Browntailguy

So I put the top back on my 2007 LMB Coupe as its a bit cool out. Pull out of my neighborhood hit 40 mph and the roof blows off the car and lands in the street. Forgot to cinch it down. Oops. It's obvious I need to get it repainted but there is an area of the trailing edge of the top where the fiberglass has deformed. An area about 8 inches long. Looks las crumpled or bent. Question is. Can this fiberglass be fixed and then top repainted or is this cost prohibitive? There are a lot of tops on sale on eBay even in my color. Is it worth the repair effort or do I just take my medicine and buy a replacement? Thanks

Not So Fast

I think you are pretty brave just coming on here and admitting this
I have no answer for you but we have all f****ed up at one time or another.
Good luck
NSF

extrapilot

Time to get the smoked clear top, and watch the sky while you cruise.

clearwaterms

our cars are not actually fiberglass, they are actually more like plastic...

I suspect that by the time you pay to paint the top - you will be pretty close to the cost of a used top. If the frame is okay, you might be able to just get the glass / colored portion and replace just the outside skin. If you do a search there are others who have had to do something similar (for similar reasons)

racerx3317

^This. Everyone screws up, don't sweat it...

RC4G

Welcome to the Flying Roof Club.

To steal a movie quote the member "list, like my Johnson, is long and distinguished". Trust me there are scores of members here that are closet members and are just too embarrassed to admit it. I however embrace my occasional moments of stupidity (like forgetting to latch a panel) as learning experiences.

To answer your original question if you can find a decent condition roof used in your color for $300-$400 then jump on it.

You can re-use all the mounting hardware off your flying roof for the replacement (often a requirement because the seller used the hardware for a replacement glass roof) or if the replacement comes complete you can sell the latches, pins weather seals etc. here to recoup some of your replacement costs.

RC4G

I have to disagree.

I can tell you that when my 2011 painted roof panel went air-surfing and the subsequent landing tore up the leading edge that the material was most definitely fiber-glass.

extrapilot

It is a composite with plastics mixed with them.

PAULEB07

Sent you a PM

clearwaterms

that being said, can it be repaired like traditional fiberglass? can you grind back the cracked materials and build it back up, sand smooth and paint?

I am not saying that it makes financial sense, but am just curious because i always thought it was more like a reinforced plastic akin to what they put on saturns / fairings of sport bikes.

budgreen3564

Sheet molded compound

jwf

Don't worry.... You are not the first to have this experience. Probably you'll get many suggestions from folks who have felt your pain based on the damage to the top.

jrose7004

You are a new member of the "Flying Roof Club". Most members won't admit it.

Gman in NC

Oh he's watching the sky as he cruises. Seriously though, this has happened quite a few times.

SUB VETTE

It's probably never going to fit right again. Get a replacement.

Rapid Fred

Check with your insurance company. When I did this, my comprehensive covered it, meaning smaller deductible and no penalty on future insurance bills. They'll pay for replacement; you can get a very nice used one for at or a bit less than the "net of deductible" check you'll get from your insurer...

Good luck...

okie08vette

When I did the exact same thing a few years ago, I was lucky no damage to mine except paint, cost 500 to get it repainted. So sounds like if you can get a replacement for 300 to 400 you will ahead of the game.

billyboy47

I agree with the transparent top buy.

rmarks

hey, see what it will cost to get it fixed?

extrapilot

Good call