BMW Z3 Convertible Top Replacement - Part 2: Installation
My BMW Z3 is 25 years old and is in need of a new convertible top. Replacing the top in this convertible is an advanced project, but there is not a lot of detailed information out there on how to do it - that’s why I’m making these videos. In Part 2, we will clean up the car to get it ready and then install the new top. I’ll also show you the mistakes I made so you can avoid them. This is a long one, so buckle up, and let’s give it a try!
Here is a link to part 1:
• BMW Z3 Convertible Top...
TOOLS:
TEKON 3/8” Drive 36-Piece Torx Bit Set - amzn.to/3L7odC1 (Amazon)*
TEKON 3/8” Drive Deep 6-PointMetric Socket Set - amzn.to/3OZ2Zas (Amazon)*
CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set - amzn.to/3szisqm (Amazon)*
Trim Upholstery Clip Tool Set - amzn.to/3sEt72X (Amazon)*
CRAFTSMAN Slip Joint Plier - amzn.to/3P2YFHa (Amazon)*
4-Piece Pick Set - amzn.to/3EkdbFJ (Amazon)*
Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool - amzn.to/3L6XKVf (Amazon)*
Brass Brazing Rods 3/32” 40-Pieces - amzn.to/3Eoevao (Amazon)*
Pop Rivet Tool - amzn.to/3OSu6Us (Amazon)*
Folding Utility Knife - amzn.to/3PmuKeu (Amazon)*
TEKON 3/8” Drive Ratchet - amzn.to/47ZdXWg (Amazon)*
Arrow Pneumatic Staple Gun - amzn.to/3QZc9GF (Amazon)*
DEWALT Impact Driver - amzn.to/3qP3TOW (Amazon)*
DEWALT Drill Kit - amzn.to/45NMdli (Amazon)*
DEWALT Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3L5SJwa (Amazon)*
3M Blue Painter’s Tape - amzn.to/45BST6G (Amazon)*
Black Duct Tape - amzn.to/3qXl2G1 (Amazon)*
Markal Paint Pen - amzn.to/3R4N2SJ (Amazon)*
PARTS:
**2024 Update**
There have been reports that the top linked below has changed since I purchased mine. The main difference is the lack of sewn-in plastic retainers around the side windows. I've been told folks have been successful installing this alternate version, but I wanted to let you know there may be a difference to what you see in the video.
Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top - amzn.to/3L5vjXJ (Amazon)*
** End 2024 Update**
3M Windo-Weld Ribbon Sealer 5/16”x15’ - amzn.to/3sK1q8I (Amazon)*
3M Super Trim Adhesive - amzn.to/3PnCNaM (Amazon)*
T50 Stainless Steel Staples (10mm) - amzn.to/3TX9MoT (Amazon)*
Black Domed Head Rivets - www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/...
BMW Covering Caps #51-71-8-401-844-BOE - www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
Tension Strap Set - www.convertibletopguys.com/ca... (scroll down to Installation Supplies)
LIGHTING:
GVM 50RS LED Light Kit - amzn.to/3BHJkqi (Amazon)*
CLAR 2-Light SoftBox Kit - amzlorCon.to/3eIV2Yp (Amazon)*
ColorChecker Passport Video - amzn.to/3U8gWET (Amazon)*
MUSIC:
Music from Epidemic Sound - 30 Day Free Trial
share.epidemicsound.com/fnsd2b
**As an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. There is absolutely no cost to you.*
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Intro
00:41 Cleaning Off The Sealing Frame
01:02 Removing The Old Tension Straps
01:11 Installing New Tension Straps
02:21 How To Remove Rivets
03:20 On The Bench - Preparing The Bow
05:00 On The Bench - Replacing Rear Tension Straps
06:31 Preparing To Connect The Bow To The Top
06:50 Attaching The Top To The Sides Of The Bow
07:17 Stapling The Top To The Bow
09:21 Applying The Butyl Ribbon Tape
09:47 Installing The Bow And Top
11:19 Bonding And Bolting The Top To The Frame
12:23 Connecting Rear Tension Straps
13:33 Installing The Top Straps According To The Literature - Don’t Do It!
