Convertible Top issue

[porphyria]

So I just picked up my s2k a couple of days ago. 2005, 55k miles, no mods other than an aftermarket stereo and a K&N air filter. The guy I bought it from was pretty meticulous about its care. I didn't notice it at the time, but now when I go to put the top down, it stops short of completely retracting by a few inches. I just got back from having the oil changed at the dealership and they confirmed that it wasn't going down all the way but didn't know exactly why, that it appeared to be something about the way the rear window was folding but that they'd need more time to figure it out. Any ideas? Otherwise I'm looking at a minimum of $100 at the dealership to diagnose it, and repair charges on top of that. Thanks!

[batguano]

It could be that the second rail from the front is not going back. That would cause a bind. It's a common problem.
Put the top up then begin to put it down but while doing so, gently push the rail toward the rear.
The straps that make it retract get weak over time. I had to replace mine. Modifry has some.

Good luck.


Check it out here.
http://www.modifry.com/products/index.htm

[repiv]

As Lee said, this is not uncommon. I would suggest you consider the following mod:

"Convertible Top Fix" (bottom link) ........................... Yeah, I know, Honda should fix this, but for 20 bucks, it's better than having to grovel at the dealership for something they should be apologizing for.

http://modifry.com/products/index.htm

[porphyria]

Wow awesome, this definitely sounds like the problem I'm having.. went ahead and ordered the new straps. Thanks guys!

[wildncrazy]

Be careful when you put the top down and be sure to reach back and push it down by hand. The next symptom of the problem is fist sized holes in the top right behind the latches.

This is something you definitely don't want to put off as a new top is $$$

[fltsfshr]

Yes inspect right above where the back of the latches are and see if you see any wear or pinhole light through it Your top is plastic not cloth so there's no weave, it just fails. If you do see an indication of wear, put a small material patch there with some fabric glue. It will prevent any future problem. It's caused by the back edge of the latch riding on the top in the down position.

fltsfshr

[porphyria]

Installed the new straps today, worked like a charm. Thanks so much for the time/money savings!

http://img194.imageshack.us/i/top2v.jpg/

http://img695.imageshack.us/i/top1n.jpg/

Couple I took right after the install. This may be a bad angle, but can it be seen that the top is completely folding here? I'm have a hell of a time getting that boot cover on and off, seems nutty to me to keep using it unless I figure something out. Had a 2000 back when they were released, don't remember the boot ever being that big of a deal to put on back then.

[batguano]

Glad it worked out for you. I had the same problem in my 05 and put the straps on. As you know by now, having small hands would be a great help.
This might be a good time to consider joining us. We have a great group of folks here who lover the cars and enjoy helping others.:hello:

[camoy]

Practice is what got me to the point where I can get the boot on pretty quick. And yes small hands help a lot.

[repiv]

Installed the new straps today, worked like a charm. Thanks so much for the time/money savings!

http://img194.imageshack.us/i/top2v.jpg/

http://img695.imageshack.us/i/top1n.jpg/

Couple I took right after the install. This may be a bad angle, but can it be seen that the top is completely folding here? I'm have a hell of a time getting that boot cover on and off, seems nutty to me to keep using it unless I figure something out. Had a 2000 back when they were released, don't remember the boot ever being that big of a deal to put on back then.

Less than a week. Man, that's fast!
As for the boot, I've never used mine as is the case with many S2000 owners. My top goes up and down several times a day when the hardtop isn't on.

[tukatz]

Less than a week. Man, that's fast!
As for the boot, I've never used mine as is the case with many S2000 owners. My top goes up and down several times a day when the hardtop isn't on.
When I got my S it looked like the boot had never been used. I concluded that while I could get all the necessary stuff for a road trip into the trunk, there would be room for the boot. So mine went into the attic. ;)

[camoy]

My issue with the boot is that it always lifts up and you end up pushing it back down again. I really only use it for pictures as it does help keep the car looking clean.

