you to take on the project. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@nichlgs 10 ай бұрын
Did I mention how amazing your guide is? Definitely a lifesaver for every potential diyer out there 🙌
@mainejason 10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for the very kind words. I'm working on Part 2 as I write this. Thanks for watching!
@jeffronning2150 8 ай бұрын
Fantastic, thanks, Jason, this is a tremendous resource. I followed it fairly religiously and it helped reduce the stress of the process. BTW, my 1998 had T40 fasteners at the rearmost cross-member termini (10:40) - Just to add to your gold mine of info here.
@mainejason 8 ай бұрын
Wow, that makes me really happy that it was a great resource for you. BTW, nice job giving it a try and getting it done! Interesting about the T40 bolt. I suppose perhaps it could be T40 on mine but grabbed a T30 and there was enough "bite" for it to work. Thanks for the info, and thanks for watching!
@MachineLearningMath Ай бұрын
Advice if you have to do it again. Do it on a hot sunny day, the byutul tape peels right off with a little prying. Comes out in
@mainejason Ай бұрын
That makes a lot of sense given how well it worked with a hair dryer/heat gun. Unfortunately, it was February in Maine when I did mine! 😄 Thank you for the great tip, and thanks for watching!
@MachineLearningMath Ай бұрын
Ah ya cant control when things go. My favorite memory is probably trying to replace a quarter panel on my firebird in 6” of snow
@mainejason Ай бұрын
Nice - good times, I'm sure!!
@walterreil4001 9 ай бұрын
Wow, you are a glutton for punishment! That is a major project to take on, hoping it turns out well. That takes serious mental and physical energy. I have a ‘97 Z3 that looks just like yours. A few years ago I had the soft top professionally replaced as I recognized that it was too challenging for me to take on, and certainly did not want to get part way through doing it myself only to realize I had bitten off more than I could handle. Good luck!
@mainejason 8 ай бұрын
Ya, it was touch and go there for awhile! Check out part 2 to see how things turn out. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@mechanicsdiary1438 5 ай бұрын
Good work. Helpful for my z3
@mainejason 5 ай бұрын
Thank you. I'm glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching!
@rudes4124 4 ай бұрын
Last year I did this and got to this point. I started to install my new Cierra Top and decided it was way too difficult to do alone so I took it to a local top expert, The Top Shop, in Phoenix, AZ. They finished it and did an excellent job, the cost was $600.
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
Ya, it is definitely a project and a half. After doing it, I'd say $600 for someone else to take are of it is not a bad price - I certainly would have been tempted were that service available in my area! Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@papipoopoo8014 8 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for making this
@mainejason 8 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it, and thanks for watching!
@billgardner228 7 ай бұрын
Currently using your video to remove/replace the top on my 1997 Z3. So far, so good! Top is off and I got lucky with the butyl tape. Mine took a little work but did finally release and is out! I'm losing my light (doing this under the carport), so I will start on part 2 tomorrow (or the next day, lol). Thank you for putting up this excellent video! It gives me much more confidence in doing this than just feeling my way through it.
@mainejason 7 ай бұрын
That's fantastic, great work! I'm so happy the video was helpful to you. Good luck with phase 2. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@sportshatch 6 ай бұрын
Thanks for making the video, this will be invaluable for all z3 owners. My 1999 z3 2.8 is still on its original top. I’m in Scotland and the car stays outside ( under a cover) . So just a matter of time until I will be replacing my top. Thanks again.
@mainejason 6 ай бұрын
Thank you very much! I'm glad you feel the video is a helpful resource. When the time comes, best of luck to you. Thanks again, and thanks for watching!
@reecevisnaw4443 9 ай бұрын
Just bought a 97 Z3 and my top is in okay shape, considering replacing it. Thanks for the video!
@mainejason 9 ай бұрын
Welcome to the Z3 family! If you replace the top, best of luck, and thanks for watching!
@divsidhu7083 9 ай бұрын
I’m looking into getting one soon, it has a leaky roof :/
@FredericGolz 4 ай бұрын
I get my top done by the guy that developed the top in the 90s for BMW in Bavaria next month. I get the chance to help him with it. Just wanted to take a look at the process before hand. Your Video is incredibly detailed and a great high quality work instruction!
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
Wow, that's pretty cool!! I would certainly assume he should know what he's doing 😉 I'm glad you found the video interesting. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@luisyanez8194 10 ай бұрын
I'll be attempting this job in a week or so once my top comes in. Did a Miata with help, but having to do the z3 alone sounds like a major headache 😵 thanks for your video!
@mainejason 10 ай бұрын
Sounds like you have at least a bit of experience, so that should certainly help. Best of luck - let me know how it goes and thanks for watching!
@chifdagrif5105 10 ай бұрын
Incidentally I am just about to start this job on a 2000 Z3, and I am sure this vid is going to help a lot. I ordered the same top as you through Amazon.
