HOW TO REPLACE A CONVERTIBLE TOP E36 BMW

In this video, I do a DIY convertible top replacement on my 1997 BMW E36 Project freE36. It turned out absolutely amazing. I go over step by step how to replace a Convertable top by removing the old one and where to start installing the new one.

➥Normal Apex Race Parts Website-

Car Detailing Products I use:
➥Chemical Guys Light Duty Clay Bar and Luber Synthetic Lubricant Kit

Camera Gear I use:

[dinosantos]

Great job. I have a few questions for you.

- How has the replacement held up so far?
- Have you tested to see if it is water tight?
- Any noticeable differences in noise quality?
- If you had to do it over, what would you do differently to make things easier?
- Will you be replacing the headliner in another video?
- Will you be replacing the tensioning straps in another video?

[cheappc]

Great job man, thank you for the video, i was going to pay someone $1600 to do my top but from you video looks like i could do it myself, i installed a complete front end on my e36 i could definitely do this top, thanks again

[tidls]

Great video. I just replaced the rear window on my 1997 320i convertible. Fortunately it was fitted with a zipper, so it was very easy to remove. Fitting the new window was quite difficult. But only because the zipper head was hard to line up with the top and bottom track. The new window is not an original part. I need to work on how to seal it properly. That's a problem for later. Right now I'm happy to have a clear rear view. :-)

[wolfenstein]

I recommend finding a video from someone who's done this before, steps were skipped in this video.

[geekdu]

dude it came out great im going to order one this weekend and try to film me replacing it, hopefully it comes out as good as yours!

[rhar]

Looks great, Blake. Had to do mine a couple years ago during the restore. I have a 99' M3 auto vert.

[Eofking]

Hey brother, by any chance would you happen to take any photos of you riveting the weather molding? The last thing you mentioned that you did at the end?

[comet]

Yo dude let’s goooo. I’m coming in late better but late then never. Wrench on bro 😎

[ShorteeB]

Dude how did you ‘tuck’ the front and back of top? Doing one as we speak and plastic retainers built into old top are not great. You just screw thru the flaps in new roof? Are the new roof flaps under the weatherstripping? Thanks for the video!

[corbana]

Good job, mine next, I just don’t like that plastic look, wanna try to get a better quality top

[islahx]

I just ordered a top and I think it’s too short and I don’t know where to look for the top gasket and the side clips or something there’s nothing in the corners of the roof

[Martinezjr]

Great video boss I’m getting ready to do mine and I can’t seem to get a good link to that top I trying to get the same exact top is there anyway you could drop a link PS you got a new subscriber here love the work man 🤘🏽🤘🏽 hoping to start building my vert e36

[risingsunperformancemobile]

I had a major issue with mine, trying to get a replacement now. I bought the $170 on ebay, looks to be the exact same one you have just different seller. But mine seemed like it was about 2" too short. I got the hinge corners on first, then put the front flap over the frame. Afterwards i put the rear flap on. It wouldnt close for me at all, i made sure everything was where it needed to be. Since it still wouldnt close, i left it on the frame overnight, then took it outside in the morning to let it bake in the sun for around 8 hours. tried again, the top finally closed. But when i walked around to check all the fitment, then hinge area blew through. This was before putting ANY screws into it. I see in your video, before screws yours had no problems closing at all did you have any similar issues off camera? I will have another new top on the way asap to try again, im just afraid of the same problem happening with new top #2

[travisgraff]

How did you rivet the side piece my rivet gun won't fit

[detroitmeleisea]

@blakes garage where’s the link please?

[mopessos]

Tbh i would of advice you to just replace the rear window. I was gonna do the same until i ended up getting more holes . Im watching this video because i bought a twillfast 2 on amazon. My e36 has a bunch of holes.
The oem will always be a better option
Could you give an update on the soft top

[dylanbenjamin]

Can you please provide us with the link to the top and I’ll give the page a follow please 😢😂

[fredmarin]

WILL THIS WORK ON AN ELECTRIC AUTOMATIC TOP OR IS THE ELECTRIC TOP DIFFERENT?

[tristenjansen]

You should have polished it. It would be perfect again!

[maspert]

replace convertible top with plastic window replace headliner for bmw e36 1996 328i cost me 5200$ but the car is good a shape i thing was worth it new headliner 1750$ top with straps with plastic window 3450$ replace top is not cheap