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Convertible Top fitment issues. Yeah, it leaks.

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    #1

    Convertible Top fitment issues. Yeah, it leaks.

    Warning in advance: sorry for the shitty mobile phone pics

    After attempting to wash the whole car (including the top) I found that it leaks REALLY FUCKING BAD along the tops of the windows. A quick glance, and a side-by-side comparison with a new top (thanks Josh) revealed why. The tension cable that runs the length of the top is very, very loose. The spring in the c-pillar does not pull it tight anymore.

    Here'e the front. Notice how the edge of the canvas begins to pull away from the window edge where it's suppose to be, as soon as the wire comes in to play:


    Here, in the middle of the window, it's really bad:


    Towards the back, it gets better once the top no longer relies on the tension cable to keep it in place:


    It's hard to see, but it almost looks like the top has shrunk in the middle. You can see a small fold on the horizontal surface (it's on both sides):


    it's very easy to lift up on the edge and make a huge gap:


    I can get new springs and cables from the dealer for about $45, but I honestly don't know if it will help. Has anyone ever seen this before? How can you fix it? I REALLY don't want to have to replace the top, BMW quoted my $2K for the canvas alone, and I don't trust those eBay shits.

    Also, the rear edges don't fit snug with the body:



    You can actually stick your whole hand through those gaps. Any ideas? I need help!!
    Tags: None
    #2
    id just do all new tension bits...the cables and straps if the canvas is in good condition.

    Comment

      #3
      2K?

      Mine brand new from a shop that specializes in interiors/exteriors/tint did mine for 920 w/ new tensioners this is with a german made top INSTALLED, american made canvas can be had for less.

      There aren't many things that I would go through BMW to get...espiceally not this. Shop around bud, you'll get a WAY better deal

      Comment

        #4
        you can just replace the cable in there-old one prob snapped causing the problem you're having.
        actually if a new cable is installed which is quite easy to do,it'll prob pull the top edge a little bit closer to the weather strip on the top frame and is considered a good fit/placement-any lower it'll snag against the glass window top.
        i've replaced 3 tops and i'm pretty sure you could replace it yourself-just need maybe the fishwire tool electricians need to pull wires thu' walls-but then again maybe not as the cable is stiff enough...
        gl

        here's an install on my e36 w/c i did myself($450 ebay w/ new cable and tens. straps)...




        almost the same setup as the e30

        Comment

          #5
          vr4, maybe you could help me with my slight convertible top problem, I'm going to post a thread about it (I thought I had before, but I can't find it).

          Edit: thread here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=113401

          Comment

            #6
            Darrin, there is an upholstery shop up in Vancouver, basically on hwy 99 and 15th street, kind of behind Fat Daves and kind of behind AudioSource.

            If they are still there, and if they are still cool, they re-did a buddys VW cabrio for me and did wonderful work, cheap.

            I would at least go and ask an opinion.

            GL, bucko!

            Closing SOON!
            "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

            Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

            Thanks for 10 years of fun!

            Comment

              #7
              ^thanks Luke, I will look in to it. I know a few good upholstery shops I will get quotes from.

              mastrcruse: Thanks for the heads-up, I was thinking I'd have to commit insurance fraud just to pay for this. "I swear Mr Insurance Adjuster, someone just slashed my roof while it was parked in my driveway last night!" Oregon is the only state in the country where auto insurance fraud isn't a crime

              Vr4boy:
              How was the fitment quality of the eBay top? I am very, very hesitant to buy one off of there after hearing horror stories about eBay rear windows and the like. I know they are very cheap (and I even have the factory training video from 1987 that shows how to replace the top) but I can't help but worry about the quality and fitment. If it still leaks, I'm out $500 and a lot of time.

              Comment

                #8
                A little update on this:

                I bought new tension cables and strings from the dealer, cost about $48 for both sides. I know that removing the cables can be a PITA, so I began by replacing just the springs. The new springs were considerably thicker in diameter and stiffer than the ones on the car, and when I put them on it sealed up good and tight! It didn't fix the fact that the top still pulls away from the edge of the window, but the cables are to tight it doesn't let any water in at all! Success! Now all that's left is to fin-tune the window fitment and it should be leak-free. I hope this helps anyone else who runs in to the same problem.

                BTW, total cost for this repair was about $10 and a half hour of time :pimp:

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