Convertible Top Replacement

[irish]

Any one ever replaced a convertible top themselves ......... I have an '87 325i (top raises manually) ....... I am interested in advice on the type (vinyl vs canvas ...), sources, installation directions....etc...

Thanks,
Irish

 

[echothreezero]

You can buy them new from BMW as far as I know. I presume yours is a BMW orig convertible, not a Baur? I have a Baur, and you can get new tops for them too as I have done this.

 

[fporro]

Irish,
you can probly find a wole top for about $ 300, including frame.

i just swaped tops from 1 cabrio to the other and it as easy enough, yet to DRY tested and that's were pations come into play.

 

[Funkgoat]

I did mine myself (canvas) and If you pick up things pretty fast you can do it no prob. As you remove the old one just remember. It's not too hard it just takes time.

 

[irish]

I was hoping to get a good set of directions to look over before I got in too far ....the only set I have found so far indicates that it is about a 9 hour job on a '87 (manual) 325ic....I am suprised at the etimate amount of time. Did yours take that long....

BTW I see a picture on your letter in a "body - kit" thread - navy blue and light tan ....is that your BMW? My '87 is the exact same color ...looks almost identical.....I think it is the best color combo I have seen on a BMW conv.
Is that the car you put the top on? Could you share any info on source / cost / did you replace tenioning straps / front retainer bar or front seal at the same time? Any special tools needed?

Any pics with the top up?

Thanks,
Irish

 

[Funkgoat]

Yes that's mine, it is a great color. The top took me and my buddy about 3-4 hours and we took our time. If you're a handy person or someone who learns quick it no big deal...just takes up your Sat. afternoon I got found mine after doing ton's of searchs for tops and finally finding this company call "Athony's" not sure if they're still around it was 4 yrs ago.
If i can remember you'll need a screw drivers and sprey glue (3M) and a friend. It's not that bad though. My top was $400.00 great price and it's perfect

 

[irish]

Beautiful......looks like you did a nice job....

Did you replace your tensioning straps, fron seal or anything else at the same time ..... do you still have the directions? if so would you be willing to FAX them?

 

[Funkgoat]

No directions I don't even remember if my top can with any or not. I used all the same parts, just switched the top.

 

[irish]

I would like to find a good, detailed set of directions on replacing an '87 325ic conbertible top ......does anyoine have a shop manual that they would be willing to sell a few pages out of????

 

[Funkgoat]

Call BMW maybe they have directions for sale

 

[Marijuanero]

so what company do guys think would be good to go through to get a cheap top for my 1990 325i, my top is messed up its all unsewn i know someone who got their top resewn and that cost him 1000 bucks i dont got that kinda money so if i could find a top for less that 400 thatd be great

 

[Funkgoat]

I've never seen a hard top for under a $1000. If you find some let me know, cuz I want one two.