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Allan's E36
Garage
Garage
| Headliner Removal Video Removing the Headliner is the first step in accessing your Tension Straps for your convertible top. BMW E36 Headliner Removal |
| Tension Strap Installation Video Installation of the Tension Straps. Which can be done with the top on. "Highly recommend doing this if you are replacing your top. Tension Strap Installation |
| Tension Strap Removal Video Removing and Installing your new tension straps. Tension Strap Removal |
| Headliner Installation Video Installing the Headliner after replacing your Tension Straps. Headliner Install |
| About Allan's Garage This site is still under construction, but I will be updating it constantly to provide many projects and information pages as possible. My automotive experience started back in 1983 when I joined the US Army for 4 years and worked on Jeeps, Trucks, Tanks, and Recovery Vehicles. From 1987 -1993 I had worked in Dealerships and a specialty Automotive Electrical & Tune-up facility. The real fun started in 1994 - 2006 when I worked for General Motors Desert Proving Grounds in Mesa, Arizona where I work on development and prototype vehicles. At GM my experience includes Hot Fuel Testing Vehicles, Vehicle Dynamics Testing, Vehicle Performance and Driveability. If the opportunity for advancement was available within GM after I had finished my degree I would still be working for them. In 2006 I decided to pursue other career Goals, and now work in the Computer Industry in Austin, Texas. I purchased a 1996 BMW 328IC the June 2007. After researching so many forums, and a lot of excellent information, I decided I would start my own BMW webpage and document some of my Do it Yourself (DIY) projects. The overall condition of the 1996 BMW 329IC is great, but there were a few projects already getting planned. Lets start with the Convertible top tension straps. Tension Straps DIY: This is why I highly recommend replacing the tension straps when the top is being replaced, as the screws for the tension straps would be easy to access. The tension straps are secured to each bow with phillips screws, that are covered by a fabric cover which is sewn to the top of the straps. Parts resources I used for this project: Tension Straps: Bavarian Auto $159 Headliner: TopsOnline.com $325 Being able to use your Convertible top - Priceless Tools used: 2.5 mm allen head wrench 3.0 mm allen head wrench phillips screwdriver (90 degree) phillips screwdriver (short) Drill - to drill out rivets Pop rivet gun. See Videos Links below updated 06/04/08 |
| Alpine Radio Red LED's Converting your Alpine Radio LED's from green to red. I have completed this, but need to photograph the process RED LEDs Project |
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| 1996 328I Cosmetic Updates: New Headliner New Tension Straps New Sumitono 225/55/16 tires New Door Panels New Inlet Air Duct New BMW Emblems on wheels New BMW Emblems on Hood/Trunk New BMW OEM Floormats New Headlights Purchased a 2000 323Ci 05/03/08 so the work will now begin on this new one. A lot of upgrades are planned, so if you are interested in E46's view that page and follow along as I make enhancements E46 Garage updated 6/04/08 |
| The end of May 2008 I decided to sell my E36, so that I can start doing my DIY projects on my 2000 E46. I will definitely miss this vehicle. If I had the room in my garage, I would probably keep this vehicle. The driving experience feels like a true BMW. My E46 has more or the cushy ride, which does not give you the feeling the you are in the "Ultimate Driving Machine" Guess I will have to do some wheel/suspension upgrades to my 2000 E46 323CI Convertible. added 6/04/08 |