After trawling through the forum, to find a new roof for my new 325. There seems to be 2 contenders, RJ Smith Interiors in Swansea and BAS in Cwmbran.
Having been down to see Ray from RJ Smith, he quoted me £250.00 fully fitted, but I was not impressed with the material or the workmanship. After being highly recommended by this site and sideway Steve, I have decided to go with the more expensive option of BAS in Cwmbran,.
As I only work over the road from them, and have been impressed with their hoods and service, and seing all types of classic models ( rolls, Jags ) being restored, this option is £500.00 fully fitted and well worth the £250.00 extra.
My 325 is having a new hood fitted on wednesday, will post pictures once done.
( has anyone else used the company ) would like to know your views.
Cabby Roof Decision Did I really offend anyone ???
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B7
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Agreed, you get what you pay for. All I know about my hood (it had just been done when I bought the car) was thet it was OE german quality and the guy specified a tinted rear screen to match the cars glass. Fit is superb but theres still a bit too much silicone about for me (if I had paid the bill it would have gone back). Bill for mine was £700 in blue.
Your doing the right thing by not rushing in. £250 is purely a case of, you'll get 250 quids worth of workmanship even if the material is okay. The 2 prices you have makes it a no brainer and loking at Dave red hood above just bolsters the argument (looking sweet dave).
Your doing the right thing by not rushing in. £250 is purely a case of, you'll get 250 quids worth of workmanship even if the material is okay. The 2 prices you have makes it a no brainer and loking at Dave red hood above just bolsters the argument (looking sweet dave).
B7's Motto. "If it's French, BURN IT!!!!!!"
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Ziggy
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Looking good! 
I'm probably going to get a new hood before long (mine's just generally tired), but my main concern is what colour to go for! Black's obvious (& the most likely), but that red on Dave's car looks great. Just not sure it'd suit Zinnobar Red, & I don't know what other options they have...
I'm probably going to get a new hood before long (mine's just generally tired), but my main concern is what colour to go for! Black's obvious (& the most likely), but that red on Dave's car looks great. Just not sure it'd suit Zinnobar Red, & I don't know what other options they have...E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
this is the page...I don't think it would go with zinnobar...only an opinion though
http://www.car-hood.co.uk/content.php?n ... 22&pID=147
http://www.car-hood.co.uk/content.php?n ... 22&pID=147
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Rosc0PColtrane
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Stick with black Ziggy. Get some Autoglym or equivalent roof cleaner/protector to keep the black really dark and it'll look nice.
As for people slating the guys work in Swansea, based on him charging £250, is not good. A slanderous opinion based on price is negligent, slighting the guys business is harmful to his business. Until you have had first hand experience or first hand annecdotes on the quality of his works, people should be careful what they say.
Steve had his car retrimmed and the hood replaced and was very pleased with the results. The opinion from the pictures he posted was that the work was good, zoners liked it.
Classic car restorers use him for many prestigious marques and he does have a good reputation. So until we have had first hand experience of his work being substandard, can we keep the subjective trash talking to ourselves please?
As for people slating the guys work in Swansea, based on him charging £250, is not good. A slanderous opinion based on price is negligent, slighting the guys business is harmful to his business. Until you have had first hand experience or first hand annecdotes on the quality of his works, people should be careful what they say.
Steve had his car retrimmed and the hood replaced and was very pleased with the results. The opinion from the pictures he posted was that the work was good, zoners liked it.
Classic car restorers use him for many prestigious marques and he does have a good reputation. So until we have had first hand experience of his work being substandard, can we keep the subjective trash talking to ourselves please?
no one on here has slated the blokes work due to the cost if anyone has had dealings with him and can show the work etc proper decisions can be made, it states in the first post that pete27577 has been and viewed the work and quality of material and wasn't impressed by either. I was clearly stating that it seemed very cheap for a roof to be supplied and fitted due to other prices around i have been looking as i need one for my cabby alsoRosc0PColtrane wrote:Stick with black Ziggy. Get some Autoglym or equivalent roof cleaner/protector to keep the black really dark and it'll look nice.
