Guys:

I have a recent tear (1-1/4") located just under where the driver-side latch
rests on the top when the top is completely dropped.

Pictures will be posted this evening and will be able to describe the location
better.

After playing with the top quite a few times, I am convinced it was a design
defect and this is bound to happen to most cars sooner or later. I went thru
the motions of dropping and lowering the top and I do close the latch just
before dropping the top, so that was not an issue. So, there is nothing I could
have done to create a tear there (due to location). Somehow the latch
may have pinched the top material when coming back up. Since that area is
pretty straight, Honda should have reinforced those areas (both sides) with
a patch of stuck-on vinyl or something.

My dealer has already refused any coverage on this saying wear-and-tear (I have
HondaCare Extended Warranty). I have spoken to a couple of places that repair
tops and as soon as they heard the description, they are asking me to buy a new
top and don't even want to see the car in person!!!

When I get the repair film (http://www.tear-aid.com Type-B), I am going to apply
it to the top and bottom of the tear area and the bottom of the other side so I can
at least defer the tearing on the other side.

I have also sent a letter to Honda Consumer Affairs.

So, does anyone else have this problem?

Thanks!

[EDIT - 06/15/06 : Pictures added]

 

I have a tear right behind the drivers door where there is a seam. I thinks it's just age though.

 

when i purchased my s i noticed a tear in the same spot you did, it wasnt noticable from the outside, i only noticed it when i got in the car, started to put the top down and noticed light creeping in along the tear. i think i only got it fixed because i complained and wouldnt take the car off the lot till they fixed it. they repaired it, and from the inside its not noticable, but the outside shows a small hard bubble and stands out a little from the top

 

Can you give any more info on what they used to repair it?

 

wow, this is amazing, i was just in my car this morning and notice a small circular area on upper left of driver side where light seems to be brighter thru it... like it will break thru if worn even more. this car has only 6k miles and 1 yr old. i've also read threads b4 where honda had convered top problems as warranty.

 

not sure what they used, but i would assume a piece of fabric and one of those high powered heat guns to melt it in, if not for the bubble, you wouldnt even be able to tell it was patched, i dont know much about patching tops, but i would attribute the bubble to sloppy/amateur work

 

Any pictures of the location of thos tear?

 

I've got the same thing. Just put duct-tape all over the outside of the top with a big sign on the back saying "Honda refuses to fix my top under warranty."



Edit: Pic Added. