Hardtops for '88 e30 convertibles

[lucchm3]

Does anyone know of a resource to find used or inexpensive removable hardtops for the old 3 series e30's.

[Bark]

They show up on Ebay sometimes, or here in the Roadfly classifieds. You'll be lucky to find one for less than about $700. Often they go for $1000 or more.

[lucchm3]

thanks for the info, any idea as to whether or not that would help that vehicle be able to be driven in the winter time in the northeast, snow/rain etc. I don't own it yet but just bought a convertible and don't know if the convertible top will keep you warm in the winter.

[Keith Way]

...more livable in inclement weather. What else would it be for? And no, the softtop has no real insulation to speak of, and doesn't make for a toasty, inviting interior in the colder months.

[Bark]

Well, I bought my cabrio w/ hardtop in January (from a fellow Roadfly member, FWIW). I live in Southern California, so the cold isn't a huge factor here. So unfortunately, I don't have much input on if the hardtop would help make the car more liveable in winter.

But I would imagine it would. As Keith said, why else would they make one a hardtop?

I'll probably put mine on in December and leave it on through March (our rainy season). If there are a couple nice days in between that time, I'll take it off and put the soft top up to give it some air. I'msh told you don't want to leave those things cooped up for too long or mold etc. starts to take it's toll.

The hardtop is a pretty slick setup, I can tell you that. Basically, you just store the softop like normal, then set the hardtop on, and turn the handles on the front to secure it, and you're done. It's even engineered so that if you hit the defrost button with the hardtop on, it activates the defroster in the glass, or if you hit the button with it off, it blows hot air onto your softtop's plastic window. I have the hardtop set up on a pulley system in my garage so I can just lower it down onto the car when I want to install it. Pretty simple.

[HING]

HOW MUCH YOU WANT FOR THE TOP

[BMW 336GT]

Last winter, I picked up a e30 cabrio for short money. I used it as my winter beater for 3 months while my 330ci sat all winter. I had duct tape on the seams of the top covering rips, tears, and holes. In Feb, I scored a used soft top on craigslist for $200 which provided the same warmth, only without the duct tape. It was 19 degrees outside while we installed the top. While using the car, it wasn't overly drafty, was able to keep in plenty of heat, and worked great. I have since then redone the cabrio and it's no longer the beater. I have some cool before and afters if anyone is interested. I cannot seem to figure out how to post pics on this forum.

[freakyfranky]

i have a spare unit in Queens, NY 11358
listed here...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=300076498628