Thank you so much for creating and posting this high quality video. I finished my Z3 top replacement yesterday and i don't think i could have done it without this detailed content.

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Fantastic! Thank you for the kind words, for letting me know how it went, and thanks for watching!

My man. I can't tell you how good this video is. I took the old ratty top off a few years ago and never got the new one back on since this car is not a daily driver, and so it sat. Every now and then I'd build up the motivation and some free time to try and get back at it but was always overwhelmed by the lack of detailed info out there and would invariably give up, since I've all but forgotten how everything came apart at this point. This video and tool list is exactly what I and the rest of the world has been missing this whole time. I'm buying the tools and parts I need today. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for being so thorough in your explanation and lessons learned. This is a master class in DIY repair.

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Gosh, I am so humbled by your very kind words. I am so appreciative of your taking the time to tell me your story, and I'm very happy that the video helped you get after your task. Take your time and don't get frustrated. You will be successful, I'm certain. Thank you again for the wonderful comments, and thanks for watching!

Just finished my install. Final result is perfection. But getting there was rough. There’s nothing particularly hard about any of it. There’s just a zillion steps and the only way out is thru once you get started. The butyl is the stickiest, messiest stuff in the world and takes hours to remove. The stapling is tedious. Much of the job is tedious. But not at all hard or difficult. This video series was my bible. Never once looked at the instructions I printed out. Due to weather and work, took me a week and a half from start to finish. My first 2 days were full and productive. Threw a cover over the car till I could give it a good 6 hours today to finish. Would I do it again? Yes. Here in the Chicago suburbs a professional install is $1100. I actually will be doing it again as my son’s ‘97 needs a new top. He’ll be doing most of the work tho. I’ll just coach. I did change the order of a few steps ever so slightly which didn’t affect anything. The only major thing I did differently from these videos is, I used fishing line to slice thru the old butyl and separate it from the car. Just wriggle the corners free until you can feed the fishing line between the rear bracket and rain rail and slice it along til you get to the middle of the back. Do the same for the other side. Really speeds things along. But speed is relative in this project. Whole ordeal from start to finish probably took 20 hours. Would go faster if you did it all the time and had a nice clean indoor shop with plenty of room. I’ve got a cramped driveway, July heat, and a bunch of random, not terribly well organized tools.

@mainejason

6 күн бұрын

That's great, nice work!! Yes, persistence will get you there. I've heard mention of the fish line technique from others and it sounds like a winner. Now that you've done one, the second will be a piece of cake. 😉 Glad the videos were helpful to you. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Suburb video. Best one for Z3 top on KZread!!!

@mainejason

Ай бұрын

Very kind words - thank you, and thanks for watching!

@MatteoBlanco

Ай бұрын

@@mainejason of course! Just completed mine on my 2002 with the headliner. I bought the $99 sail material too on eBay & it fits perfectly. It’s missing the plastics to send the screws in but still doable with the material flaps & a pic tool

@mainejason

Ай бұрын

Excellent - nice work! I’m glad it worked out well for you.

Thank you for this great tutorial ! I bought a Z3 that had its top removed by the previous owner and was never replaced This was a massive help and I was able to do it all by myself in one weekend, couldn’t have done it without this video !

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

Excellent! I'm so happy to hear this was helpful to you! Great work getting that job done. Thanks for watching!!

I didn't know you could climb onto a convertible top like that. Excellent work and video quality, I especially love the thorough instruction and the music!

@mainejason

4 ай бұрын

Ha! I didn't either, but sometimes necessity dictates risk! I'm very glad you enjoyed the video - that makes all the effort worthwhile 😉 Again, thanks for watching!

OMG just the video I have been looking for. I've had a z3 without the top since before winter and haven't found a suitable video until now. The tool list in the description is super helpful too. Thank you so much!