[repiv]

I've concluded that this boot cover is the one thing that Honda commissioned Mickey Mouse to design.

[fltsfshr]

That's just cause you don't get enough practice up there in the snowy cold. I can put the boot on and take it off all day long in less than 20sec. I timed it going slow. 1 push 1 pull and it's on.

:p :p :p :p


fltsfshr

[repiv]

That's just cause you don't get enough practice up there in the snowy cold. I can put the boot on and take it off all day long in less than 20sec. I timed it going slow. 1 push 1 pull and it's on.

:p :p :p :p


fltsfshr
But you live so close to Mickey, I'll bet he gave you lessons. :hello:

[fltsfshr]

Better close to Mickey than Frosty.!!! Unless it's on a beer mug.


fltsfshr:p :p :p :p

[Marrk]

S2000 My top goes up and down several times a day when the hardtop isn't on.


That's a lot of up-and-down. How's your top wearing? Any problems in the oft-noted wear areas?

Thanks.

Marrk

[repiv]

That's a lot of up-and-down. How's your top wearing? Any problems in the oft-noted wear areas?

Thanks.

Marrk
So far, so good. My top has not seen the usual wear points as I've seen on other cars. The main one being at the front latches. On my top, the material doesn't actually touch the latch during any position. The other common wear point is at at each rib just behind the driver's and passenger's outside ears. On my friend's S2000 (also a 4 season daily driver - no HT), we reinforced the rib points with "Gorilla" tape from the underside. This seems to have staved off a tear through. Since his touches where the front latches are, we also put the tape there.
Mind you, my car is 10 years old but 1/2 that time, the HT is on. I do the 303 treatment inside and out at least once, sometimes twice a year (after the HT comes off and before it goes back on).

[Marrk]

So far, so good. My top has not seen the usual wear points as I've seen on other cars. The main one being at the front latches. On my top, the material doesn't actually touch the latch during any position. The other common wear point is at at each rib just behind the driver's and passenger's outside ears. On my friend's S2000 (also a 4 season daily driver - no HT), we reinforced the rib points with "Gorilla" tape from the underside. This seems to have staved off a tear through. Since his touches where the front latches are, we also put the tape there.
Mind you, my car is 10 years old but 1/2 that time, the HT is on. I do the 303 treatment inside and out at least once, sometimes twice a year (after the HT comes off and before it goes back on).


Thanks. I've got the Gorilla tape, but haven't put it on yet.

At the risk of boring everyone to death, could you point out once more where to place the Gorilla tape at "the rib points"? I get the "behind the latches" part, but the right and left "outside ears" is a little unclear. (It's time for a picture with drawn-in arrows. ;) )

Thanks again.

[repiv]

Thanks. I've got the Gorilla tape, but haven't put it on yet.

At the risk of boring everyone to death, could you point out once more where to place the Gorilla tape at "the rib points"? I get the "behind the latches" part, but the right and left "outside ears" is a little unclear. (It's time for a picture with drawn-in arrows. ;) )

Thanks again.
That's going to be tough. My soft top is folded under the HT at the moment and will be that way till May.
If you look on the outside at each rib. The one that's closest to your head is the one that's most likely to wear through. Follow the rib to each side where it bends down to meet the side window. At the "point" is where the top material is stretched the most. You can do this to the next rib, too.

[Marrk]

That's going to be tough. My soft top is folded under the HT at the moment and will be that way till May.
If you look on the outside at each rib. The one that's closest to your head is the one that's most likely to wear through. Follow the rib to each side where it bends down to meet the side window. At the "point" is where the top material is stretched the most. You can do this to the next rib, too.



Okey-dokey. :thumbup:


One last dumb question: Did you put the tape on the inside of the top or on the metal rib?

[repiv]

Okey-dokey. :thumbup:


One last dumb question: Did you put the tape on the inside of the top or on the metal rib?

Sticky side against the top material. Shiny side against the rib.