As for people slating the guys work in Swansea, based on him charging £250, is not good. A slanderous opinion based on price is negligent, slighting the guys business is harmful to his business. Until you have had first hand experience or first hand annecdotes on the quality of his works, people should be careful what they say.
Steve had his car retrimmed and the hood replaced and was very pleased with the results. The opinion from the pictures he posted was that the work was good, zoners liked it.
Classic car restorers use him for many prestigious marques and he does have a good reputation. So until we have had first hand experience of his work being substandard, can we keep the subjective trash talking to ourselves please?
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B7
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Me also. Not sure what side of the bed you got out of this morning but I too was mearly stating that if the companies work had been viewed and he was not that happy with it then his choice has surely been made. Also one persons idea of a good job may not be the same as others. £250 for a complete hood trim is ridiculously cheap. If it's a goodun then so be it, everyone has got access to a bargain.whipsey wrote:no one on here has slated the blokes work due to the cost if anyone has had dealings with him and can show the work etc proper decisions can be made, it states in the first post that pete27577 has been and viewed the work and quality of material and wasn't impressed by either. I was clearly stating that it seemed very cheap for a roof to be supplied and fitted due to other prices around i have been looking as i need one for my cabby alsoRosc0PColtrane wrote:Stick with black Ziggy. Get some Autoglym or equivalent roof cleaner/protector to keep the black really dark and it'll look nice.
As for people slating the guys work in Swansea, based on him charging £250, is not good. A slanderous opinion based on price is negligent, slighting the guys business is harmful to his business. Until you have had first hand experience or first hand annecdotes on the quality of his works, people should be careful what they say.
Steve had his car retrimmed and the hood replaced and was very pleased with the results. The opinion from the pictures he posted was that the work was good, zoners liked it.
Classic car restorers use him for many prestigious marques and he does have a good reputation. So until we have had first hand experience of his work being substandard, can we keep the subjective trash talking to ourselves please?
B7's Motto. "If it's French, BURN IT!!!!!!"
What fabrics are these roofs as they are too cheap if the correct German fabric.....BMW, VW, Merc, Audi etc DO NOT use use Mohair..even 'German Mohair' which I see sometimes!..
The OEM fabrics are either Sonnenland Dralonstoff or A5....just ask the question
You wont see the difference in year one or two...but later on
Also whether they are double skinned in the correct places, metal rather than plastic in correct places and correct stictching, position of brushes, pieces for electric roof....that may be what people are saying in terms of what you pay for....
The OEM fabrics are either Sonnenland Dralonstoff or A5....just ask the question
You wont see the difference in year one or two...but later on
Also whether they are double skinned in the correct places, metal rather than plastic in correct places and correct stictching, position of brushes, pieces for electric roof....that may be what people are saying in terms of what you pay for....
Thanks everyone for your feedback, although I must clearly make a point. I have not slagged the chap or the business off, just mearly expressing my opinion, for which we use these forums for, to get the best of what our hobbies involve.
My reasons for not using RJ Smith Interiors are as follows...
The material used seemed thin, than my present hood on the car
When looking at the hood he has just finished on another car, the stitching on the rear window was not straight, and was very noticeable.
He was not really willing to replace the old cables which are now of less quality
No rear brushes on the rear quarter panels were going to be used
and finally no rear tinted windows.
My reasons for using BAS are quite simple really
Mohair top sees much thicker and of better quality, and I believe that you pay for quality
It's lazer cut to the exact spec of the BMW
Tinted rear window as standard
Rear quarter brushes
New cabeling will be used to ensure it's followed to spec
and it's convienient, as the company are on the same industrial estate as me, it makes perfect sence, I can see them working on my girl during the day!!!
I have made other enquiries to various potential businesses, however, none really matched up to what I was looking for, so I could restore my BMW to the best quality she deserves
My reasons for not using RJ Smith Interiors are as follows...
The material used seemed thin, than my present hood on the car
When looking at the hood he has just finished on another car, the stitching on the rear window was not straight, and was very noticeable.
He was not really willing to replace the old cables which are now of less quality
No rear brushes on the rear quarter panels were going to be used
and finally no rear tinted windows.
