Soft Top Repairs - Swansea's Best Kept Secret

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   Having washed my Z3 one afternoon in May, I decided to drop down the roof to clean the inside, it was a fab day after all. On collapsing the roof, I heard a crack, similar to that of breaking glass. I suddenly went cold! I put the roof back up to see a 4 inch split in the rear plastic window. I'd heard that this was a common fault with this type of window, and particularly on early Z3's (mine's a 1997 model), where the plastic becomes brittle and cracks as a result of exposure to sunlight and age. Local BMW dealers were helpful, offering between 10 and 15% discount for being a club member, but pricing was still quite high at between £220 and £300+ just to replace the window.

Having spoken to a friend, I was told about Jack Smith, a vehicle trimmers based here in Swansea. I visited their workshop at the rear of St. Helen's Avenue and was told that it would be £120 to replace the window and £260 to replace the roof! As my daughter's getting married next year, I decided to get the window replaced at £120. I was more than delighted with the result.

So if any member has trouble with their soft tops don't despair, try Jack Smith on 01792 461022. Having checked the net, the MX5 club rave about them. You'll need to book as they're exceptionally busy - but a great job at far better prices than BMW dealers. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. 

P.S I'm a new member by the way, and thoroughly enjoy the club's magazine. Perhaps I'll do a show next year.

 Regards to all

Ryland Williams 

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RWilliams Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote RWilliams Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Soft Top Repairs - Swansea's Best Kept Secret Posted: 01 Sep 2012 at 2:43pm
	Having washed my Z3 one afternoon in May, I decided to drop down the roof to clean the inside, it was a fab day after all. On collapsing the roof, I heard a crack, similar to that of breaking glass. I suddenly went cold! I put the roof back up to see a 4 inch split in the rear plastic window. I'd heard that this was a common fault with this type of window, and particularly on early Z3's (mine's a 1997 model), where the plastic becomes brittle and cracks as a result of exposure to sunlight and age. Local BMW dealers were helpful, offering between 10 and 15% discount for being a club member, but pricing was still quite high at between £220 and £300+ just to replace the window. Having spoken to a friend, I was told about Jack Smith, a vehicle trimmers based here in Swansea. I visited their workshop at the rear of St. Helen's Avenue and was told that it would be £120 to replace the window and £260 to replace the roof! As my daughter's getting married next year, I decided to get the window replaced at £120. I was more than delighted with the result. So if any member has trouble with their soft tops don't despair, try Jack Smith on 01792 461022. Having checked the net, the MX5 club rave about them. You'll need to book as they're exceptionally busy - but a great job at far better prices than BMW dealers. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. P.S I'm a new member by the way, and thoroughly enjoy the club's magazine. Perhaps I'll do a show next year. Regards to all Ryland Williams

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ACarmichael Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 13 Dec 2011 Location: Devon Status: Offline Points: 113	Post Options Post Reply Quote ACarmichael Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 Sep 2012 at 6:10pm
	Hi Ryland, thanks for the tip. My Z3 is getting on a bit and will soon need some TLC hood wise. I'll keep them in mind. Bit of a trek to Swansea, but doable.

AShah Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 27 Jul 2011 Location: Bridgend, Wales Status: Offline Points: 423	Post Options Post Reply Quote AShah Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 2012 at 9:05am
	Moved to welsh Region as this has been a hot topic recently within the region
	E36 home of South Wales! '96 Alpina B3 3.2 Touring '91 325iSEA 4 Door Old: '93 325 Coupe '96 318is Coupe '92 320 Coupe '96 318is Coupe '97 328 Cabriolet '95 M3 4 Door '99 323 Sport Tourer

RichP Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Location: Nottingham Status: Offline Points: 29	Post Options Post Reply Quote RichP Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 2012 at 2:04pm
	Hi, Also a new member and can support OP's reference for Jack Smith's. My other car is an MX5 and I had my roof done there a couple of years back. Brilliant job and as mentioned, they are very popular with the MX5 community. When I visited they mentioned doing a lot of BMW's. Rich
	E46 320D SE Convertible

Tashax Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 16 May 2012 Location: Watford, Herts Status: Offline Points: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tashax Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 2012 at 5:15pm
	Its a trip for me also Ryland, i have friends near by so will visit. Can they do a roof in a day do you know? As I will be travelling from london. I can find out myself if you don't know the answer.

RWilliams Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote RWilliams Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 2012 at 11:17pm
	Hi Tash, They did mine in half a day (there as an S2000 done before mine), that involved removing the roof and replacing the window panel, so I would think that to replace the whole roof (if that's what you're having) will easily be done in a day. As I said, give them a ring first as they're really busy, and they'll advise you from there. Mind you we have a number of pretty decent hotels in the area, and not a bad football club at the moment, so you could be spoilt for choice!!

Shutterbug Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Status: Offline Points: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shutterbug Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 Sep 2012 at 7:52am
	I'd agree with RichP, there is a lot of serious regard for Jack Smith within the MX5 community, and not just from those who live in Wales. I know a few "northerners" who've made the journey and been very impressed.

AShah Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 27 Jul 2011 Location: Bridgend, Wales Status: Offline Points: 423	Post Options Post Reply Quote AShah Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 Sep 2012 at 9:00am
	Let us know if your down, could have a mini meet! We can make the trip worth while!
	E36 home of South Wales! '96 Alpina B3 3.2 Touring '91 325iSEA 4 Door Old: '93 325 Coupe '96 318is Coupe '92 320 Coupe '96 318is Coupe '97 328 Cabriolet '95 M3 4 Door '99 323 Sport Tourer