3-series Hardtop Installation

[Guenther911]

I am looking at installing a hardtop on my '94 3-series convertible. Found the top and the mounting kit (kit is ~$150 from the dealer), but I wanted to know if anyone has had experience installing this kit. The dealer wants about $500 for labor, and I have all the tools, but I wanted to know what type of work goes into installing these.

Is it necessary to drill the body panels? Or is it just changing out a lot of the attachments. If anyone knows any good shops in the SF Bay area, (I'm new to this area) that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks a lot.

[Antiburn]

Well I never personaly have done one or have seen on done. But I have helped take off the canvas cover which took about 7 hours all together. Im sure all the hydraulic lines and everything that controls the conv. top would have to be removed. You would have to do something with the top switch (you be rice it out and make it a NOS button!) but you sure do have a project on your hands. Convertable tops arnt that much fun to play with but if you think you can do it and like you said you have the tools then go a head and try it. Even if you get it off and cant figure out how to put the hard top on you could always get that done at the dealer for cheaper.

[Guenther911]

Antiburn-

It is a manual convertible top, so no switches/lines. Plus, the hardtop can be mounted with the soft top folded down (that way if you pull the hardtop off for the weekend, you have the basic convertible). I am just not sure how the rear of the top mounts to the car itself.

Thanks for the reply.

[bigkah624]

The installation kit comes with instructions. Basically, the hardest part is removing the back seats and rear panels to connect the wiring for the defroster and the lights. Once that's done, you can install the top. You don't need to take the softop off. Just take it down into the tonneau like normal.