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

I can't tell you how much it means to hear this. I really wanted this video to help and inspire - so your comment is very gratifying. Take your time and you'll get it done! Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Was thinking of doing it myself, but after the video and to see how many things I need to buy inorder to have a smooth go at it, feels like too much. I'm going to find a professional, but thanks for this video! I will surely recommend this video to whoever does it for me :D

@mainejason

Ай бұрын

It is most certainly a big undertaking. If you don't have most of the tools already, it can add up quickly. Thank you for the comment, the future recommendation, and thanks for watching!

Thank you so much posting this video. Very in depth and super helpful with a z3 I recently purchased and the issues I need to address with my leaking top. 10/10

@mainejason

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind comments. Congrats on your new purchase! Take your time with the top and you'll do great. Let me know how it goes. Thank you again for the comment, and thanks for watching!

I need to due same job. Great tips. I have been a mechanic. For 45 years although I worked for interior shop it was very helpful watchen your install. I hate haven other people work on my car so I will give it a go.

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the comment. It sounds like you'll easily have the skills for this project. Best of luck. Thank you again, and thanks for watching!

I'm surprised you didn't take the seats out to work on the bolts for the bow. One of the best parts about a 2-seater being a convertible or a t-top/targa is just how easy the seats come out compared to a fixed roof car. And taking out the seats makes work on the interior of the car so much easier.

@mainejason

Ай бұрын

I thought about taking them out, but I was concerned I'd damage the wiring harnesses while flailing around in there - lol! At least having the seats in was a little easier on the knees. 😉 Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Thank you so much for this video people like you makes life better your the best ❤😊

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

That is such a kind comment. I'm glad you found the video helpful, or at least interesting. Thank you again, and thanks for watching!

I liked your video. I have done convertible tops professionally for several years but never on a Z3. there are very few convertible top designs, but it helps having somebody around with experience on a job like this. We got it in just two days. Thanks again.

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the comment. I'm sure having done this work professionally, you could do it in your sleep! It's always an adventure doing something without much fore-knowledge, and resources on this topic were really lacking, which was why I made this video. For me, seeing someone else do it first is so much easier. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks again for the comment, and thanks for watching!

These videos were a lifesaver top Saver) My Baby is back and can outside when it rains again Thank you Thank You Thank You

@mainejason

Ай бұрын

Excellent! It really is nice to hear that these vids are helpful to you all! Great work getting your Z back into fighting shape!! Thank you for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

Hi Jason, it was great to be with an excellent content video and I am still enjoying the steps......

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Glad you are enjoying the video. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Well done!!!! Thank you so much!!!!

@mainejason

4 ай бұрын

I'm glad you are finding the video helpful. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Magnificent Job! One day I might attempt this.

@mainejason

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you do give it a try, let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

Excellent video, I may try doing this on my car. Thanks!

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

Give it a shot! Take your time and it will come out great. Thank you, and thanks for watching!

Great video, im gonna change my z3 softop and im gonna use this video.

@mainejason

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. Best of luck on your project. Take your time and it will come our great! Thanks again, and thanks for watching!

Replaced my z3 top two months ago, and I wish this video was out when I did it 😭, will actually be doing a valve cover gasket replacement soon with your recent vid, fingers crossed!

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Well, you got the tough one done - good job! The valve cover gasket is a piece of cake in comparison. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!

God bless you sir! Thank you for your dedication to make such a great video. Please keep them coming!

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it to be useful. Thanks for watching!

Liked & subscribed! Great video, great production. I enjoyed your struggle and appreciate being convinced I need to save up and pay a professional to install a new top on my ‘99. 🤓👍🏻 Fortunately, I have a good place in town. But thanks to your educational project, I will be better able to ask informed questions. Cheers!

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the like and sub! I'm glad you found the video helpful. If you have a place that can do this type of work, by all means use them! Far easier, that's for sure. Enjoy your Z, and thanks for watching!

Excellent videos! My daughter and I are putting a new top on a 1996 Z3 she bought last week as a project car. Thankfully you made some mistakes we can avoid. We really appreciate your detailed videos. Wish us luck!