14:27 Connecting The Hold Down To The Window Channel
14:36 Dealing With The Tension Cables
16:55 Connecting The Front Of the Top To The Frame
17:39 Making The Window Well Connections
18:13 Working On The Front - And A Mistake
21:08 Locking Down The Top
21:48 Inside The Car - Cross member 1 - Huge Mistake
23:21 Inside The Car - Cross member 2
23:55 Inside The Car - Cross member 3 - Lesson Learned
25:11 Installing The Window Gaskets
25:46 Installing The Rear Seal and Cover Clips
26:58 Replacing The Lining
27:24 Installing The Side Straps
28:01 Fixing The Straps To The Right Place
28:59 Wrap-Up
#mainejason #diy
*Disclaimer:
This video is strictly for entertainment purposes. The content within portrays one particular solution and process, but in no way claims to be the only, or even the correct solution. Should you choose to follow any of the processes shown in this video, you do so at your own risk - the creator of this content is in no way responsible for damages to individuals or property resulting from using the information herein.
Thank you so much for creating and posting this high quality video. I finished my Z3 top replacement yesterday and i don't think i could have done it without this detailed content.
Fantastic! Thank you for the kind words, for letting me know how it went, and thanks for watching!
My man. I can't tell you how good this video is. I took the old ratty top off a few years ago and never got the new one back on since this car is not a daily driver, and so it sat. Every now and then I'd build up the motivation and some free time to try and get back at it but was always overwhelmed by the lack of detailed info out there and would invariably give up, since I've all but forgotten how everything came apart at this point. This video and tool list is exactly what I and the rest of the world has been missing this whole time. I'm buying the tools and parts I need today. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for being so thorough in your explanation and lessons learned. This is a master class in DIY repair.
Gosh, I am so humbled by your very kind words. I am so appreciative of your taking the time to tell me your story, and I'm very happy that the video helped you get after your task. Take your time and don't get frustrated. You will be successful, I'm certain. Thank you again for the wonderful comments, and thanks for watching!
I'm surprised you didn't take the seats out to work on the bolts for the bow. One of the best parts about a 2-seater being a convertible or a t-top/targa is just how easy the seats come out compared to a fixed roof car. And taking out the seats makes work on the interior of the car so much easier.
I thought about taking them out, but I was concerned I'd damage the wiring harnesses while flailing around in there - lol! At least having the seats in was a little easier on the knees. 😉 Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Was thinking of doing it myself, but after the video and to see how many things I need to buy inorder to have a smooth go at it, feels like too much. I'm going to find a professional, but thanks for this video! I will surely recommend this video to whoever does it for me :D
It is most certainly a big undertaking. If you don't have most of the tools already, it can add up quickly. Thank you for the comment, the future recommendation, and thanks for watching!
In composites, we use that tape, trade name is tacky-tape. We use acetone to soften/release it so we can clean tooling.
That is certainly an apt moniker - tacky is almost an understatement :) Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Suburb video. Best one for Z3 top on KZhead!!!
Very kind words - thank you, and thanks for watching!
@@mainejason of course! Just completed mine on my 2002 with the headliner. I bought the $99 sail material too on eBay & it fits perfectly. It’s missing the plastics to send the screws in but still doable with the material flaps & a pic tool
Excellent - nice work! I’m glad it worked out well for you.
I didn't know you could climb onto a convertible top like that. Excellent work and video quality, I especially love the thorough instruction and the music!
Ha! I didn't either, but sometimes necessity dictates risk! I'm very glad you enjoyed the video - that makes all the effort worthwhile 😉 Again, thanks for watching!
Thank you so much posting this video. Very in depth and super helpful with a z3 I recently purchased and the issues I need to address with my leaking top. 10/10
Thanks so much for the kind comments. Congrats on your new purchase! Take your time with the top and you'll do great. Let me know how it goes. Thank you again for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this video people like you makes life better your the best ❤😊
That is such a kind comment. I'm glad you found the video helpful, or at least interesting. Thank you again, and thanks for watching!
