How to install new top caps on a vert

[DaveNorCal]

I've ordered new top caps (the black flaps that raise when the top is up and lay flat when the top is down) but am unsure how to install them. I'm assuming I remove the back seat, then the side panel trim, then the side panels. From there I am lost.

[jw 325ic]

The small black flap that rests against the frame when up? It just clips right on. 2 clips on each flap. You can easily do it with everything in place.

Edit: this one?


Its just these clips:

[DaveNorCal]

No, one of the housings is broken and I figured if I'm going to replace one I might as well replace both. They are the same age. Thanks for responding.

[jw 325ic]

What caps? Can you take a pic or reference a part #?

[DaveNorCal]

51-13-1-932-869-BOE
51-13-1-932-870-BOE
Thanks!

[jw 325ic]

#13? Those pop in by clips also.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BB13&mospid=47326&btnr=41_0798&hg=41&fg=55&hl=74

[DaveNorCal]

Actually 14. Thanks for your interest and help.
Dave

[jw 325ic]

You sure you ordered the right parts? I entered the part numbers you supplied and it highlighted 13 as you can see in the link. If its 14 then yes, looks like youll have to remove the speaker panel, unscrew the screws, take the back seats out and remove the panel. You may need to remove the chrome strip but im not positive, havent done that one myself. You may be able to get away with sliding it under the chrome strip though. Good luck to you!

[DaveNorCal]

I may let Ryan do this!
Dave

[jeffnhiscars]

I just replaced both of these on my Cabrio. They are held in by 3 spring clips per side. Remove the seat bottom & speaker cover, then the screws underneath it that hold it to the body, remove the verticle portion of door weather strip and slide the whole panel out.

Gently pry out the spring clips, then slide the old plastic piece forward. You do have to spread the plastic slightly on the new one to get it started so dont break it.

Took me 10 min from start to finish and that included removing 23 years of grunge.

51-43-1-945-355 $15.xx
51-43-1-945-356 $16.12

Yes its #14 and you get the flap and surround with a new spring.

NOTE...these PN's are for a manual top only.

[DaveNorCal]

Thanks Jeff. JW, you were right. I ordered the wrong part. I'll try again.

[DaveNorCal]

Semi-fixed. I had an extra flap but the tabs of the old flap had broken off in the housing. I was able to get them out with large curved needle-nosed pliers and install the flap. The housing has no spring and the lower tab against which it rested had broken off. So it still has no spring and lifts up at highway speed. I'll get the right parts and do it right in a couple of weeks when I get back for Austin. I also installed new support struts for the top lid. That was pretty easy.

[jeffnhiscars]

Semi-fixed. I had an extra flap but the tabs of the old flap had broken off in the housing. I was able to get them out with large curved needle-nosed pliers and install the flap. The housing has no spring and the lower tab against which it rested had broken off. So it still has no spring and lifts up at highway speed. I'll get the right parts and do it right in a couple of weeks when I get back for Austin. I also installed new support struts for the top lid. That was pretty easy.

Thats exactly where mine broke 2 weeks apart. I also found that replacing the lid struts and the lid to body gasket eliminated a lots of rattles.

[DaveNorCal]

Lid to body gasket. I'll have to replace that too. Do you have a part number? Thanks.

[jw 325ic]

Dave, realoem.com. Its a godsend. Use it and abuse it. All your part number sources are there and you dont have to wait days if not weeks for forum members to respond.

But because im such a nice guy:

51712230857