Hardtop fitting/hard to understand

Ok you guys can stone me at HC for asking this, I have read the doc. from phriders link wich is the install intructions for the top, but being that im not to good understanding it
2001 z3 with power top and with roll hoops, does anyone know for a fact if the bars have to be removed or not to install the hardtop kit
the instructions say if you have a hydraulic top then you do not have to remove the plactic trim pieces in the back, but then it says if you have roll bars to refer to the tis for removal procedures, but if you have to remove the bars then you have to remove the plastic trim so Im not exactly sure what is needed, and before i spend 2k on a top I would really like to know for sure if i have to totally take apart all the rear trim and bars or if i just need to bolt the brackets in and go

Reply » Hardtop fitting/hard to understand

Ummm, no.

Max, that can only be in reference to getting the window defroster wiring into place, not to physically mount the hdtp.

I removed the hdtp brkts from the 01 when the HMS bar went in, and it did not require removing any trim (to get the hdtp brkts off, HMS bar was another story).

Seems like it would be possible to snake out the defroster wiring without taking all the trim apart; why would they want to do it like that at the factory after just putting the car together (hdtp fitment was done after final assembly/before leaving the plant bldg)?

Edit: so does this mean we can get stoned @ HC?

Reply » Hardtop fitting/hard to understand

Max,this question is not stupid,when I got my hard top after the fact,I found the directions long and over done,Randy right on!

Reply » Hardtop fitting/hard to understand

Thanks guys, looks like im about to take the plunge

Reply » Hardtop fitting/hard to understand

I just ordered a hardtop last week. Looking forward to installing it.

Reply » Hardtop fitting/hard to understand

Hard Top Question
You are not the only one!
As you place your soft top back (down) Look between the soft top and side of the car just behind the door post where the body comes to a (V) on both sides of the car. You may or may not find a soft foam rubber trim? Remove this their may be some glue holding it in, after you remove it you will find the mounting bolts and holes for the Hard top brackets. Randy is right, just on the Right side behind the trim on the inside of car at the (V) you will find the plugs. Hidden!

(Note) Place your fingers around the wiring, FEEL all the wires! Your Looking for a Knot inside the black cloth tape wrapped around the wiring it will be hidden around that (V) area, you may need to take off the door trim on the drivers side then pull foreword on the trim just behind the drivers side at that (V). Now feel around for the wires you can miss them, but they are their.

Good Luck its easer then it sounds
Mike

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