Z3 Rear Window
- Thread starter hard top
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bavarian323i
Newbie
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2023
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Nice
TriumphZ3
Dedicated Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2023
- Points
- 39
Just (almost) finished the fitting; took 30 minutes so far. Getting the teeth on the zippers lined up is definitely cause for concentration as if you're too far out to one side or the other it won't fit. My best guestimate at centralisation seems to have worked ok. Lay the new window flat on the bootlid, and bend the inner zip outwards to get both lined up and started off, it's easier than working inside the car. Window in, zipped up all round and no creases.
NOW: next steps. The kit I bought has a needle and thread to sew the two sides of the zipper together at the join. I can't even see it now it's fitted so will have to explore later.
Previous posts here regarding the plastic trim, and my own head-scratching about refitting it, has been addressed. You don't refit it. The new window has a canvas 'lip' all the way round and this is glued all the way round with the hood edge, which was previously covered by the trim, underneath. This means the glue I had used previously to attempt to hold the trim on will now be hidden. The photo shows the window replaced and BEFORE this canvas overlap has been pulled out over, but I've tried a small piece and it looks tidy enough even without the original plastic trim. The trick will be to get it flat and even all the way round but I'd prefer any gap or bubble to the top to minimise water getting in, so will start at the bottom and work up each side.
It's amazing to have a rear window that you can see through, and no more huge splits!
NOW: next steps. The kit I bought has a needle and thread to sew the two sides of the zipper together at the join. I can't even see it now it's fitted so will have to explore later.
Previous posts here regarding the plastic trim, and my own head-scratching about refitting it, has been addressed. You don't refit it. The new window has a canvas 'lip' all the way round and this is glued all the way round with the hood edge, which was previously covered by the trim, underneath. This means the glue I had used previously to attempt to hold the trim on will now be hidden. The photo shows the window replaced and BEFORE this canvas overlap has been pulled out over, but I've tried a small piece and it looks tidy enough even without the original plastic trim. The trick will be to get it flat and even all the way round but I'd prefer any gap or bubble to the top to minimise water getting in, so will start at the bottom and work up each side.
It's amazing to have a rear window that you can see through, and no more huge splits!
I fought with an OEM replacement window for several weekends. I purchased an emiata as a backup if I couldn’t get the BMW one to work. I had to fill in the gaping hole. I finally got the BMW window to work to my expectations so I now have the emiata window. It had been two days beyond their return policy so I have it listed on eBay if anyone is interest…
BMW Z3 Replacement Zip-In Rear Window 1996-2002 New With Instructions | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BMW Z3 Replacement Zip-In Rear Window 1996-2002 New With Instructions at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
TriumphZ3
Dedicated Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2023
- Points
- 39
Well, job done. Looks better than I thought, and without taking the time for the glue to dry (glued in sections over 24 hours and allowed to dry before contact) it took about an hour. No wrinkles, no ripples, and sealed reasonably well - only the first heavy rain will confirm.
One small problem - it zipped in very well first time, and better the second time after very slight adjustment, but on applying the glue and pressing the overlapping canvas and hood material together I got a definite 'zzziiippppp' noise. Only light finger pressure but found that about 3 inches of zipper has come apart on the top edge. As I've stitched the joint, per instructions, and glued all round I can't remove it easily so will probably stitch it together from underneath. This means I can't check the lowering and raising again until it's stitched otherwise it could all unravel. Still, as it stands, a clear rear window again and the problem of the surrounding plastic trim has been nicely addressed.
One small problem - it zipped in very well first time, and better the second time after very slight adjustment, but on applying the glue and pressing the overlapping canvas and hood material together I got a definite 'zzziiippppp' noise. Only light finger pressure but found that about 3 inches of zipper has come apart on the top edge. As I've stitched the joint, per instructions, and glued all round I can't remove it easily so will probably stitch it together from underneath. This means I can't check the lowering and raising again until it's stitched otherwise it could all unravel. Still, as it stands, a clear rear window again and the problem of the surrounding plastic trim has been nicely addressed.
Take heart. I have seen many successful installations of the OEM and emiata windows. I’ve found that along with all of the tools and instructions, the most important thing to have is patience. Take your time and take a break if you get frustrated. I took a lot of breaks.