NotExactly

Do I need new tension straps? I'm guessing that mine are pretty well worn. I know some people make their own, not sure how easy this is.

LazyProfessor

DAMN VANDALS!!!!

My car was vandalized last night - top slashed and a couple of the support bars bowed in a bit... I am beyond pissed obviously...

So the recommendation is the robbins top - cool. Is the difference that big between the vinyl and the cloth?? And is the cloth that much nicer??

pgss2k

Top vandalism is a bummer. Good luck with a quick fix.

Lainey

Sorry to hear, Ryan. We went with the Robbins, vinyl, Dimitry with the cloth. The installer was surprised we didn't opt for cloth. I don't think there is much price difference and maybe cloth wears better than vinyl????

Hope you have low comprehensive deductible.

LazyProfessor

According to the link above the cloth is $50 more - negligible. $250 comprehensive coverage. I'll probably hit up the Honda dealer for a hefty quote. Maybe I can net a few $$ for my inconvenience.

Dimitry, even though things stick to your cloth top - would you still recommend it? Quality difference at all?

Chazmo

Damn, Ryan. That sucks. Where'd it happen?

My top is a disaster. I just used some black gorilla tape to cover the holes. If I ever put it up, I'd probably be embarassed.

LazyProfessor

According to the local Honda stealership, a replacement OEM top costs $1241 + 10 hrs labor to install. My ins company (USAA) came out and quoted the same. After my deductible and $150 for "betterment" (had the common tear) plus some cash for paintless dent removal from the a$$holes who walked on my hood, I should receive a check for $1940. I should net some money for my inconvenience - found a guy who will install my top for about $500 who has done other tops on different cars.

Chaz - vandalism happened in Groton CT city at an apartment complex. I was parked behind the building for just over an hour and had never left the car prior to this.

Still torn between Vinyl and Cloth... My garage is full of stuff still so the car stays outside - I have the hardtop for the winter. Any other thoughts on a way to lean?

EOE

Ooops, sorry about the delayed response.

YES it is worth it. Cloth looks dark, deep and will actually be more flexible in the cold. Also, they doubled up on the fabric on the well known rub spots which will extend your soft top life. Fabric will give your S2000 an expensive and classy look.


Few things to remember with cloth:
- It DOES NOT come with beading properties like you would have after 303 application. Make sure you apply 303 Fabric protection right before you install the top or right after. Mine has been beading for 3+ months now.

- DO NOT spray 303 directly on the top but instead apply with a brush. That stuff sticks to everything. I had to use paint cleaner on my paint/windows after.

- DO NOT rub Fabric top like you would with vinyl. Dab it dry and then let it air dry. Once again, use a wide brush to apply 303. If you rub with a terry, microfiber, foam pad or drying towel you will cause pilling and fibers will stick up like on an old sweater. I did that and now EVERYTHING sticks to it. Fabric Shaver will fix it though

Avoid making my mistakes and the cloth top will be better looking, just if not more reliable, and more importantly it won't have trouble being flexible in the cold. My Vinyl rips would get bigger during colder months and thats when it finally gave and ripped completely.

Chazmo

EOE, excellent point about cloth. My top is shredded due to lowering in the cold (and rub spots). I like the vinyl, sure, but I'm going cloth when I retop this time.

LazyProfessor

Excellent info - thanks! Looks like cloth it is. I'll probably wait till spring at this point, I've been thinking about putting the hardtop anyway.