What would you do? Convertible top advice needed

B

BMWReb

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#1
Question/Advice on Convertible Top

I have an 89 325i vert. The back plastic window is out (stitching is dry-rotted, and the window popped out). The top itself is in good shape. I have three options for top repair. Those of you who have been here with this problem or know of it ... please respond with your thoughts.
Thanks!

Option 1: Buy a kit online and repair/replace plastic back window .... most say it is a pain to do, messy, and does not look so great ....but the window is in. May leak? Don't know
Cost: $200

Option 2: Replace plastic window at dealer .... parts alone are $400 ... waiting on labor charge

Option #3: Replace entire top ... upholstery shop quoted price of $1700 total

Ughhhh! Thanks for your help!
 
grasutu

grasutu

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First try to find another shop .. i ve changed my entire top for under 1000 $ , bought the top on e bay for 400 ( blue top ) and they ve installed for 500 so ....
 
echothreezero

echothreezero

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Ask the upholsterers to just stich in a new window. If they can't go to a canvas place that makes/repairs tents, boat covers, awnings etc.

They can doo an awesome tidy job and it will be water proof. Cost you way less than the auto trimmers.

I've had entrie custom canvas covers mader for the cockpit of my boat with zips, clear windows, trims, domes etc and only cost a couple of grand $NZ. I would only expect to pay a couple of hundy $US for a repair to yor top.
 
E30m42cab

E30m42cab

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echothreezero said:
Ask the upholsterers to just stich in a new window. If they can't go to a canvas place that makes/repairs tents, boat covers, awnings etc.

They can doo an awesome tidy job and it will be water proof. Cost you way less than the auto trimmers.

I've had entrie custom canvas covers mader for the cockpit of my boat with zips, clear windows, trims, domes etc and only cost a couple of grand $NZ. I would only expect to pay a couple of hundy $US for a repair to yor top.
Click to expand...
Absolutely your best bet.
 
B

BMWReb

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I have an 89 325i vert that needs a new back window in the convertible top. The top itself is in great shape. I just got this car two weeks ago and need to do timing belt replacement and all that goes with that ... plus I have other things I want to add to the car. I can replace the back window plastic with a kit from eBay, but I am not too handy with those things and am afraid the window will not work. A new top is over $400 plus installation ...easily $1000 or more. And I really don't need a new top.
So, what would you do? Your advice is appreciated.
 
Kirby

Kirby

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I would do the window myself (oh, yeah I did do that on my E36, hehe). It's not that difficult if you take your time. But you do need to have some basic skills, it's more sewing/fabric repair than it is automotive.

Another option is to buy the window and pay a car seat/top shop to replace the just the window. Or just get a price on the shop providing and replacing the window. No need for a new top.
 
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