e30 convertible top replacement

[danix]

From what I've read, a proper DIY is pretty involved and difficult (yes, I've read the writeups).

A new top is around $300 or so on eBay. Any ideas on how much an install would run? Who would you recommend for install?

I'm in Norcal but would travel to Socal for a top install if it made sense.

[Calypso Moor]

I live pretty close to you and I have the landau dap, do you want help installing one? did mine myself 2 months ago, it was that hard, just a little time consuming. total cost for mine was around 400$, but I bought the cheap vinyl autodirect top off ebay.

[cavpilot]

I did mine myself with a little help from my dad. It's not a hard job, but it's a time consuming job. If you have reasonable mechanical skills and the time to do the job right it a realistic DIY.
Whichever route you go, be sure to put in new tension straps and tension cables as part of the job. You will be glad you did once you're finished.

[danix]

Thanks guys. Calypso, appreciate the offer. I may take you up on it, just not sure of the time vs money on this project. I did my own timing belt so I definitely have the mechanical skills. Just wondering what street prices are like. I'm guessing around $1000 including top?

[IRON-E]

Thanks guys. Calypso, appreciate the offer. I may take you up on it, just not sure of the time vs money on this project. I did my own timing belt so I definitely have the mechanical skills. Just wondering what street prices are like. I'm guessing around $1000 including top?

Shop in SoCal, by the name of Hyperion Upholster, can probably do it for you. At about $1k, you may be able to choose a color of chice too. (a good canvas top, usually sells for close to $800, so your guestimate is pretty close)

Hit me up, if you want me to hook you up with the shop., good luck.

[decay]

If you want a black one in decent shape and are willing to help me take it out, I'll consider selling you mine- I rarely take the hardtop off so it's dead weight in there.

[Calypso Moor]

this is what my top is. it WAS 150$ when I got it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-3-Series-Convertible-Top-1987-1993-Black-Vinyl-Plastic-Window-/330940626369?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d0d9935c1

but at that cost, you might as well get this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-3-Series-Convertible-Top-1987-93-Black-Stayfast-Cloth-Plastic-/330919787604?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d0c5b3c54

and I used badcabs guide:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=240865

and finished it in 3 days, from removing it to driving out of the garage.

[Ism20craze30]

Don't cheap out on a vert top you'll regret it!!

[danix]

Thanks guys. Raining so it's sitting in the garage right now :)