HARD TOP convertible

[MrBMW78]

For anyone that would know! On a e30 convertible when you add a hard top do you have to remove the soft top from the car?

* Was just having this discussion with a friend earlier today.....it would not make sence to me to have a hard top and not have the soft top in its storage.......if you have the top down and it rains ur screwed cause ur hard top will be home.

Well enough chatter its one of those questions that are only easy when you know..

WHEN HARD TOP IS ON IS THE SOFT TOP FOLDED IN?

[HartgeH27]

For anyone that would know! On a e30 convertible when you add a hard top do you have to remove the soft top from the car?

* Was just having this discussion with a friend earlier today.....it would not make sence to me to have a hard top and not have the soft top in its storage.......if you have the top down and it rains ur screwed cause ur hard top will be home.

Well enough chatter its one of those questions that are only easy when you know..

WHEN HARD TOP IS ON IS THE SOFT TOP FOLDED IN?

Yes !!!!!!!!!! Simple question and simple answer !

[gazm3]

Soft top is folded, neatly in a 'Horse-shoe' shaped box at the rear.

[sheldo]

ive not got a hardtop but want one for mine. i assumed that you fold the soft top away into its storage compartment and then put the hardtop on. the soft top is always there when you need it then.

[HartgeH27]

Soft top is folded, neatly in a 'Horse-shoe' shaped box at the rear.

Very eloquently put Gazza !!!!!

[gazm3]

Two plastic bungs, either side that you remove, Hardtops have two spikes that fit in the holes where your bungs are. Very simple, two locking catches at the front the same as your soft top. Heavy items but a must for winter.

[HartgeH27]

Ok the hardtop can be fitted whilst the softop is in its storage compartment, but I recommend removal of the soft top frame and hood over winter, otherwise it can adversly weather (damp and condensation) whilst locked in. As Gazza says, two locating pins to the rear of the passenger quarter locate the hardtop and the two pins to the top of windscreen finally locate the hardtop. The rear pins pick up the electrical pick up for the rear heated windscreen vice the rear blower.
You do need a special tool/spanner to lock down the hardtop from the rear mounts.


Iain

[MrBMW78]

Yes that does make sence.....just as i thought...........But wanted to know for certain as i had no idea.

I have asked this question before...BUT I AM STILL PLAYING WITH THE IDEA OF TRADING MY SALOON FOR A E30 CONVERTIBLE>>>>>WORTH DOING OR NOT! baring in mind it will be used all year round

[HartgeH27]

Do it !!!!!!
You will never look back !!!
Cabs with a good soft and hardtop are ideal daily drivers !!!!!!!

[mrLEE30]

would agree with removing the soft top in winter, cause really they are designed to be up and not folded away, of course they do tolorate being folded but for long periods of time they will not. if you will have the hard top on for a few month then remove the soft top and hang it opened in yer garage or somewhere similar.

mrlee

[Cabrio]

Hi

If fitted properly the softtop in the summer, hardtop in winter works well.

Make sure you have a good softtop fitted in the correct fabric, also when you get a hardtop whichever version you go for...but, ensure heated rear window switch is fitted.

As long as your roof is clean and dry when put away..and it is a good fabric it will last the winter..any creases should fall out come the summer...good idea to treat the window with hindsight.

Remember that if you want to use the heated rear window the micro switches are on the frame, also thatif it is electric it can be more complicated...also that the softtop frame is shimmed so unless you know what you are doing and have help, removing the frame will create more problems.

Ensure you buy a car with a good softtop, with a working mechanism, if you keep it clean it will be fine to put away under the horseshoe for months, and safer longterm...if any concerns it would be easier to occasionally check it.

REMEMBER that when you operate it again for the first time it may be stiff, so ideally use WD40 or similar on joints before closing it and most motors break (casing cracks) or bar bend when fram is still...mechanism parts still available from the dealers, but replacement casings on there own only available from E30Cab parts in Wolverhampton...they manufacture them and I have had some off them and they are good

Happy motoring, any other questions just ask

[Zayyan]

Two plastic bungs, either side that you remove, Hardtops have two spikes that fit in the holes where your bungs are. Very simple, two locking catches at the front the same as your soft top. Heavy items but a must for winter.

Is it just me or does that sound like hardtops are easy to nick? Especially the "very simple" part

[Cabrio]

Thief would have to come prepared to steal..but if you have a good alarm when they attempt breakin it should work...whether original or a Wiesmann handles are different but again if they know what they are doing it will be down to parking the car in a safe place and having a good alarm

[MrBMW78]

Hi Cabrio.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the cab....I will have some more questions closer to the day that i make my decision to swap for a e30 cab..

Thanks again.

[Moofles]

p.s. if it's anything similar to the z3 soft top, you can get a cloth/towel thing, which sits along the plastic window, to prevent it folding tightly...stops the creases appearing during long-term storage.

[Cabrio]

There is a special cloth available but I always tell people to use a soft handtowel, this prevents the plastic window rubbing and scratching...hindsight will avoid window misting, and going cloudy and potential cracking but cant cure scratches

All these things are available at a discount through BMW Car club convertible register to members...can save your membership with discounts and advice available