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Hard top - northampton

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
Astie
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Hard top - northampton

Post by Astie » Thu Oct 04, 2018 1:13 pm

Background: I work for a composites company and I'm doing some business development work. We are looking into making a carbon fibre hardtop.

This may be a big ask, but does anyone have a hardtop in northamptonshire area I can have a look at? And take a few photos of the details.

Thanks in advance

Squadron Leader
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Post by Squadron Leader » Thu Oct 04, 2018 1:30 pm

Yep. Live two minutes from Brackley and you are welcome to have a gander at mine.

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kis
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Post by kis » Thu Oct 04, 2018 2:15 pm

That was quick! :)
OP is the plan to make several? Or you just fishing for viability at the moment?
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

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Post by Chenti » Thu Oct 04, 2018 2:16 pm

Will you make carbon or glass ones ?
I’m in Brackley and would be up for taking a look at what you propose.
Cheers

Astie
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Post by Astie » Thu Oct 04, 2018 3:14 pm

It all depends on market demand, have to look at the figures. Going to have a look at one tomorrow. Hopefully have a proposal next week to see what interest there would be.

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Post by Mr roadster » Thu Oct 11, 2018 11:09 am

Hi I’m looking for a hard top for my Z4 e85 if you did make some how much would they cost
And would the have all the fittings to fasten it down.
Regards mr roadster.

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paullyjay
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Post by paullyjay » Thu Oct 11, 2018 11:19 am

Bare Carbon Fibre Roof = Awesome!! I will be very interested to see how this goes!

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Silverzedtom
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Post by Silverzedtom » Thu Oct 11, 2018 12:51 pm

I think there’s potential for a decent sized market on here alone if the price is right of course.

I’ll be following with interest.

Anyone else feel a group buy coming on in the future? :D
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kis
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Post by kis » Thu Oct 11, 2018 12:53 pm

As with anything, if there's enough demand I'm sure it will drive production costs down?
I wonder if the OP went to see Squadron Leader's hardtop? It's been a while?
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

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dhobbs
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Post by dhobbs » Thu Oct 11, 2018 2:48 pm

I’m interested. What’s the durability of carbon fibre on a car that’s not garaged?

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Astie
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Post by Astie » Thu Oct 11, 2018 2:50 pm

The hardest part of the project would be the closing mechanism, as we would have to design and manufacture this. Unless anyone knows of an off the shelf solution?

For a run of 30 we would need to sell them at £1600 each.

We would use UV resistant resin, but it never really is. We would also lacquer the top to improve longevity.

Still interested?

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kis
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Post by kis » Fri Oct 12, 2018 9:45 am

Astie wrote: Thu Oct 11, 2018 2:50 pm The hardest part of the project would be the closing mechanism, as we would have to design and manufacture this. Unless anyone knows of an off the shelf solution?

For a run of 30 we would need to sell them at £1600 each.

We would use UV resistant resin, but it never really is. We would also lacquer the top to improve longevity.

Still interested?
It's not possible to replicate the existing mechanism on the OEM hardtop?

Would the internal be lined similar to the OEM?

If it were closer to £1000 you'd have these flying out.
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

Astie
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Post by Astie » Fri Oct 12, 2018 11:03 am

Lining with foam backed fabric.

we would use the existing mechanism as a basis, but we would still have to put the design through our internal certification process.

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Silverzedtom
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Post by Silverzedtom » Fri Oct 12, 2018 11:10 am

kis wrote: Fri Oct 12, 2018 9:45 am If it were closer to £1000 you'd have these flying out.
+1.
E85 2.5si
F55 Cooper S

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skelters
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Post by skelters » Fri Oct 12, 2018 8:10 pm

Silverzedtom wrote: Fri Oct 12, 2018 11:10 am
kis wrote: Fri Oct 12, 2018 9:45 am If it were closer to £1000 you'd have these flying out.
+1.
+2 and one for my mate who also has a Z4 so +3
2007 Z4 3.0si Sport. Silver Grey Metallic, Brembo Brakes, HEL Braided Brake Hoses, Machine Monkey Exhaust Tips, Stubby, Piano Black trim, Black Leather, Bilstein B12-Pro-Kit, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on MV2's. Roof Motor in the Boot!

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