Any E30 Cabrios in here?

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Chicagoland, IL
#1
Hey just wondering if there are any iC owners in here, unless I'm the only one. Haha. Main reason for posting is cos I'm unsure of the price range to expect when it comes to replacing my back window.

Any help would be much appreciated! [thumb]
 
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Ventura CA
#2
I think a new window is about $250. I've posted several times looking for a good price on a new rear window but no one has ever responded. I got a quote of $75 to get my current one reinstalled because the edge of the top was pulling out. I ended up installing it myself which was tedious be not that hard. It turned out very well and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. You do have to follow the instructions and use contact cement on the top to glue to the outer edge of the window which will have a preglued edge. The last owner didn't do that and the install didn't last.

What's wrong with your window that you need to replace it?

Steve
 
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Location
Chicagoland, IL
#3
That's the cheapest I've heard thus far. The dealer here wants to charge me $400 plus labor. There's a place in Santa Monica that a friend of mine told me about, but it's just a way away from me to take the time to go there for an estimate. It's just fogged up from age. The previous owner didn't do much to take care of the window. When I had the car it was totally corroded and what not on it. I bought some Meguiar's stuff for plastic windows (polish, cleaner, plastic-x, etc) and it got it to this stage. I can see through it but vaguely, so I figured I might as well get it changed if I'm keeping the car for a while...

 
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Chicagoland, IL
#5
LOL!

Reminds me of what I used to say when people came rode in my car...

"Dude, Tim?!? How can you see through your window"

"Oh I got used to it, it's a coating they put on so that it reflects the sunlight away from the car"

Truth is though, I barely look out that window, the car is so small that looking out that the side visibility is good enough to see the back of the car as well...

Heh...
 
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Ventura CA
#6
You might try a heat gun on it. I read somewhere that some heat, judiciously applied, can clear up the plastic on the window. Also, metal cleaner (believe it or not) is good for cleaning the window.

Haven't tried the heat gun trick yet but I have been using the metal cleaner and it seems to do a good job.

Steve
 
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Location
Chicagoland, IL
#7
Hmm... I think I just might try that.

However, I just received the replacement window I ordered through eBay in the mail today. I gotta find out how much it'll be to get it installed. If it's out of my budget I think I'll try the metal cleaner until I can save up enough money for it. Haha...

I mean, it came with a self-install kit, but I don't want to take my chances. I'd rather get it installed professionally if I can afford it, ya kno?
 
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#9
Yeah I bought it, I received it the day before yesterday. The seller ships real prompt and fast. It was $79 for the kit and window plus $10 for shipping. So all in all I payed $89 dollars. Supposedly he makes the windows to fit the Z1, Z3, E30 and E36.

I'm a little afraid to do it myself, so I'm going to have it estimated at this place that was recommended to me up in Santa Monica. Hopefully, it won't be too expensive since I have the window.
 
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Ventura CA
#10
That's an amazing price. Could you provide the username for the person you bought it from? Thanks.

Also, do you have a heat gun? I'm wondering what happens to the plastic with heat applied. As long as you have a new one anyway...

Steve
 
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Location
Chicagoland, IL
#11
His username on eBay is prothe

Ya know, I tried putting a hair dryer on high heat to the window while I put some polish on it, it got slight more clear, but it's a little tedious to do. Haha...
 
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Ventura CA
#12
I think you need a real heat gun that'll put out 400+ degrees F. A hair dryer won't cut it. I have one and want to try it but I also don't want to ruin it. The window, that is.

Did you get a sew in window? My window zips in. I don't know if the sew in will work in my car and have no idea how it is installed or how hard it is.

Steve
 


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