Replacing a Sew in Rear Screen on a Cabby

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:51 pm

Hi, has anyone done it before and lived to tell the tale? I'd be interested to know how hard it was, or if they got someone to do it for them and what the cost was?

I'm talking to a zoner about buying his car and it needs a new screen hence the question as I'd like to get it fixed.

As usual, if I can benefit from someone else's experience, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:18 am

get ya nan to do it

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:16 am

Hi Duncan

Still on the look out for one then

Did'nt put you off driving mine

Can't help with the screen question i'm affraid

Cheers Andrew

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:19 am

Speak to Topblag (Colin) as he did one before. By all accounts it's not easy. You can buy the screen from the US via eBay for approx £80, supplied and fitted by the pros is approx £200 based on other prices quoted on the zone before.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:07 pm

diable wrote:http://www.carhood.com/bmw/

Says its £220 on the site. I think I'd bite the bullet and get a pro to do it.

Totally agree with this. To do a proper job, you will have to take the hood off the frame...and then get it back on. Is it really worth the effort and time?

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:44 pm

It's an easy enough job to do, needs two people, lots of light and some tools to avoid you losing parts of your fingers whilst trying to push a needle through two layers of canvas and a plastic window.

I reckon 20 hours total (10 hours and two people) will get it done. The write up on the wiki is excellent.

The key thing I learned is not to cut the window in a hot house as when you try and fit it in a cold garage, it shrinks and doesn't fit properly.

If you have the money, get a third party to do it. Be careful though as some will only fit BMW parts and the windows from BMW are much more expensive than from aftermarket suppliers (like emiata.com).

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 2:01 pm

Thanks guys, appreciate the advice. Obvious next question is "does anyone know of a company in the north that they could recommend?"

I will obviously do a search to see for myself, but if anyone has any recommendations that would be great.

Cheers

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:25 pm

Might be worth pricing replacing the whole roof. Especially if tensioner straps are f*cked anyway.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:17 pm

Gone up that much has it? Thought it was about £400-£500 tops. Seems daft to spend £200 on a roof that may need replacing in a couple years anyway.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:27 pm

The car in question is mine and the roof is in very good condition apart from a 1.5 to 2" tear in the screen which was damaged by the courier on delivery. Roof was supplied by Z3I and he can vouch for the condition as you may or may not know he only sells good 2nd hand roofs.

Frustrating to say the least as apart from the damage caused by the courier the roof is in very good condition.

Duncan I would say that knowing your intentions for the car you most likely would not need it fixed but if you want it done I would pay a professional fitter. At the moment it doesn't leak when the car is washed but the car never sees a wet day so may do under a heavy consistent downpour.

The only firm I can recommend are in bearsden in Glasgow, but there is a company near Boyd (cecotto479) that he highly recommends in Lanarkshire.

Most likely a bit too north for you though.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:39 pm

Try the yellow pages and search for a trimmer. You'll possibly find someone local to you that are able to do the work.

Post Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:47 pm

Why didn't anyone recommend me? I work for car hood warehouse and do E30's all the time full hoods or rear screens!!

Post Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:49 pm

BTW regarding tension straps, i'd only recommend changing them if you have an electric roof. Stupid things just bend straight after a while anyway, E36 has the same problem now they're getting older.

Post Wed Oct 31, 2012 10:09 pm

So what's the prices for roof fitting and sew in window replacement Senor Carhood ?

Post Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:53 am

carhood74 wrote:Why didn't anyone recommend me? I work for car hood warehouse and do E30's all the time full hoods or rear screens!!

because no one knew about you....? newbie.

Good work done on my cab. Shame I wasn't offered the tension straps though, at the time...

Post Thu Nov 01, 2012 12:50 pm

carhood74 wrote:Why didn't anyone recommend me? I work for car hood warehouse and do E30's all the time full hoods or rear screens!!

Where are you located? And what prices do you offer. PM me if you prefer.

Post Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:06 pm

carhood74...pm me asw well mate, as i am needing a new roof for my cabby.