Hardtop install complete

[JBZ4]

The top is now painted and on the car. I had looked long and far for an install post on the other forums before I attempted the install of the retrofit hardtop kit. I never found it, but I did get some great advice, which I would like to thank Ron Stygar, epbrown and JackB1, that helped me a lot. All and all the install took no longer than an hour. This is a definite DIY (stay away from the dealer)! There are no special tools needed and no interior panels need to be taken off the car (speaker grilles come off). As far as I can tell it appears that the Z’s come from the factory with the hardtop defroster wiring already installed. My Z4 has a build of 12/2002 and everything was there to plug the retrofit kit in. I will post a DIY post in a few days. This would have been a great install to do at Homecoming as a clinic. If anyone has any questions I can easily walk them through.
See everyone at Homecoming!!!

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[zee42]

Looks real nice I know I'm lovin mine, you did a fine job

 

[JackB1]

Nice job John!

A number of us have recently gone through all the searching and digging into the unknown to figure out the secrets of the "Hardtop Prep". Those two receivers you have to put in so the side posts on the Hardtop will lock in, John Burke has figured it out ! ! !

He installed them at home in his garage in 100+ degree heat. In less than two hours total, he found access through the speaker panels behind the seats to the place the receiver hardware gets attached. Now we don't have to pay the dealer $ $ $ to do what he has found is an easy install.

He also found that the wiring plug in for the defroster is there too.

Now, go out and find those tops!

Thanks John!

Best!
Jack

 

[fire-n-ice]

Wow! I like a LOT

 

[pvr]

Would you need the HT though? Thought that as you are based in FL that it would never be cold enough to need one.

 

[fire-n-ice]

Maybe it will help resale value? :idunno: And it can get pretty cold in Fl. I mean, not for very long but I've been in Pembroke Pines which is only 35 min. from Miami, on several occasions during winter months and froze my ass off!

 

[JackB1]

Would you need the HT though? Thought that as you are based in FL that it would never be cold enough to need one.

Much more useful in the July and August heat than our cold days. Last 2 weeks have been 95 to 105 degrees. No top down days or evenings, even with the air on.

We drove the ///M top down early both mornings this weekend but put it up by 11am due to oven hot air.

Jack