The carbon slicktop thread

[bigjae46]

It looks kind of like a checkerboard. Probably won’t see it except on higher end custom race cars like a Radical.

I have yet to use it on the gloss/cosmetic side but here are some pics…

[Cronenberged]

Werd! Once the roof panel comes in, I’m making mine from a spread tow cloth. It’s the same stuff used in F1.

F1 doesn’t use a plain 1x1. It’s actually inferior in terms of weight and performance. 1x1 has more tow intersections where a tow goes up and over or under another tow. These spots increase resin consumption which adds weight with no improvement in the performance (stiffness, strength, toughness.

A spread tow is a higher performing option since it flattens the carbon, reduces the # of intersections and reduced resin consumption. I’ve seen a spread tow composite can be 20% lighter…haven’t verified that. But when you see carbon fiber on F1 cars…it’s a spread tow fabric.

A 1x1 weave is lower cost and more cosmetically appealing.

Spread tow is 20% to 50% more expensive.

Can you share what that pattern looks like?

[bigjae46]

Is it?

Counterpoint to this. I actually like seeing new products and looks developed for this platform. It's not the same ol' same ol'. So long as it's of high quality and tastefully done (which, taste is subjective so who am I to say what's tasteful or not), I'm on board for seeing new things. Otherwise it's just another replica...

Embrace the creativity!

-large weave carbon roof guy

Werd! Once the roof panel comes in, I’m making mine from a spread tow cloth. It’s the same stuff used in F1.

F1 doesn’t use a plain 1x1. It’s actually inferior in terms of weight and performance. 1x1 has more tow intersections where a tow goes up and over or under another tow. These spots increase resin consumption which adds weight with no improvement in the performance (stiffness, strength, toughness.

A spread tow is a higher performing option since it flattens the carbon, reduces the # of intersections and reduced resin consumption. I’ve seen a spread tow composite can be 20% lighter…haven’t verified that. But when you see carbon fiber on F1 cars…it’s a spread tow fabric.

A 1x1 weave is lower cost and more cosmetically appealing.

Spread tow is 20% to 50% more expensive.

[Nate047]

You can go to 2M in San Diego, those guys have done a lot of these.

[EthanolTurbo]

Does anyone have a definitive installer in LA/OC with a reasonable price? About ready to throw my Karb roof on.

[Casa de Mesa]

1x1 is definitely the only way to go on these

Is it?

Counterpoint to this. I actually like seeing new products and looks developed for this platform. It's not the same ol' same ol'. So long as it's of high quality and tastefully done (which, taste is subjective so who am I to say what's tasteful or not), I'm on board for seeing new things. Otherwise it's just another replica...

Embrace the creativity!

-large weave carbon roof guy

[bavarian3]

These manufacturers should start replicating the headliner base if they wish to keep selling the roof panels...

[Rokoz]

1x1 is definitely the only way to go on these

[Projecte46m3]

Karb roof is only $1873 from them directly. Idk how much they charge for shipping now. I paid $1600 for mine directly from Karb.

The shipping cost is high. Total is around $2315 USD if you pay with a credit card or around $2537 shipped if you pay via PayPal.

[EthanolTurbo]

damn man...the pricing for some of these CF roof panels have gone through the roof! It comes out to be like $2550 with shipping and taxes.

Karb roof is only $1873 from them directly. Idk how much they charge for shipping now. I paid $1600 for mine directly from Karb.

[Projecte46m3]

damn man...the pricing for some of these CF roof panels have gone through the roof! It comes out to be like $2550 with shipping and taxes.

[Casa de Mesa]

Since Slon is in Russia, would it even be possible to import his stuff? Completely different industry, but Zentico (gun) parts have been getting seized since the war started.

Guns I can see getting seized. My roof came in when the war started - literally the week of in 2022 when sanctions had been imposed. Others have ordered from them more recently and their parts cleared customs. Bry5on comes to mind with the strut tower brace.

[SQ13]

Just threw another coat of ceramic on my Slon Workshop roof this past weekend, took this shot. So throwing this one out there as an option too. Not sure what current pricing is, however.

Since Slon is in Russia, would it even be possible to import his stuff? Completely different industry, but Zentico (gun) parts have been getting seized since the war started.

[Casa de Mesa]

Just threw another coat of ceramic on my Slon Workshop roof this past weekend, took this shot. So throwing this one out there as an option too. Not sure what current pricing is, however.

[SQ13]

UPDATED PRICING:

Here's a list of carbon fiber roofs, links to the respective web site before shipping. Karbonius and Geoff Steel reflects recent exchange rates to the US Dollar.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/E46-M3-C...-Roof-RHR.html ($1,799)
https://ajhartmanaero.com/e46-carbon-roof/ ($1,799)
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...2x2-e46-coupe/ ($1,999)
https://store.vacmotorsports.com/rhr...-m3-p3217.aspx ($1,799)
https://store.langracing.com/bmw-e46...er-roof-panel/ ($1,450)
https://dtmfiberwerkz.com/index.php?...product_id=259 ($1,295)
https://www.geoffsteel.co.uk/shop/e4...r-roof-skin-3/ ($763)
https://karbonius.net/producto/bmw-m...al-roof-panel/ ($1,736)
https://ind-distribution.com/collect...bon-roof-panel ($2,195)
https://www.aerofunction.com/2001-2006-BMW-3-Series-M3-E46-2DR-Carbon-AF-1-Hard-Top-Roof-CFP-1-Piece.html ($999)

All appear to be 2X2 carbon fiber, but I've no experience with the quality or fit. Any others I'm missing, feel free to suggest.

Feff

Karb is 1x1. You made me panic for a sec because I have one on order lol. 2M autoworks and IND/RKP also sell roofs in 1x1.