need OEM z3 rear window

[@ bimmer2.8]

My 14 year old rear window finally cracked and gave up the ghost. cold day....lift top....crack.

i need a new OEM zip in window....for 100 bucks....i don't really want that homemade one on ebay for 86...i want one that has the pipping to tuck the top into.

does anyone on here have one laying around new they want to get rid of?

i can't believe OEM windows have gone from 100 bucks on ebay 4 or so years ago to over 300 or more. just ridiculous for a piece of platic.

thanks

Hank
p.s. as always 2.8s RULE!

[scotymac]

Bavarian Autosport has a returned window w/o zipper pull or those little metal clamps for $160. Just a thought.

[@ bimmer2.8]

yeah i saw that one.....and i can live without that stuff, but thought i would give the forum a shot. never know who has what laying around and they may need 100 bucks.

thanks though.

Hank

[Bob2.8]

Glad to see you still have the Z, after you sold a "big item" to support the Packard.

[@ bimmer2.8]

yeah. that money is for the motor on the Packard, its sitting waiting to purchase my parts from a fellow Packard guy as soon as he gets everything together and gets done regriding the cam. i'm having a heck of a time finding a good block though.

seems like this board has lost alot of its flare.....not much going on here it seems.

i shoulda bought a new OEM window years ago when they were cheap i think. they have blown up in price in the last 3 or 4 years it seems. 100-110 was the norm then if i remember right and that was for one with the correct pipping.

i'll probably end up buying that 86 dollar one on ebay just because really the whole top needs to be replaced and i don't see myself buying a 300 dollar window for a 14 year old top. the tops hanging in there, so i wont replace it till i absolutely have to.

[@ bimmer2.8]

for 350 bucks shipped, original equipment materials and straps, etc.

i'll do it myself too. anybody who knows this car and me knows this wont be that big of a deal.

later Zed peeps.

Hank

[Bob2.8]

I was thinking that might make sense. It's a project but not magic. My only other thought is if you have a slider take the window to someone who could stich a new piece of glass in to get by. It's done with boat windows all the time, I've done it. If you do the top please take pictures!

[@ bimmer2.8]

there are so many write ups on the top replacement already, i'm not sure i need to take pictures. i took a couple of the top off and posted to my Packard blog for those guys to see, but i doubt i will post more than a finished pic on there. don't want to take up space for non Packard stuff. it wasn't hard to get the top off....very easy actually and with all i have done to this car and have done myself on the Packard....i ain't scar'd.....at least that was what that hick truck said.


click here for good instructions with many pictures.

only thing i didn't do was take the inside tacking strip off the car. i just took the one out that was attached to the top. i also cut the top across the back so i didn't have to get in the car to get the bolts out, etc.....made it much easier.

later dude,

Hank

[KBH]

I have an OEM window that was installed for about a month. I have the zipper pull and two of the clamps. I had just replaced the window on my 97 and he single run stitch that anchors the top failed and a shop quoted $500 to fix it so I opted to go with replacing the entire top with an aftermarket GAHH top. I took the window out and it's just sitting in my dining room. There are no scratches, but the adhesive tape that runs along the inner edge is no longer sticky. Let me know if you are interested

[@ bimmer2.8]

as the title suggests, i just bought a new top w/ window too. it is comming today and will be on tonight.

thanks though.

[debitcred1]

I have a 1997. Was the top installation something a low to medium capable DIY'er could do?

Wondering if i should bite the bullet and replace entire top. Not horrible shape, but 14 years old.

[bimmer2.8]

mine turned out pretty good. only one little crease on the drivers side, but its not that noticable and the top fits very tight. i just followed the directions and for 350 bucks done by me and mom....i'm happy with it.

[wild bill]

here is a company that mkes a good convertable top for a Z3. www.gahh.com

[bimmer2.8]

z3 top click here....100 plus less than GAHH and i can find no significant difference in quality. fits great.

[rlhmax]

Were the instructions clear? What kind of tools did it take? Thanks for the URL - $600 was the best price I've found up to now.

[@ bimmer2.8]

instructions were good enough...but one thing they left out was not to cut the back straps on each side....i sliced right through them and had to order new ones at 36 a piece. you can see in the directions that they don't cut them, but they never say not to...they just say cut the top from the back frame.....i took them literally i guess.

you need a HD stapler w/ 10mm stainless steel staples, some torx sockets, screwdrivers, spray adhesive, and i used some rtv silicone to seal things up good. its not that difficult really, but i do recommend a helper, my mom helped and she came in handy many times holding things, etc...

now my DIY level is pretty high...i have done every single thing to this car...i don't let anyone touch it. but just use common sense and you'll be fine.

[northz]

Thanks for the web site. I have been debating new OEM or aftermarket top for the 3 years we have owned the car. I have one on order awaiting to clear customs to be delivered to my door under $400. Even less now that the Cdn$ is worth more than the US buck.