My reasons for using BAS are quite simple really
Mohair top sees much thicker and of better quality, and I believe that you pay for quality
It's lazer cut to the exact spec of the BMW
Tinted rear window as standard
Rear quarter brushes
New cabeling will be used to ensure it's followed to spec
and it's convienient, as the company are on the same industrial estate as me, it makes perfect sence, I can see them working on my girl during the day!!!
I have made other enquiries to various potential businesses, however, none really matched up to what I was looking for, so I could restore my BMW to the best quality she deserves
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daimlerman
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Years ago I owned an MG Midget.A mate also ran one.He had an aftermarket hood fitted to his.I helped him fold it one day and noted that it felt thinner and much more flimsey than my O/E hood.You pays your hard earned and make your own choice.
Youth is wasted on the young.
Depends if you are talking OE in a BMW box or from the OE supplier or OE factory or OE fabric made to OE spec or OE manufacture process.....lots of ifs maybes and couldbes
I have fitted so many roofs and seen so many others fitted that sometimes it what you dont see that bites you in the end....
For the majority as long as you are happy with the fit and the way it looks and happy with the price - who can complain...as stated before get what you pay for...
Personal preference the roofs I like are still made in Germany different suppliers based on price but all OE fabric and fit...tried cheap ones and I dont like the fit etc...
Not sure if that answers your question - but for example for Baur roofs I know the man who makes them for BMW and they are twice the price when they come in a BMW box...
I have fitted so many roofs and seen so many others fitted that sometimes it what you dont see that bites you in the end....
For the majority as long as you are happy with the fit and the way it looks and happy with the price - who can complain...as stated before get what you pay for...
Personal preference the roofs I like are still made in Germany different suppliers based on price but all OE fabric and fit...tried cheap ones and I dont like the fit etc...
Not sure if that answers your question - but for example for Baur roofs I know the man who makes them for BMW and they are twice the price when they come in a BMW box...
what would you recommend?cabrio wrote:Depends if you are talking OE in a BMW box or from the OE supplier or OE factory or OE fabric made to OE spec or OE manufacture process.....lots of ifs maybes and couldbes
I have fitted so many roofs and seen so many others fitted that sometimes it what you dont see that bites you in the end....
For the majority as long as you are happy with the fit and the way it looks and happy with the price - who can complain...as stated before get what you pay for...
Personal preference the roofs I like are still made in Germany different suppliers based on price but all OE fabric and fit...tried cheap ones and I dont like the fit etc...
Not sure if that answers your question - but for example for Baur roofs I know the man who makes them for BMW and they are twice the price when they come in a BMW box...
The ones I have fitted and know they last on the E30 are made from OE material to OE pattern and use metal brace rod at the rear...option of clear or tinted window...also electric additions at not extra cost if required...tension wires thread in easily at sides...double thickness in right places..brushes in coreect place at sides....fit well at sides and front corners etc - and normally cost about £400-£450 plus fitting circa £150-£180...but can cost more for the roof at some places like the dealer....these would be insurance approved
Thats why its hard to believe can be supplied and fitted for £250...cant see it, or is it believe it
Some suppliers do these but everyone wants cheap...but as I never want comeback I wont do cheap especially is for an insurance job etc...thats my advice....
Thats why its hard to believe can be supplied and fitted for £250...cant see it, or is it believe it
Some suppliers do these but everyone wants cheap...but as I never want comeback I wont do cheap especially is for an insurance job etc...thats my advice....
are you in the uk? im going to need a new roof fitting at some point this yearcabrio wrote:The ones I have fitted and know they last on the E30 are made from OE material to OE pattern and use metal brace rod at the rear...option of clear or tinted window...also electric additions at not extra cost if required...tension wires thread in easily at sides...double thickness in right places..brushes in coreect place at sides....fit well at sides and front corners etc - and normally cost about £400-£450 plus fitting circa £150-£180...but can cost more for the roof at some places like the dealer....these would be insurance approved
Thats why its hard to believe can be supplied and fitted for £250...cant see it, or is it believe it
Some suppliers do these but everyone wants cheap...but as I never want comeback I wont do cheap especially is for an insurance job etc...thats my advice....