Thank you for this great tutorial ! I bought a Z3 that had its top removed by the previous owner and was never replaced This was a massive help and I was able to do it all by myself in one weekend, couldn’t have done it without this video !
Excellent! I'm so happy to hear this was helpful to you! Great work getting that job done. Thanks for watching!!
I need to due same job. Great tips. I have been a mechanic. For 45 years although I worked for interior shop it was very helpful watchen your install. I hate haven other people work on my car so I will give it a go.
Thank you for the comment. It sounds like you'll easily have the skills for this project. Best of luck. Thank you again, and thanks for watching!
OMG just the video I have been looking for. I've had a z3 without the top since before winter and haven't found a suitable video until now. The tool list in the description is super helpful too. Thank you so much!
I can't tell you how much it means to hear this. I really wanted this video to help and inspire - so your comment is very gratifying. Take your time and you'll get it done! Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Great video, im gonna change my z3 softop and im gonna use this video.
Thanks for the comment. Best of luck on your project. Take your time and it will come our great! Thanks again, and thanks for watching!
At about the three minute mark you might add that if your rear shocks need to be replaced, now would be the time to do it!
For sure! Unfortunately, I did not take advantage of that... Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
I wish this video was posted 3 months ago when I f***ed up the new top trying to install it... great explainer tho!
Gahhhh! Sorry to hear your install went badly, but thanks for watching!
I liked your video. I have done convertible tops professionally for several years but never on a Z3. there are very few convertible top designs, but it helps having somebody around with experience on a job like this. We got it in just two days. Thanks again.
Thank you for the comment. I'm sure having done this work professionally, you could do it in your sleep! It's always an adventure doing something without much fore-knowledge, and resources on this topic were really lacking, which was why I made this video. For me, seeing someone else do it first is so much easier. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks again for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Excellent video, I may try doing this on my car. Thanks!
Give it a shot! Take your time and it will come out great. Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Well done!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
I'm glad you are finding the video helpful. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Liked & subscribed! Great video, great production. I enjoyed your struggle and appreciate being convinced I need to save up and pay a professional to install a new top on my ‘99. 🤓👍🏻 Fortunately, I have a good place in town. But thanks to your educational project, I will be better able to ask informed questions. Cheers!
Thank you for the like and sub! I'm glad you found the video helpful. If you have a place that can do this type of work, by all means use them! Far easier, that's for sure. Enjoy your Z, and thanks for watching!
Excellent videos! My daughter and I are putting a new top on a 1996 Z3 she bought last week as a project car. Thankfully you made some mistakes we can avoid. We really appreciate your detailed videos. Wish us luck!
Thanks much! Good luck with the install. Take it slow and it will go fine. Thanks for watching!
Hi Maine great video . With my car removing the seats helps..take care ..
Glad you enjoyed the vid. Yes, removing the seats would have been helpful. Thanks for watching!
Very nice. This looks like an unenjoyable job but my car could certainly use it.
Thank you. If you do take it on, just take your time and you’ll get through it. Thanks for watching!
Its certainly scary trying to close the roof for the first time and it did make us start second guessing if it was on right (also ours was a very cheap ebay special) but after few days it was easier to open and now 6 months on its still taught but much easier to close. And as I said in the comments of your first video, remove the seats and style bars to make it easier to refit the hood. Granted it takes time to but beleive me your spine will thank you
Removing the seats would indeed have improved life when doing this project and that is great advice! Thanks again for taking the time to comment, and thanks for watching!
God bless you sir! Thank you for your dedication to make such a great video. Please keep them coming!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it to be useful. Thanks for watching!
Replaced my z3 top two months ago, and I wish this video was out when I did it 😭, will actually be doing a valve cover gasket replacement soon with your recent vid, fingers crossed!
Well, you got the tough one done - good job! The valve cover gasket is a piece of cake in comparison. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Pretty sure Ill be paying a body shop to do it after seeing this. #hard top next time!
