Well, It looks like I'm getting my top replaced ( as well as a few dents repaired) due to the hail damage it received from the storm a month or two ago. The damage, from what I could tell, was just a small (maybe a half inch) tear in the top a few inches above the passenger-side window. Anyway...I wanted to know if anyone had any experience with getting a new top installed, especially where they went and if they were happy with the service. Also, I'm pretty sure I want to get an oem top, but is it worth considering the aftermarket varieties? I don't want that to affect resale in the future.

Thanks!

 

I would suggest doing the install yourself to save some money. I called around about 6 months ago when I replaced my top and the cheapest shop estimated around 1400-1500. And that was for the plastic back window (MY00). I bought a Robbins top with glass window for about $600 online and did the install myself so not only did I save almost $1000 but now I have the glass window. The install is very time consuming but not too difficult. I used the DIY tutorial on this site. I don't think getting an aftermarket top would affect resale at all. It's pretty much the same as OEM.

 

I have never replaced my top but I would be glad to lend a hand if you want.
I was considering doing mine and did all of the research, but by the time I was ready to pull the trigger I decided to buy a hardtop and repair the soft top.

 

Yes, you will save money, but it is a GIANT pain in the ass to do the work yourself. Screw that. I paid the labor costs to not spend a day or day and half fighting with the car.

Total spent 3 years ago on a top from topsonline.com with labor at a local shop was $1150.

 

Well, I'm getting the labor portion covered by insurance, so I think I'll have the professionals take care of things for me...Thanks for the offer, ponq! I just need to do some research to find a place nearby that will do it (and do it well). I was thinking of calling one of the local Honda dealers to see who they contract top replacements out to.

I haven't ordered the top yet, but the cheapest oem I can find was through Majestic Honda online. I think the total was ~$850 delivered, which doesn't sound too unreasonable.

I'm hoping to have all of this done (plus the hail dent removal) by the end of August. Just in time for some cooler, top-down weather.

 

You're taking the right approach. Let a pro do it and if not installed properly (leaks, whistles, rattles...), they fix it for free

 

Reaching out here to see if anyone has answers on the plastic to glass conversion details:

My S2000 is a combination of different model year parts, something I assembled years ago. I have a 2005 chassis that has a soft top frame and canvas from a 2001 model (plastic window version, starting to crack). I found a good deal on a 02-09 EZon top kit with the glass window that I recently purchased. Will this top fit on my older 2001 version frame? Or do I need to buy a top kit that is for the plastic to glass window conversion? I have read some of the writeups and it seems like the strap retrofit needs done to accommodate the glass window, are there any other details I'm missing?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Whats up Clovis! Im in San Antonio and have an ap1 that needs a top installed. Any chance you can help me out sometime soon? You can can email me at alaschristian@yahoo.com

Thanks!

 

A little worried my dude hasn't posted in a while, especially because I'll need a top here in Austin before too long...

 

I just drove up to New Jersey and back to have a new Robbins top installed and I’m very pleased with it. The original one lasted me since 2007, and had a few pinholes over my head and a large tear on the passenger side. The Robbins top is beautiful. It’s made of canvas which is superior, and I’ve already ordered the new top cleaner and protectant from Amazon. I’m going to use the 303 stuff. Also got some of that grease for all the rubber seals to make them like new and last longer.

The Robbins top has less seams in it than the original, and has a glass back window. It looks far superior to the original and I think it enhances the look of the car. I would do it exactly the same way and the nice guy charged me $1400 total. Had it done in about three hours at his house.

I wouldn’t go cheap on this as I plan to keep the car for a very long time. I’m hoping this one last even longer than the original, as it also has patches where the tears normally occur. He also filed down any burrs on the frame and repainted it. He did a really good job.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.