Soft Top Problems

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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DAVID LAMB
Joined: Wed 06 Sep, 2006 11:29
Posts: 5

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Soft Top Problems

Post by DAVID LAMB »

I've got a couple of problems with my soft top. Just above the rear windscreen (top right hand corner), the soft top material has come away from behind the rubber frame of the window. It has been like this for a while and doesn't appear to be getting any bigger but every time I put the roof down and then back up afterwards, the gap is quite noticable until the roof stretches out again. Has anyone had this happen to their roof before and if so, any ideas on how it can be repaired or is it a roof replacement or just live with it situation.

The second problem is that the plastic trim around the nearside release clip for the soft top appears to be bubbling (a bit like bubbling paintwork). The release clip is slightly harder to operate than the driver's side and I'm starting to wonder if it has been damaged at some point in the past and bodged. Any clues? I might have to post a picture to explain.

Dave
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Kipper
Joined: Thu 15 Dec, 2005 18:33
Posts: 700

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: St. Saviour

Post by Kipper »

I have the same problem with the material coming away from the stitching, it's only 3 inches long and is on both sides. I planned to take it to an upholsterer to have it re stitched but as it's not letting in water I never got round to it.

Mine is on both sides on the corners of the windscreen. Might help if you posted pics, sounds like the same thing as mine.
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jhb1
Joined: Wed 31 Mar, 2004 10:28
Posts: 222

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Aberdeen

Post by jhb1 »

Dave
I am sure there is a good thread on here if you search. It has pics and advice on an easy fix with some silicone glue? from helfords I seem to remember for the soft top coming away from the rear screen.
splash
Joined: Sun 23 Apr, 2006 16:31
Posts: 30

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Coldred

Post by splash »

This is a common problem probably down to slight shrinkage of the material. It certainly did it with me and it doesn't matter how many times you put the hood back under the seam around the window it will pop out again when the hood is folded.

There are threads on here about sorting it but the only way for a permanent fix is to put silcone sealant under the flap before sticking it back under the seam around the window.

oh by the way your'e lucky just to have it on one corner as it tends to spread around the entire rear screen. :roll:

Chris
PeterUK
Joined: Fri 01 Sep, 2006 23:24
Posts: 17

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Huddersfield

soft top problems

Post by PeterUK »

Like the other guys have said, mine is the same, this time in top left hand corner but doesnt leak, if u find a good and successful way to solve the prob, please let me know!
PeterUK
Joined: Fri 01 Sep, 2006 23:24
Posts: 17

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Huddersfield

soft top problems

Post by PeterUK »

Like the other guys have said, mine is the same, this time in top left hand corner but doesnt leak, if u find a good and successful way to solve the prob, please let me know!
big cheesy
Joined: Thu 16 Mar, 2006 21:41
Posts: 289

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Post by big cheesy »

Just done mine last weekend with black silicon sealant £5 from Halfords.
Loctite Superflex black silicone sealant it's called.
Opened up gap slightly between surround, cleaned gently with meths and left to dry. Put a small thin bead along underside, give it minute to get tacky then leaning in to car to get at both sides squeezed together to bond. keep squeezing for a few mins.
There is a more detailed very good description and pictures at
http://ackthud.com/shawnfogg/topfix.htm


The top has been up and down all week and no probs - good luck
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Kipper
Joined: Thu 15 Dec, 2005 18:33
Posts: 700

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: St. Saviour

Post by Kipper »

Bigcheesy,
Thanks for the explanation & link, totally idiot proof.
This is precisely the problem I have and I'd expected a bill from the upholsterer for well over a pony.

Will fix this weekend ( if it ever stops raining )

Thanks - Kipper
DAVID LAMB
Joined: Wed 06 Sep, 2006 11:29
Posts: 5

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Soft Top Problems

Post by DAVID LAMB »

Thanks for that detailed explaination! I'll do the same and have a go at the repair myself.

Cheers

Dave
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Deano1712
Z Register organiser
Joined: Sat 05 Aug, 2006 12:56
Posts: 1396

  M roadster S50
Location: Leeds

Post by Deano1712 »

Did mine 6 weeks ago on all 4 corners and still holding strong :)
Z3M with a few mods...and a little bit more power
bern
Joined: Mon 24 Jul, 2006 18:39
Posts: 7

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: East Grinstead

Rear Screen gaps

Post by bern »

I had this three years ag. Took it to a hood specialist who sorted it for £40
No problems since
bern
Joined: Mon 24 Jul, 2006 18:39
Posts: 7

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: East Grinstead

Rear Screen gaps

Post by bern »

I had this three years ago. Took it to a hood specialist who sorted it for £40
No problems since
matchy
Joined: Fri 26 May, 2006 21:29
Posts: 116

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Truro

Soft top

Post by matchy »

Hi , This is happening to mine , I did glue it back with window sealer but it,s starting to come away on the other side ... More importantly , Has anyone had a possible problem with wear on the inside at the sides of the top . Mine is getting quite bad where the frame hinges rub against the material and I fear it will eventually wear right through . No sign yet on the outside , Has anyone noticed this ? cheers , matchy.
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