@mainejason 10 ай бұрын
Best of luck!! Let me know how it goes, and thanks for watching!
@rigohernandez137 6 ай бұрын
Did your top work out for you. Saw reviews from autotopsdirect saying it isn’t a good product.
@SeamusCorrigan777 3 ай бұрын
Just finished all the steps here in video1. Now doing some general clean up while I wrestle with the Black Goo from Hades. Thanks for telling me not to use the heat gun on that phase, still, the rolling ball of darkness is laborious to say the least. Cheers.
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
Hey, glad you got through part 1! That butyl tape is horrible stuff, but it does its job well. Good luck with part 2, the install. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@mattkiss3 9 ай бұрын
I thank you greatly! I may take on this project, as places around me are charging $3000-$3800 for the replacement and labor.
@mainejason 9 ай бұрын
Ya, it is my understanding that it is quite expensive to have done professionally. After doing it myself, I can understand why! Best of luck should you decide to DIY. Thanks for watching!
@garyscholz1975 10 ай бұрын
A very informative video, wish I had seen this before I did mine earlier this year. We used a different technique for removing the back of the hood that worked really well for us. We used some heavy duty fishing line (I think its called a "leader" or "trace" in fishing terms). and run this like a cheese wire between the car and the hood to release the butyl. As there were 2 of us one heated as the other went along behind with the line, using wooden blocks to hold the hood away once cut. White spirit (Uk term) is great for removing any butyl residue if you do happen to get some on your hands or bodywork. Unless you are Gymnast with a penchant for protology I would highly reccomend removing the seats and style bars (roll hoops) before starting the job and stuff any orofices with workshop towels to stop errant screws and nuts dissapearing into the abyss Took us a weekend to do taking our time, but I will say neither of us are in any way mechanics. If anyone is thinking it would be easier to replace the hood and frame with one from a breaker, don't! it likely wont fit and is an even bigger tricker job than this (Ask me how i Know lol)
@mainejason 10 ай бұрын
Thank you for the great information! That technique of using fish line sounds interesting. A helper would indeed be required and there were definite times I wished I'd had one!! Thanks for watching!
@karo677 8 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@mainejason 8 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@jordanjaneiro354 3 ай бұрын
Amazing video and very informative you have a new follower
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind comment - I'm very happy you found the video interesting and informative. Thank you for the sub, the comment, and thanks for watching!
@jordanjaneiro354 3 ай бұрын
@@mainejason would love to see more Z3 videos as I just purchased a 98 1.9 3 days ago and am already finding out what it’s like to be a BMW owner lol 😂
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
Ya, when the cars get this old, parts start going bad - especially rubber and plastic parts! I want to pull the suspension, sand blast and repaint everything, as well as replace all the bushings. Big project...probably next winter since I like to drive it in the nice weather 😎 How many miles on your 'new' Z?
@jordanjaneiro354 3 ай бұрын
@@mainejason 92k the top of motor and valve covers is pretty immaculate and there’s no drops of oil in my driveway but I took a video of under the car is there is a pretty good amount of oil residue. But exterior and interior are immaculate for a 98 especially after my detail skills 😂. It also through P0420 code and check engine light the second day driving it. But I ordered OEM air filter, plugs, both O2 sensors and if the Cat is in fact bad I’m gonna replace and do exhaust which was plan anyways I live In Florida no emissions anyway
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
Sounds like you have a few projects in your future! Oil residue on the lower part could also be the head gasket if not the valve cover. Clean it all up, de-grease and then monitor it for weeps. May not be enough to drip, but just enough to seep. Thanks for the update. Good luck and enjoy the journey!
@LordJones-mw6is 4 ай бұрын
Im getting ready to replace my mother's top on her 2000 Z3. I will let you know how it progresses
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
Excellent! Best of luck to you. I look forward to the update. Thanks for watching!
@DavidFrench-bj9ef 3 ай бұрын
Very helpful. I am unable to locate any tensioning straps. Any advice?
@mainejason 2 ай бұрын
There is a link in the description for the tension straps I used. You have to scroll pretty far down the page to find them, or do a search on the page for "tension". Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@TheShahramniazi 8 ай бұрын
Hi, what is the alternate if the rear sealing frame is completely broken and needs to be replaced? It is no longer produced.
@mainejason 8 ай бұрын
Ugh! Ya, that's a tough one. It seems strange to me that no one makes an alternative. Every once in awhile I've seen one come up on eBay, but that is very rare. I've also seen where some have found an old top mechanism in a junk yard and salvaged that - again, very rare. There was some discussion in one of the Z3 forums about using a long strip of neoprene rubber to construct a water seal. I guess it might be possible to clip the rear weather seal to it, but it would be a challenge. I did actually buy some of this stuff in case mine broke. Here is an Amazon link to what I got: amzn.to/3QXQxsp (That's an affiliate link - no extra cost to you). If you try that and get it work, make a video, it would be an instant hit. Best of luck to you, and thanks for watching!