Yes in UK..as you are in Kettering..the E30Centre in Wolverhampton have fitted the same roofs last year and no doubt will do again this year but the same problem people want cheaper so they are looking at cheaper suppliers also
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mrLEE30
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BAS very good price and quality, i was recommended them by Dave D and i now continiue to recommend them, i called them from here in Bahrain and despite the thick Welsh accent on the other end of the phone i managed to easliy order what i needed and had it sent to my sister in Bolton.
Brought it out here and had it fitted by a local shop (who do very good work) they were impressed by the quality and they fitted the whole thing in about a day... NO problems.
I have had the roof on now for almost a year in what can only be described as the worst conditions for a fabric roof (extream sun and temps in excess of 50C) the wind noise is very good (mainly from my old seals anyway) and if it ever rained in this part of the World i am sure the roof would not leak (again my seals are the weak point)
Highly Highly reccommended (and being this far away i definately have no affliliation with the seller just reccon their product is the best)
the fitting in March 2006
later that week :
date on the photo :
i managed to easliy order what i needed and had it sent to my sister in Bolton.Brought it out here and had it fitted by a local shop (who do very good work) they were impressed by the quality and they fitted the whole thing in about a day... NO problems.
I have had the roof on now for almost a year in what can only be described as the worst conditions for a fabric roof (extream sun and temps in excess of 50C) the wind noise is very good (mainly from my old seals anyway) and if it ever rained in this part of the World i am sure the roof would not leak (again my seals are the weak point)
Highly Highly reccommended (and being this far away i definately have no affliliation with the seller just reccon their product is the best)
the fitting in March 2006
later that week :
date on the photo :
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Rosc0PColtrane
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I was quoted £1000 from a dealer!whipsey wrote:how much is an o/e hood roughly?
Mr Lee - does that roof have the brushes on the side...looks like it has...also is it kicking up a bit at the back...as hard to see from pics but does not appear to be pointing down to the rear panel and more flush...but as long as the customer is happy thats all anyone can ask..it also looks a bit shiney so may be A5
A decent roof of correct fabric and properly cut will cost circa £600 fitted including new front rail and possible alli side brackets if broken....
Sorry but its like so many parts sometimes they are cheap for a reason
A decent roof of correct fabric and properly cut will cost circa £600 fitted including new front rail and possible alli side brackets if broken....
Sorry but its like so many parts sometimes they are cheap for a reason
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B7
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Depends on the shade of the material. If it's a dark green (ALA Audis) then yes, I reckon it would look the nuts.whipsey wrote:ok out of interest then do you think a green roof on a malachite green cabby would look any good?
B7's Motto. "If it's French, BURN IT!!!!!!"
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mrLEE30
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cabrio - yes it has the brushes, not sure what you mean by fitting flush at the rear as the frame has a rubber seal there so the roof will only close as much as the seal will allow - i cannot poke my finger through from the inside when its closed - but thats not to say it was fitted correctly the guy had never done an E30 before. It came supplied with the front rail, but the front seal i got (quite cheaply i thought 
) from BMW.
As for the material i think it is sonneland, or at least thats what the guy here said it appeared to be (he reckoned that from the pettern of the weave of the thread and had some samples) and i must say it was very simlar - it certainly is not the cheaper material they had to offer (he custom makes roofs so he had samples)
but i will say its very good and at 350 quid it was the cheapest option i could find... here is a closer pic showing the brushes and you can see the rear seal fit... does it look right??? if not what is right??
mrlee
) from BMW.As for the material i think it is sonneland, or at least thats what the guy here said it appeared to be (he reckoned that from the pettern of the weave of the thread and had some samples) and i must say it was very simlar - it certainly is not the cheaper material they had to offer (he custom makes roofs so he had samples)
but i will say its very good and at 350 quid it was the cheapest option i could find... here is a closer pic showing the brushes and you can see the rear seal fit... does it look right??? if not what is right??
mrlee
i might just do that lolDaveD wrote:seen one and thought it looks great...but I am not sure what shade of green it was (the car) it wasn't too dark...get a sample and check it against the car...that's what I did