Z3 Roadster (E36/7) Soft top boot

I just got a 1997 Z3 Roadster that still had its OEM boot or cover for the folded soft top. The boot is in perfect condition, but was hard to install. I am 6'-2" and 200 lbs and it took a real effort to get the boot onto its four snaps. I don't think a small person or lady could do it.

Is this normal, or has the 16-year old vinyl shrunk and hardened some? Can I buy a new, less rigid, easier to install replacement from the aftermarket?

There is a trick to it....keep the two sides folded in and snap the two connectors behind the seats, then flip the sides into place.

Alternative is don't bother with with the two behind the seats and just use the two fronts...it's not going anywhere.

I don't attach the two snaps in the middle either. They are just too hard to un-snap, especially in the rain...

I assume you realize that the snaps have sort of a release ring that you have to pull back before pulling away from the pin. If you pull on the snap before moving the ring back, it's much harder. Even then, the little things are hard on your fingers.

Originally Posted by Blacklane

I don't attach the two snaps in the middle either. They are just too hard to un-snap, especially in the rain...
I assume you realize that the snaps have sort of a release ring that you have to pull back before pulling away from the pin. If you pull on the snap before moving the ring back, it's much harder. Even then, the little things are hard on your fingers.

I understand how the snaps work. I don't think I would trust just two front snaps. Afraid the priceless boot might blow off if they came loose.
After a few hours in sunlight at 75 degrees today, the whole boot relaxed and its rear edge settled down onto the body.

I am glad I am not the only person who fights with this. Sometimes it goes on and off easy, other times it can be a real pain in the ???. Many times I just don't bother putting the cover on.

Originally Posted by vintage42

I understand how the snaps work. I don't think I would trust just two front snaps. Afraid the priceless boot might blow off if they came loose.
After a few hours in sunlight at 75 degrees today, the whole boot relaxed and its rear edge settled down onto the body .

Properly installed, the perimeter of the boot is tucked into the body, leaving the edge of the bodywork exposed, not the sewn edge of the vinyl boot.

Don't feel too bad if you put it on wrong, as MANY people have, even magazine road-testers have done it wrong for their photo-shoots!

Perhaps somebody will post a side/rear view of a boot installed correctly...?

Originally Posted by Randy Forbes

Properly installed, the perimeter of the boot is tucked into the body, leaving the edge of the bodywork exposed, not the sewn edge of the vinyl boot...

Hah! I would not have guessed that. But it does tuck in very securely.

Tucking it in isn't a problem, usually fighting to unsnap the two fasteners.
I got to admit it, it really does dress up the car with the cover on.

I had no idea that it tucked in so nicely. I was laying it on top and thought it looked a little warped. Thanks for the tip, Randy!

You may also find it easier to fasten the two middle snaps by putting two thin washers under the screws. It holds the pin farther out so that snapping to cover on is easier.

Fred

Originally Posted by CTHuskyinMA

I had no idea that it tucked in so nicely. I was laying it on top and thought it looked a little warped. Thanks for the tip, Randy!

Thanks for posting the picture; been so long since I put mine on, I forgot what it looked like!

If I'd ever take one of the ///Ms to a car show, instead of the Healey, maybe I'd be compelled to use the boot once in a while...

Hi,

In the middel of the cover inside side a manual is shown how to do it.

This piece of cloth over the middel with the manual on it also is to be used to put the ends of the cover under it.
Use this to put the ends underneth it when keeping it closed in the trunk.

gr. Guus

New Z3 owner and I would like to get one of these, any good options for a source? Looking for a hardtop too..... Thanks Eric

Look in classifieds or eBay. They show up here every so often.

They are a ROYAL pain to put on and take off. IMO< only really useful for a show. Otherwise, if you just want to keep teh folded top clean, the one from Roadster Solutions is more convenient.

http://www.roadstersolutions.com/product120.html

Although we have one of these and never use it either.