I, like a lot of you out there, am finally having problems with my top. It is starting to tear on either side, it now leaks, the latches are warped so it doesn't seat right causing wind noise, and (downfall to the AP1) the plastic window is so distorted now I can't see through it even for the simplest tasks such as backing out of a parking spot.

I have begun my quest for a replacement top that accomplishes the following:

• More reliable than OEM material(s)
• Eliminate its vulnerability to tearing
• Withstand the Arizona summer heat
• Doesn't shrink in colder temperatures
• Convert to glass window (AP1)
• Doesn't require a new frame to convert to glass window (AP1)
• Comes with some type of warranty
• Cost-efficient
• Reseat the top to eliminate wind noise

That said, I believe I have found the answer.

They accomplish every single goal that I was aiming for. With factory frame they install a glass window that will fold with the top. They use cloth fabric, similar to corvettes, instead of vinyl, eliminating the vulnerablity to tearing and improving the tolerance to heat and cold (cloth is more prone to dirt, so frequent cleaning might be needed). They include a 3 or 5 year warranty, and they will re-tighten the latches to reseat the top to eliminate wind noise.

All of this was quoted for $1400, including labor. I do know a Honda OEM AP2 top (with glass) is around the $2000 mark, not including any labor and it still the vinyl material with no warranty (shy of any pre-existing vehicle warranty you may already have).

This is the same place that I buy my cleaners from, which has kept the original 2001 soft-top on my AP1 a nice rich new-looking black and has made it last until now. Probably from all the up and down I do. My biggest goal was getting away from vinyl so that I don't have to deal with tearing, so I am excited primarily for that reason.


here is some information on the palce if you are at all interested:

Agostino's Vinyl Top Svc
600 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ
480-834-7813

Just thought I would share that information with the rest of the s2ki community, cuz I'm sure I'm not the only one. I should be taking advantage of this within the next month or so, so I will repost once that has been completed.

 

I will give you my whole 06 glass soft top assembly for $1k or trade you for a full black CR tonneau cover.

 

also you can still buy robbins tops for about 600 and install yourself. That's what I did!

 

1400 damn thats almost the price of a hardtop

 

Well, in my own defense (heh). This was primarily the solution for keeping a soft-top while getting all of the things I listed above. In addition, I am not as....handy as some more experienced people so doing it myself (in addition to reseating the top and what not) is an ability i question for myself. Plus, you just can't beat a 5 year warranty!!!!

On the other hand, a hardtop is definitely a consideration (and disposing of the top all together) because, although I LOVE having a quick/easy convertible, I do love the look and some of the advantages of a hardtop.

I just wanted to share this place that I found in the event that someone might be interested, and for what you get (especially compared to OEM), its hella cheaper for us AP1'ers.

 

Hi there,

I wanna know if the fabric is much better as you say instead of the vinyl softtop.
Where I will have a new top installed they offer me a fabric top for the same price as a vinyl top. I hear a lot of things about both and am not convinced yet that fabric is the better option!

Anyone?

 

Well for tearing, fabric is definitely more reliable, hands down. Good care and treatment will of course extend the life of whatever fabric you ultimately choose. On the other hand, cloth will hold more dirt, and hold more heat. So it depends on what you are looking for. Also, cloth doesn't contract and expand based on temperature as dramatically as the vinyl tops do, which will also help with the tenure of a fabric top.

In my own opinion if there were any weak-points for the cloth as far as strength of material, my guess would be by the stitching. I think this because when your clothes rip, it tends to be by a seam, or a stitching, I don't see why it would be any different here. But fortunately the way the soft-top is designed, there isn't really any flexing at any of the stitching locations. Most of the stitchings are around the poles of the top's frame, which circulates around the pole rather than pulls taut and loose

I personally don't mind the heat, because my car is either covered or under covered parking. And I am so friggin OCD anal-retentive that I thoroughly clean the top with cleaner, conditioner and protectant 4 times a month. So I won't mind the dirt, not to mention it would be black, so it would be hard to see the dirt anyhow.

Does that help? If you have any specific questions let me know. I have done some pretty thorough research about the top because it drives me crazy to have the tears and what not, not to mention I'm in the market for a high-quality replacement, so I feel pretty knowledgeable.

 

tnx!

really helpfull.
I guess that I will choose the fabric after all.
Any idea why Honda chooses pvc instead?
Is it to keep the costs of a expencive car down?

Greetz

 

Most likely yes to keep the cost down. Not completely sure why they chose vinyl.

Glad I was able to help.