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

Thanks much! Good luck with the install. Take it slow and it will go fine. Thanks for watching!

Very nice. This looks like an unenjoyable job but my car could certainly use it.

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

Thank you. If you do take it on, just take your time and you’ll get through it. Thanks for watching!

At about the three minute mark you might add that if your rear shocks need to be replaced, now would be the time to do it!

@mainejason

2 ай бұрын

For sure! Unfortunately, I did not take advantage of that... Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Its certainly scary trying to close the roof for the first time and it did make us start second guessing if it was on right (also ours was a very cheap ebay special) but after few days it was easier to open and now 6 months on its still taught but much easier to close. And as I said in the comments of your first video, remove the seats and style bars to make it easier to refit the hood. Granted it takes time to but beleive me your spine will thank you

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Removing the seats would indeed have improved life when doing this project and that is great advice! Thanks again for taking the time to comment, and thanks for watching!

I wish this video was posted 3 months ago when I f***ed up the new top trying to install it... great explainer tho!

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

Gahhhh! Sorry to hear your install went badly, but thanks for watching!

Hi Maine great video . With my car removing the seats helps..take care ..

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the vid. Yes, removing the seats would have been helpful. Thanks for watching!

Great video, but I must admit it is giving me second thoughts about DYI on this one. I saved a lot so far by painting my car myself and performing a lot of repairs around the engine bay.

@mainejason

10 ай бұрын

For sure it's a lot of work, and it gets a bit scary when you are in the middle of it. If you do take it on, like I mentioned more than once in the video, take your time and don't force anything. Best of luck to you and thanks for watching!

So absolutely by far the best, clearest, most detailed, informational, and entertaining video I’ve seen for replacing one of these! Thank you for the video as I’ve been wanting to replace my top the last year I’ve owned my 2000 2.3. By any chance during your research, did you come across anything detailing the interior “headliner” of the soft top? Mine has one and it does have quite the smooth and clean look inside that I would love to keep if possible. I’m doubtful I’ll be able to keep it though😂

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it and I'm glad you are finding it helpful. As you probably saw, mine did not have a headliner but I believe Sierra Tops has them. Given my "accident" with the adhesive, I have considered it, but I don't know if it can go in after the fact. Good luck if you take on this project. Let me know how it goes, and thanks for watching!

@richkirik4767

9 ай бұрын

mine has the headliner and i was able to keep it in place while doing the top, but it increased the level of difficulty a bit. It is riveted/screwed (mine had both) to the frame under the top at the front of the vehicle, so to replace it after the top was done would require removing the front trim piece and peeling back the top to expose that metal.

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. Having to go back in and do surgery after the fact is what I was afraid of. Thanks for watching!

Very informative, thank you. I'm picking up my late father's z3 2.8 wide body and have been told the roof leaks badly " 1000 mile drive in the dead of winter " 😂 should be fun! Anyway this is the first job on the list

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

Wow! Hopefully you wont have to deal with any snow or ice. The Z3 may be the worst car ever to drive in those conditions - don’t ask my how I know 😜. I’m glad you found the video possibly useful. Best of luck, and thanks for watching!

In composites, we use that tape, trade name is tacky-tape. We use acetone to soften/release it so we can clean tooling.

@mainejason

3 ай бұрын

That is certainly an apt moniker - tacky is almost an understatement :) Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Thank you for this video. Gave me the confidence to replace my top. Mine is a 2002 with the headliner, replacing the headliner was not too complicated but requires moving over a few parts from the old headliner to the new one.

@mainejason

7 ай бұрын

Excellent! Great job taking on a big project and seeing it through. I'm so glad to hear this video is helpful as that was indeed the intent. Thank you for the comments, and thanks for watching!

Thanks lovely

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

good shit guy.

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

Do you plan on making more Z3 content? Because this was actually good.

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

Thanks much. I do have some plans to do some work on the Z this winter. I'm sure that will result in some videos ;) Thanks for watching!

Pretty sure Ill be paying a body shop to do it after seeing this. #hard top next time!

