QUESTION REGARDING CONVERTIBLE ROOF.

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
palerider325icab
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 758
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: NORTH WEST

Post Sun Oct 02, 2005 2:29 pm

I have found a convertible roof in very good condition to replace the 1 on my motorsport convertible.
When i rang up on friday they bloke told me it came from an electric roof spec car.
I went round today and the car was there and its a manual roof spec car.
The roof is off with the frame,would it bolt right on to my car once i have removed the old hood and frame and will it work as normal.

Cheers
Rhino :cool:
User avatar
palerider325icab
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 758
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: NORTH WEST

Post Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:34 pm

Please can anybody give me an answer as i have asked the bloke to hold the roof for me until i find out the info.

Cheers
Rhino
User avatar
orangecurry
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2518
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: West Sussex

Post Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:02 pm

it should fit exactly, BUT you MIGHT have issues with connecting the push-rod from the electric motor thingy - I don't know if there is a place on the manual frame?!

sorry I'd go out and look at mine, but I just fitted the hardtop today DOH!

(now it'll be nice weather for weeks)

have a look on YOUR frame where the rod connects, and then go and look at this manual one.
User avatar
palerider325icab
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 758
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: NORTH WEST

Post Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:37 pm

Thanks for your input mate,but its a bit of a hassel going up and down getting time of work the breakers is not to far from me up 30 dinner goes nowhere.
I need to know for sure before i part with my money.

Cheers
Rhino
User avatar
orangecurry
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2518
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: West Sussex

Post Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:46 pm

sorry I can't say for sure, but look at it this way;

if it isn't too expensive buy it anyway - there are plenty of manual-convertible owners out there who will pay good money for a good hood :D
User avatar
palerider325icab
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 758
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: NORTH WEST

Post Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:49 pm

I will keep that in mind.

Cheers
Rhino
DaveD
E30Zone Wiki Specialist
Posts: 5129
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sheffield

Post Mon Oct 03, 2005 11:02 am

the suppliers ALWAYS ask if it is manual or electric..so beware
estee
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Mon Oct 03, 2005 8:26 pm

Hi I've done the same, with a manual hood onto my power hood. The frame will fit as normal, only you'll no longer have the power option, this may cause you probs when closing the hood cover. I also removed all the electric motors and cables etc

Saying that tho, mines all fine and water tight, just need the latches to do the complete conversion to manual
User avatar
t11mfn
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 505
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Tamworth

Post Tue Oct 04, 2005 8:00 am

whats the best way to keep your power hood in tip top condition i mean in terms of the mechanisms and motor to keep it working?! going off the topic a little
Cabrio
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1031
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:56 pm

2 issues

1. Manual and electric frames are different as are the fabrics..but the softtop is the least of your problems if you still want to use the motors and linkages etc..if its cheap you can sell it on..but better off paying Ԛ£400 for a good quality (not mohair) roof fabric and then:

2. lubricate all the frame links and connecting rods and joints...and redo each year...especially after leaving hardtop on for a while...ensure the motor casing is not cracked...if it is get the cast replacement for the alluminium original

Hope that helps
User avatar
exup
Boost Junkie
Posts: 351
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sat Oct 08, 2005 7:04 pm

2 issues

1 What the differenance in the hood material for electric versions ?? how do you tell ?

2. if your motor casing is cracked. Where can u get the cast replacement for the alluminium origina
cheers :)
Cabrio
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1031
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sat Oct 08, 2005 8:42 pm

Hi re differences in hood material difficult to explain without showing...if going to Donnington will be able to show you on a car...but the electric has an extra loop in the roof for a wire accross, also has tabs at the side to secure to the frame...a manual fabric can be fitted to an electric frame but will not be 100%...but frame are different..

On fabrics its like there are so many different quality fabrics and finishes..and it is hard to see the difference sometimes unless shown...or until fitted which it too late

Re replacement casing they are available from E30 Cab Parts and AutomacGB Ltd who specialise in convertibles and E30s..again they should be available at Donnington..but not aware of prices at this time but will never break again and will be cheaper than a new motor from BMW
Cabrio
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1031
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Tue Oct 11, 2005 12:29 pm

Due to several requests for E30 Cab Parts contact number it is 07871662902...but say where and who gave you the number as might get you a small discount...always worth a try...good luck