Just purchased my first S...08 Chicane. Interested in adding a hardtop while still OEM available in Chicane color. Would add hoist in garage to installl/remove as mood/drive dictates. Think HTs will become more valuable as times passes. Always enjoyed being able to pop the HT onto my '62 Vette for change in appearance and various trips.

Anyone in StL have a HT? Interestd in input about hoist applications (manual, powered, framework design,....), ease of use, and initial installation. Have read site How Tos on HT install. Would like input from someone that did their own install.

 

tudernos has a authentic mugen HT. tu, his roommate and myself did the install. IMO the best looking hard top out. close second with the spoon and oem follows 3rd for me. oem's back window makes it look funny but to each it's own. the install was fairly simple just a little time consuming. a hoist is probably a good idea, not that the mugen top is that heavy because it doesn't have a glass back window, (not sure the weight of oem) but it def would make it easier if you wouldn't have a second person to help you sit it on the car. the part we had the most problem with was getting the HT strikers to line up with the top. also, if you keep your soft top in, you wont be able to latch it because you change out strikers. (at least with the mugen) also, i read someone was in the process of making a HT lock, not a bad idea seems how theft has always been an issue. i'd gladly give you a hand with the install if you needed help.

 

One of our member does have a HT stand for sale for $100 in the for sales section, in case you are interested. I believe the hoist is the way to go for ease of install and removal

 

James, you're the man! You're always down for anything. But yeah Mugen all the way baby! James, you could latch the softop if I were to take off the Mugen hardtop. It'll just be a little stiffer and tighter. But all in all it's a fairly simple installation process. The Mugen hardtop weighs next to nothing. I take it off by myself all the time. The only problem is that it's soo bulky and it's hard to go through narrow doorway without damaging anything.

 

and i think jimmi has a hoist for kelly hardtop on the jeep. he might have more info if you want to go that route

 

Thanks for the replies. Jimmi mentioned his hoist for Kelly's Jeep HT tonight at the pizza night. Hope to check it out at the Aug detail/install day at jimmi's. Think I want the OEM Honda HT as it will probably increase in value as S2000s become older and collectibles. Saw intersting hoist designs on national S2KI site.

 

Yes I have a hoist for kelly's Jeep. I am sure that it can be modofied to fit the S. It is a pretty simple design and allows the top to be removed by one person.

 

I have an OEM hardtop that I purchased from the Hardtopguy. You can read about him in the forums and take what you want from there. He actually came out and did the install as it was on his route for several other installations. I also have a hoist for 1 man removal and storage. It's pretty slick. PM me if you want picts or any details...
JP