@mainejason

2 ай бұрын

I hear you. It is, indeed, a big project. I always have my eyes open for a decent hard top. If I could find one worth buying, I'd grab it. Thank you for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Thank you for your great video, gonna fit mine soon. How long did it take you to fit the top?

@mainejason

7 ай бұрын

Excellent! Take it slow and pay attention to the details and you'll do great. It took me way longer that it most likely will you as I was filming everything along with having to buy parts or tools I didn't know I needed. Took me a week, but I think you could certainly do it over a weekend. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

@iamdjpepe

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for your reply and the advice@@mainejason 👍

Goo gone for that overspray? It's petroleum-based so it could leave a grease spot, but some rubbing alcohol and a paper towel might be able to get it off. Spot test just in case

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for the tip! I wish I still had the extra fabric from the window cut-out to test on but I will certainly keep it in mind. Thanks for watching!

@mainejason I replaced my soft top about a month before you made this video… wish I’d known it was coming!! Unfortunately, I didn’t think to check my sealing frame for cracks at the time and my new top looks great but my trunk is full of water with even the slightest rain. What do you think would happen if I were to remove the bow and “repair” the sealing frame/replace butyl tape with the rest of the top still installed? I’m considering ripping the sealing frame out entirely and replacing with thicker butyl. Living in VT, I’m pretty sure it’s going to keep on cracking.

@mainejason

Ай бұрын

Ohhhhh, that sucks! You should be able to lift out the bow with the top attached and either fold it back or suspend it somehow. The problem with not having the sealing frame in there is that the rubber sealing gasket attaches to the top of that. Maybe, if you could get the sealing frame out without breaking it into 25 pieces, you could replace the butyl tape behind it, high enough and thick enough to fill the gaps. But, that's a lot of work with no assurance!!! That sealing frame is definitely a weak spot in the engineering...especially since it is no longer available! Good luck to you! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

@Bikesnskisncarsnstuff

25 күн бұрын

@mainejason success! Thanks for the input. I was able to take just the rear bow & sealing frame back out without removing the top. The sealing frame came out in 5 pieces, as expected. After cleaning it up, “laminating” it with foil tape and re-installing with butyl tape, there are no leaks! I think it’ll be a little more resistant to cracks now too with the tape. Really appreciated being able to reference the video. I’m psyched! Thanks.

@mainejason

25 күн бұрын

Hey, I'm really glad to hear the good news! Great idea with the foil tape - very resourceful. And best of all, no more water in the trunk! Thank you for the update, and well done!

When you install the faceplate on the header bow, are you putting the screws through the fabric?

@mainejason

2 ай бұрын

Yes. You can see around the 20:00 mark that the bottom of the plate roughly lines up with the edge of the the folded over fabric. The screws did, indeed, go through the canvas. Thank you for the question, and thanks for watching!

amazing video! I dont need a new top, but my sealing frame is cracked (common). I think I'd have to remove the butyl seal and pull the metal bow piece, then pull the sealing frame and repair it or make a mold and fabricate a new one. none of this will be good. Not sure this can even be done while the top is still completely attached to the rest of the aparatus. Thoughts? Also, what are the staples landing on? Did you say the bow is aluminum? Wish the sealing frame was!

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

Thank you much! If you are not getting any water in your trunk or having any other issues with leaking, I'd say leave it alone! Mine is cracked right in the center, but the butyl is doing its job so far. I gave some thought to fabricating a new sealing frame, but nothing reasonable came to mind. I read a post about using some 1/4" rubber ribbon to make a seal, but the issue would be attaching the top gasket to it. If you come up with a way of recreating that piece, you'd have yourself a lucrative business!! 😄 I believe the bow is aluminum. The staples drive into a notch in the bow that is filled with some sort of dense plastic. Easy to staple to, but holds them well. If you come up with a good solution for the discontinued sealing frame, let me know! BTW...great channel. I've checked out many of your videos and I just subscribed ( not sure why I didn't before! ) Thanks for watching!

