New soft-top fitting

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martin41052
Joined: Tue 20 Oct, 2015 16:40
Posts: 20

  Z3 roadster 1.9

New soft-top fitting

Post by martin41052 »

I will be getting a new soft-top fitted to my Z3 and have just contacted Hot Hoods of Romford and booked for them to do the work. They have quoted £575 for a mohair top which is fine, but they have asked me to pay in cash. This seems a bit strange to me and I am rather wary now of going ahead. Does anyone else have experience of this company and are they ok? Perhaps I am worrying about nothing, but I wouldn't think it usual for a reputable company to ask for payment in cash.
If no-one has used them I think I will cancel my order and go instead to Soft Tops in Croydon who are much further away from me, but I know that a number of forum users have been happy with them.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by Del »

I drove from North Somerset to Croydon Soft Tops and was happy with the result. Cost last April was £325 - he also preferred cash. Rarely have I been happier to hand over £325. Many on this forum have used this firm and been happy - funny little back-street workshop but first impressions can be deceiving as the guy really knew his stuff, had obviously done many Z3s and gave the impression he could virtually do it blindfolded. I suspect that the actual materials (which they must buy in bulk) are relatively cheap and that they make their money/profit on the labour charge.
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by gookah »

soft tops in Croydon, unless you particularly have lots of money to spend thinking you are getting a better roof.
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
Thesurveyor
Joined: Tue 15 Oct, 2013 13:36
Posts: 119

  M roadster S50
Location: Kent

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by Thesurveyor »

I used Hot Hoods on my M and they did a fine job. No complaints at all.
I did buy the top quality version,though without seeing the basic one it's difficult to make a sensible comparison.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by Del »

Here's a UK BMW Car Club thread praising a low cost firm in Swansea - I haven't seen an example of his work though.

http://www.bmwccgbforum.co.uk/soft-top- ... c8162.html
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by BladeRunner919 »

Del wrote:Here's a UK BMW Car Club thread praising a low cost firm in Swansea - I haven't seen an example of his work though.

http://www.bmwccgbforum.co.uk/soft-top- ... c8162.html
Jack Smith's did the roof on my girlfriend's MX5. We drove from Berkshire to Swansea just to have him do the roof, as they seem to be the go-to guys for MX5s. I have to say, the roof is fantastic. It is a funny, little, back-street place and he also is cash only (you get a proper receipt etc, he just doesn't have a card machine)
boustrophedon
Joined: Thu 01 Oct, 2015 20:29
Posts: 34

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by boustrophedon »

Are there any firms that are not south of London or stuck out in Wales?
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: New soft-top fitting

Post by Del »

Couple in the Midlands

http://www.thehoodguys.co.uk/

http://www.softtops.org.uk/rear-screens.htm

These firms seem to be a bit thin on the ground, only slightly easier to find than a thatcher for a thatched roof :D
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