e30 convertible hard top

[parkerbink]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7908768827&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Seller says it just "goes in the holes the folding top mechanism arms go through"

Also says there is a connector there for the rear window defogger. I have no electrical connector there and see nowhere for the hardtop to connect.

[e30Matt]

Yeah, I was about to say... how does the defroster work? Does it plug into the grid connection for the soft top, or does the soft top even have a rear defroster?

[parkerbink]

Mine has a heater/blower that blows air on the rear window (works fine) but theres no connecter. for any other electrical device. (I looked)

[radback]

I think some convertibles needs an adaptor kit for fitting a hardtop.

On my car (in the hole just after the rear side window), I've got a little electric cable to connect to the hardtop for the defrost system.

If you want a Hardtop, go for this one. It looks in very good condition and $800 is a cheap price.

[E30ownerwithanopinion]

NO kit look at the "door" flap on either side of the car.

You will notice a rubber peice just pull that up and that is the holes he is refering to.

[bluebmcon]

The electrical connection is on the passanger side just behind the rear window,the push in connection can sometimes be so short that it's hard to pull it above the surface of the bodywork thus making it hard work to connect the heated rear screen of the hard top.
There's also a special tool you can purchase/order from any BMW dealership to make shaw the roof is held down tight - quiet a few roofs i knew of from friens cars went missing in the middle of the night.Although not estential - i would buy one!.!.!.!.An 11mm ring spanner works as well.

[aaron_silva]

You do not need an electrical connection (on later models at least). The two "prongs" that go in the back have contacts on them. When the top is installed, the fillements in the glass defrost the window. With the soft top up, a blower blows hot air to defrost the plastic. Only certain models do not have the brackets in the back. Most should have them. And yes, a 10mm-11mm open ended wrech can be used to attach the back.

Aaron

[Fuddy]

my hard top has the connector right on the metal "spike" that goes into the hole

[aaron_silva]

Got in right before you. :D

[parkerbink]

I looked really closely on my car and there is nowhere for a hard top to fasten in the back (with the cloth top tucked into it's nest) can you guys that have it post a picture?

[aaron_silva]

#22 Covers where the "spikes" go in.
#2 goes into #25

[parkerbink]

Excellent diagram, thanks. Where on the car is #25? inside the doors the top mechanism goes through?

[radback]

Excellent diagram, thanks. Where on the car is #25? inside the doors the top mechanism goes through?

Just behind the rear windows.

[parkerbink]

Thanks I found it! #22 is so well a part of the car it looks like its one piece, I can't believe after 14 years sitting there it came off easily and went back like it never came off!!

Really cool!