@larney37 3 ай бұрын
It seems like tan tops at the link you shared have the sewn-in plastic retainers around the side windows, but the black ones don't. The black ones also don't come with any hardware. That makes this process a bit more intimidating. You mention in the description that others have had success without those tabs.. I am guessing they punctured the cloth flaps with an awl. Do you have any insight into what they did? I am trying to do my due diligence before diving in, but as you point out the resources are scant - at least in video form.
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
It's too bad the tops are not all the same. From what I have been able to understand from other comments is that it is certainly doable. I would coat the rear window well area (where the plastic tabs would go) as well as the fabric in that area well with the 3M glue. Let it set up and get tacky. You should be able to lay the fabric into the channel, working it in tightly with your fingers and then putting in the mounting screws through the fabric. You could use an awl to make the hole, but you also may just be able to punch the screw right through the canvas. I would probably start in the center with the screws and work my way outward - one upper, then one lower screw - continuing that way until the whole thing is seated and fastened. Now that I'm thinking about it, you might consider waiting with that part until most of the top is already attached and in place - that way you will have a good idea of just how tight to pull the canvas so there are no puckers. I hope this little mind dump helps!
@larney37 3 ай бұрын
@@mainejason That is quite helpful indeed. I appreciate you taking the time to help a stranger think this out! Interestingly, on my old top, one of the failure points is one of these plastic tabs. So it may be possible that the removal of the tabs from the replacement top is actually an improvement in the design. But if that is the case, it is certainly not conveyed by the seller. Either way, I'm giving it a try! :)
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
Excellent! Take your time and work it through. I'm sure you'll get it done!
@larney37 3 ай бұрын
@@mainejason Will do! :)
@PatrickColemanDC 2 ай бұрын
@mainejason how long did the removal take? and the Install? Thx
@mainejason 2 ай бұрын
That’s a good question. It took quite awhile because I was documenting it and because there wasn’t much out there to follow. If I did it again after having done it once, I’d say an hour to remove it, a couple hours to prep, and maybe a couple more to install. Give yourself at least a weekend would be my advice. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@rigohernandez137 6 ай бұрын
Did the top from autotopdirect hold up? I saw reviews that said their products weren’t worth it. Thank you
@mainejason 6 ай бұрын
The one I installed has been fantastic. I was extremely happy with the fit and quality. The canvas is heavy and color-fast. Rear window is clear and all stitching is precise and heavy duty. I have been happy with the one I got. Thanks for watching!
@rigohernandez137 6 ай бұрын
@@mainejason appreciate the reply
@mainejason 6 ай бұрын
My pleasure.
@kezug95 4 ай бұрын
Wow, what a process but very detailed documentation you provided. Nice job. I am curious about the covering cap removal at time kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ftuqeJuZs6ubgmQ.html. I am missing mine and will purchase a replacement. I am not removing or installing a soft top as mine is on already. I just need to install the covering cap. It as simple as the reversal of what you did, on an already installed soft top or do I need to do more steps?
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind words - I'm glad you found the video interesting. Those plastic caps just click down into place - you shouldn't need to do more than that unless there is a broken piece left in place. The long edge is toward the outside. Hope that helps. Best of luck, and thanks for watching!
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
This shows how to put them in. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mpqGjLyUmZecqWQ.html&si=lQJFEseL-0qrowgb
@kezug95 4 ай бұрын
@@mainejason thank you
@D_Grouchy_Old_Man 3 ай бұрын
What was the total cost of tools and materials required?
@mainejason 3 ай бұрын
I don't really have a total. The top is about $450 and I had most of the tools already. Estimate all in at around $600?
@ragazzi25 4 ай бұрын
You made your life way difficult to remove the old top...some steps were not necessary. I have been installing Robbins tops on these Z3s for a long time and they always are a PITA!
@mainejason 4 ай бұрын
I agree with you! I would certainly be hard pressed to do another one. Hats off to you for having done many. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@gregwilldoitllc 6 ай бұрын
Just watching this one video has put me right off. And I’m assuming the work that goes into this it won’t be an affordable job.
@mainejason 6 ай бұрын
It takes time and effort for sure. Probably not a big deal to a shop that does these regularly, but there were none around me that I could find. I actually don't know how much it would cost to have done, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were double the cost of the top. Thanks for watching!
@tspit74 Ай бұрын
The 2 quotes I got from places in the western suburbs of Chicago is $1100. I’m going to attempt replacing the top today. I’ve done a Miata and a Triumph Spitfire before. If it was $5-600, I’d have it done. $1100 is a lot of money, tho.
@mainejason Ай бұрын
I agree, that's not cheap - but it is a big job! Best of luck with the install.
Feel The Drive
Рет қаралды 107 М.
Maine Jason
Рет қаралды 4,2 М.
YESİM RESMİİ
Рет қаралды 18 МЛН