@MomentofZed

6 ай бұрын

@mainejason thanks I just subbed you as well. Had been meaning to check your top vids for a while, finally got to them today. I do get water in the trunk, I could do the job right with a new frame, but... I may try needle dispensed super glue into the cracks although it'll be done mostly blind. Try to put out a video on this Sunday. Thanks again!

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the sub! The superglue idea sounds interesting. If the crack is tight, that may work. I'll look for the video! I'm editing a Z3 video right now - should be out within a week.

@MomentofZed

6 ай бұрын

@mainejason look forward to it!

I just bought a 2001 Z3 that was a Texas car. The black top looks great except the window is hazy. How can I tell if it’s an original one? It has 83k miles and no rust or signs of leaking. The top has the interior lining also.

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Great find! Getting one with no rust is a dream. As forvthe top, about the only thing that might give a clue is if the back window has the zipper. If so, it's most likely original - or at least an oem top. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!

Amazing video! My soft top came factory with a sort of insulation on the inside... How would i go about getting that again?

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

Thanks much! I'm not familiar with any sort of insulation - is it a headliner or something else? Thanks for watching!

@j6sph

9 ай бұрын

@@mainejason Yeahhhh kinda! Has those little buttons similar to the ones in the storage compartment to secure it in it seems... Not too sure 🤔 Id like to preserve it but see no guides to

@j6sph

9 ай бұрын

@@mainejason Nevermind - Just figured it out hahahaha. The things you find if you look for them!

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

@@j6sph something like this? This may not fit your model, but it's the idea. www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CH73-USA---Z3-BMW-Z3+1.9&diagId=54_0309

I’m a tad lost on connecting to he hold down I’m not sure what you’re connecting care to further explain?

@mainejason

4 ай бұрын

If you could please give me the timestamp of what you are referring to, I'd be happy to clarify if possible.

Wow! Do you live near Alabama? If so, would you be an assistant and work for beer? Sigh....looks scary.

@mainejason

3 ай бұрын

Lol - I'm a little too far north, but certainly not opposed to beer payment 😄 Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!

What size staples did you use? I was going to order some 12mm long... is this too long?

@mainejason

3 ай бұрын

Go with 10mm and make sure they are stainless steel so they don't rust. I don't know why I didn't have a link to the correct ones in the description, but it is there now. Good luck! Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!

@jamesbrady8151

3 ай бұрын

@mainejason I'm attempting mine in 10 days time. I'm very practically minded but your vid gives me confidence!

@mainejason

3 ай бұрын

Very cool. Let me know how it goes!

What type of staple gun are you using - i don't see how its securing the roof to the bar

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

It is the Arrow pneumatic staple gun with, I believe 10mm stainless steel staples. The links are in the description. I also made a short review video for it. Great little gun. The bow has a channel in it that has a kind of plastic substance embedded into it. That is what you staple into. Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!

@user-jf7qx3eg8j

8 ай бұрын

Aaaah now I understand - many thanks for explaining - with that knowledge and the rest of this excellent video I think I could do this

@mainejason

8 ай бұрын

Fantastic! Give it a try 😉

Where is the link to part one?

@mainejason

6 ай бұрын

I guess I didn't add one, but there are three ways to find it now: 1. On my channel, 2. in the description, 3. at the end of the video. Thanks for bringing that to my attention, and thanks for watching!

Im just gonna pay someone. I know I can do it but having peace of mind that it was done right by a professional is better for my mental health 🤣

@mainejason

9 ай бұрын

I’m right there with ya. I certainly would not do it again! Thanks for watching!

Liked & subscribed! Great video, great production. I enjoyed your struggle and appreciate being convinced I need to save up and pay a professional to install a new top on my ‘99. 🤓👍🏻 Fortunately, I have a good place in town. But thanks to your educational project, I will be better able to ask informed questions. Cheers!

@mainejason

5 ай бұрын

Thank you a second time! 😉