Just ordered a replacement soft top

[Pthurlow]

Ordered a new soft top from autotops.com and looking forward to installing it.

With that said, I hit the manifesto and reviewed everything there. Do any of you have any other tips to offer for a smoother install? I'm ordering cables and the butyl seal from the dealership tomorrow. Is there anything else I should do while I'm replacing the top?

Thanks.

[Blacklane]

I would order a new sealing frame as well. They are plastic and get brittle with age casuing leaks around the top/body seam. It may also crack while trying to remove it. Mine came out in 3 pieces.

Of course you need the butyl tape. Also have plenty of masking tape around the body. I actually used masking tape with duct tape over that to help prevent scratches.

[Pthurlow]

I would order a new sealing frame as well. They are plastic and get brittle with age casuing leaks around the top/body seam. It may also crack while trying to remove it. Mine came out in 3 pieces.

Of course you need the butyl tape. Also have plenty of masking tape around the body. I actually used masking tape with duct tape over that to help prevent scratches.

I'll be sure to tape it tons as I just had the whole car painted in October. Thanks for the tip on the sealing frame.

[Blacklane]

What else to do while installing top?

I took the opportunity to run 3-channel RCA cables from the head unit to the trunk for an aftermarket head unit and amplifier. It is so much easier to do this without the top in the way. I also welded two nut plates into the panel between the boot and the trunk to mount the amplifier, but that's not for everyone. (There are already some nut plates back there for the BMW accessories.)

[SCCompact]

Please let us know how hard the replacement is.

I've been thinking about a new top and I've been getting quotes aroud $1400 with a Robins Top installled or $850 labor if I supply the top.

I'd really like to do it myself and save the money but I am not sure if this is a task I should take on.

[Pthurlow]

What else to do while installing top?

I took the opportunity to run 3-channel RCA cables from the head unit to the trunk for an aftermarket head unit and amplifier. It is so much easier to do this without the top in the way. I also welded two nut plates into the panel between the boot and the trunk to mount the amplifier, but that's not for everyone. (There are already some nut plates back there for the BMW accessories.)

Lol. That was last weeks task, and a task it was. I installed the Kenwood HS-XR and put in a small box with an 8 inch JL sub. Sounds great.

[Joemamaman]

All good tips.

I would also invest in an electric (or pneumatic) stapler to attach the top to the sealing trim. dont even bother w/ manual one.

Also strong 3M spray glue for the areas that wrap around the front and the mid spar snap on tubes.

Lastly, be very careful w/ the aftermarket rear windows... you dont have the option to change them...

I did mine a couple yrs back and made the mistake of using plexol to clean it... but it ended up sealing some of the dirt onto the window, and now the rear window is somewhat frosted again... Polishing it didnt help.

Next time I'm going to save up for the oem top.

So... take good care of the rear window!
As for the canvas... it's great~ No complaints there. Just wish I could swap my rear window.

[Pthurlow]

All good tips.

I would also invest in an electric (or pneumatic) stapler to attach the top to the sealing trim. dont even bother w/ manual one.

Also strong 3M spray glue for the areas that wrap around the front and the mid spar snap on tubes.

Lastly, be very careful w/ the aftermarket rear windows... you dont have the option to change them...

I did mine a couple yrs back and made the mistake of using plexol to clean it... but it ended up sealing some of the dirt onto the window, and now the rear window is somewhat frosted again... Polishing it didnt help.

Next time I'm going to save up for the oem top.

So... take good care of the rear window!
As for the canvas... it's great~ No complaints there. Just wish I could swap my rear window.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely pull out the pneumatic stapler for this one. Going to hit Home Depot tomorrow to see if they sell stainless staples. I believe the only tool i'll need to purchase is a rivet gun.

[Blacklane]

I forgot to mention that it's also a perfect time to replace the rear shock mounts with aftermarket ones such as Rogue Engineering or Ireland Engineering. You have complete access with the top off.

[Pthurlow]

I forgot to mention that it's also a perfect time to replace the rear shock mounts with aftermarket ones such as Rogue Engineering or Ireland Engineering. You have complete access with the top off.

Just checked out rogue and Ireland. Going to go with Rogue as Ireland wanted an additional $100 to ship to me in Canada. WTF?

[BenFenner]

Don't forget to cross-shop the Ground Control RSMs. I liked them a tiny bit more than the Rogue solution. They might be cheaper to Canada? Maybe not.

[SkiFree]

Just checked out rogue and Ireland. Going to go with Rogue as Ireland wanted an additional $100 to ship to me in Canada. WTF?

If you were looking at the automatic shipping on the IE page, its setup for USPS Express, hence the price. None of these guys make their money on shipping.

[Pthurlow]

I'm not suggesting that they are, but why the additional up charge of $25.00? I've purchased many things from US suppliers and I have yet to pay any additional fees, aside from shipping and duty. I just had two tail lights delivered to my front door from Florida in a large box and the shipping charges were only $32.00 and it made it to me in just a few days.

[Pthurlow]

Well it looks like I'm going to have to purchase a new sealing frame. It came out pretty good with only one small repairable crack. The problem is removing the butyl tape am residue off. Spent an hour on that already and have made only a dent. I've tried different solvents including methyl hydrate, laquer thinner and good off with no real gains. The dealer here wants $275 for a new one. CRAZY!!

Took only two hours to get the top off. Now waiting for the new one to arrive.