I hear you. It is, indeed, a big project. I always have my eyes open for a decent hard top. If I could find one worth buying, I'd grab it. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Very informative, thank you. I'm picking up my late father's z3 2.8 wide body and have been told the roof leaks badly " 1000 mile drive in the dead of winter " 😂 should be fun! Anyway this is the first job on the list
Wow! Hopefully you wont have to deal with any snow or ice. The Z3 may be the worst car ever to drive in those conditions - don’t ask my how I know 😜. I’m glad you found the video possibly useful. Best of luck, and thanks for watching!
Thank you for this video. Gave me the confidence to replace my top. Mine is a 2002 with the headliner, replacing the headliner was not too complicated but requires moving over a few parts from the old headliner to the new one.
Excellent! Great job taking on a big project and seeing it through. I'm so glad to hear this video is helpful as that was indeed the intent. Thank you for the comments, and thanks for watching!
Thanks lovely
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jason, it was great to be with an excellent content video and I am still enjoying the steps......
Glad you are enjoying the video. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Great video, but I must admit it is giving me second thoughts about DYI on this one. I saved a lot so far by painting my car myself and performing a lot of repairs around the engine bay.
For sure it's a lot of work, and it gets a bit scary when you are in the middle of it. If you do take it on, like I mentioned more than once in the video, take your time and don't force anything. Best of luck to you and thanks for watching!
Magnificent Job! One day I might attempt this.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you do give it a try, let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!
So absolutely by far the best, clearest, most detailed, informational, and entertaining video I’ve seen for replacing one of these! Thank you for the video as I’ve been wanting to replace my top the last year I’ve owned my 2000 2.3. By any chance during your research, did you come across anything detailing the interior “headliner” of the soft top? Mine has one and it does have quite the smooth and clean look inside that I would love to keep if possible. I’m doubtful I’ll be able to keep it though😂
Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it and I'm glad you are finding it helpful. As you probably saw, mine did not have a headliner but I believe Sierra Tops has them. Given my "accident" with the adhesive, I have considered it, but I don't know if it can go in after the fact. Good luck if you take on this project. Let me know how it goes, and thanks for watching!
mine has the headliner and i was able to keep it in place while doing the top, but it increased the level of difficulty a bit. It is riveted/screwed (mine had both) to the frame under the top at the front of the vehicle, so to replace it after the top was done would require removing the front trim piece and peeling back the top to expose that metal.
Thanks for the info. Having to go back in and do surgery after the fact is what I was afraid of. Thanks for watching!
Do you plan on making more Z3 content? Because this was actually good.
Thanks much. I do have some plans to do some work on the Z this winter. I'm sure that will result in some videos ;) Thanks for watching!
good shit guy.
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Goo gone for that overspray? It's petroleum-based so it could leave a grease spot, but some rubbing alcohol and a paper towel might be able to get it off. Spot test just in case
Thank you for the tip! I wish I still had the extra fabric from the window cut-out to test on but I will certainly keep it in mind. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your great video, gonna fit mine soon. How long did it take you to fit the top?
Excellent! Take it slow and pay attention to the details and you'll do great. It took me way longer that it most likely will you as I was filming everything along with having to buy parts or tools I didn't know I needed. Took me a week, but I think you could certainly do it over a weekend. Good luck, and thanks for watching!
Thanks for your reply and the advice@@mainejason 👍
When you install the faceplate on the header bow, are you putting the screws through the fabric?
Yes. You can see around the 20:00 mark that the bottom of the plate roughly lines up with the edge of the the folded over fabric. The screws did, indeed, go through the canvas. Thank you for the question, and thanks for watching!
Amazing video! My soft top came factory with a sort of insulation on the inside... How would i go about getting that again?
Thanks much! I'm not familiar with any sort of insulation - is it a headliner or something else? Thanks for watching!
@@mainejason Yeahhhh kinda! Has those little buttons similar to the ones in the storage compartment to secure it in it seems... Not too sure 🤔 Id like to preserve it but see no guides to
@@mainejason Nevermind - Just figured it out hahahaha. The things you find if you look for them!
