Hardtop gauges

[Zephyr]

I can not find anywhere these gauges.
I think i need them to properly set up and align my roof not only in height but also in the X axis. (Front to back).
can someone who has them measure these and write down the dimensions (in mm if possible).
i have access to a 3 printer so I may give it a try…
thanks.

 

[Lee]

Why do you need them to align your roof ?

We're talking less than mm in movement.

 

[Zephyr]

I have no idea of what I am doing.
I grew a pair and decided to fit the roof (and the fitting kit) myself.
so far I am reading all the info and got even more confused.
i guess I need them for that “perfect” alignment vertical and horizontal, since the car never had one.
Usually I am not that organised (I just leap into the abyss and find my way out) but this time I want to save myself some time and stop experimenting.
if they are not that important, even better for me.

 

[Jack Ratt]

You don't need the gauges. You can align it by eye

 

[Zephyr]

You don't need the gauges. You can align it by eye

So the magic number 6.44mm that is the Fibonacci number of the hardtops can be achieved with just a cardboard?
It seems that there is a lot of it going around.
wind noise, scratching the paint, bump rattles etc if not exactly 6.44mm in height….

 

[Lee]

So the magic number 6.44mm that is the Fibonacci number of the hardtops can be achieved with just a cardboard?
It seems that there is a lot of it going around.
wind noise, scratching the paint, bump rattles etc if not exactly 6.44mm in height….

It's bolted upfront in a fix position at the A-pillars. The only important gap I always check is between the hardtop and rear wings, as you've read it can rub on the paint. I use my little pinky as a guide, the rubber seal is thick.

 

[motco]

AFAIK there is a bit of latitude in the front fixings by shifting the parts fixed to the hardtop. Mine leaks at the A pillar on the passenger's side and I've fiddled in vain with these parts.

 

[Zephyr]

It's bolted upfront in a fix position at the A-pillars. The only important gap I always check is between the hardtop and rear wings, as you've read it can rub on the paint. I use my little pinky as a guide, the rubber seal is thick.

Nice to hear this.

 

[Zephyr]

AFAIK there is a bit of latitude in the front fixings by shifting the parts fixed to the hardtop. Mine leaks at the A pillar on the passenger's side and I've fiddled in vain with these parts.

Bad to hear this….

 

[Lee]

AFAIK there is a bit of latitude in the front fixings by shifting the parts fixed to the hardtop. Mine leaks at the A pillar on the passenger's side and I've fiddled in vain with these parts.

Clean around the rubber insert and drain that runs down the A pillar and out the bottom of the car.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Also you need to check that your hard top has the two blocks of rubber on the back edge. From memory they are about 40mm long x 20mm wide x 10mm deep. Sometimes these can come off, but if they are in position it prevents the hard top clamping down too far when the rear clamps are closed. If you have these rubber blocks you wont get the top touching the bodywork

 

[Zephyr]

Also you need to check that your hard top has the two blocks of rubber on the back edge. From memory they are about 40mm long x 20mm wide x 10mm deep. Sometimes these can come off, but if they are in position it prevents the hard top clamping down too far when the rear clamps are closed. If you have these rubber blocks you wont get the top touching the bodywork

Thanks for this. Just checked, it doesnt have them. So I guess i will have to make something out of rubber myself…
good point there.
cheers

 

[motco]

Clean around the rubber insert and drain that runs down the A pillar and out the bottom of the car.

Thanks Lee, but I have rebonded the rubber plug, cleared the drain duct down to the bottom of the A pillar, and used the BMW Gummipflege jollop on the rubber but it still leaks. Since the last wet seat I have moved house and the car now resides in a nice dry garage so the hardtop hangs from its hoist gathering dust. Previously it lived outside with a pile of towels on the passenger's seat. Thanks though, I might have another go at it when time permits.

 

[Zephyr]

Installed the top today. I did everything the directions in this forum said.
i feel it is sitting too high on the back. Can someone post a similar pic so I can understand what I have done wrong?
Or is it ok?

 

[Zephyr]

 

[Duncodin]

The front-rear alignment is to get the vertical edge of the top lined up with the vertical edge of the rear wing. See my profile picture.

Side to side you can do by eye. You can see when it's right.

Gap at the back I have around 5mm.

I drive mine through the car wash.

 

[Zephyr]

My rear gap is a full finger. (This sounded weird).
front and sides its perfect.
I guess I have to adjust the cog inside and tighten it. Correct?

 

[Duncodin]

And at the front it sits down in there nice and snug

 

[Duncodin]

Just come out of aforementioned car wash.

I love the look of a z3 with hardtop.

 

[Zephyr]

How do I remove these bloody caps over the adjusters on the rear? Do they pop out?