@@j6sph something like this? This may not fit your model, but it's the idea. www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CH73-USA---Z3-BMW-Z3+1.9&diagId=54_0309
amazing video! I dont need a new top, but my sealing frame is cracked (common). I think I'd have to remove the butyl seal and pull the metal bow piece, then pull the sealing frame and repair it or make a mold and fabricate a new one. none of this will be good. Not sure this can even be done while the top is still completely attached to the rest of the aparatus. Thoughts? Also, what are the staples landing on? Did you say the bow is aluminum? Wish the sealing frame was!
Thank you much! If you are not getting any water in your trunk or having any other issues with leaking, I'd say leave it alone! Mine is cracked right in the center, but the butyl is doing its job so far. I gave some thought to fabricating a new sealing frame, but nothing reasonable came to mind. I read a post about using some 1/4" rubber ribbon to make a seal, but the issue would be attaching the top gasket to it. If you come up with a way of recreating that piece, you'd have yourself a lucrative business!! 😄 I believe the bow is aluminum. The staples drive into a notch in the bow that is filled with some sort of dense plastic. Easy to staple to, but holds them well. If you come up with a good solution for the discontinued sealing frame, let me know! BTW...great channel. I've checked out many of your videos and I just subscribed ( not sure why I didn't before! ) Thanks for watching!
@mainejason thanks I just subbed you as well. Had been meaning to check your top vids for a while, finally got to them today. I do get water in the trunk, I could do the job right with a new frame, but... I may try needle dispensed super glue into the cracks although it'll be done mostly blind. Try to put out a video on this Sunday. Thanks again!
Thanks for the sub! The superglue idea sounds interesting. If the crack is tight, that may work. I'll look for the video! I'm editing a Z3 video right now - should be out within a week.
@mainejason look forward to it!
I just bought a 2001 Z3 that was a Texas car. The black top looks great except the window is hazy. How can I tell if it’s an original one? It has 83k miles and no rust or signs of leaking. The top has the interior lining also.
Great find! Getting one with no rust is a dream. As forvthe top, about the only thing that might give a clue is if the back window has the zipper. If so, it's most likely original - or at least an oem top. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
I’m a tad lost on connecting to he hold down I’m not sure what you’re connecting care to further explain?
If you could please give me the timestamp of what you are referring to, I'd be happy to clarify if possible.
What size staples did you use? I was going to order some 12mm long... is this too long?
Go with 10mm and make sure they are stainless steel so they don't rust. I don't know why I didn't have a link to the correct ones in the description, but it is there now. Good luck! Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@mainejason I'm attempting mine in 10 days time. I'm very practically minded but your vid gives me confidence!
Very cool. Let me know how it goes!
What type of staple gun are you using - i don't see how its securing the roof to the bar
It is the Arrow pneumatic staple gun with, I believe 10mm stainless steel staples. The links are in the description. I also made a short review video for it. Great little gun. The bow has a channel in it that has a kind of plastic substance embedded into it. That is what you staple into. Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!
Aaaah now I understand - many thanks for explaining - with that knowledge and the rest of this excellent video I think I could do this
Fantastic! Give it a try 😉
Wow! Do you live near Alabama? If so, would you be an assistant and work for beer? Sigh....looks scary.
Lol - I'm a little too far north, but certainly not opposed to beer payment 😄 Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Where is the link to part one?
I guess I didn't add one, but there are three ways to find it now: 1. On my channel, 2. in the description, 3. at the end of the video. Thanks for bringing that to my attention, and thanks for watching!
Im just gonna pay someone. I know I can do it but having peace of mind that it was done right by a professional is better for my mental health 🤣
I’m right there with ya. I certainly would not do it again! Thanks for watching!
Liked & subscribed! Great video, great production. I enjoyed your struggle and appreciate being convinced I need to save up and pay a professional to install a new top on my ‘99. 🤓👍🏻 Fortunately, I have a good place in town. But thanks to your educational project, I will be better able to ask informed questions. Cheers!
Thank you a second time! 😉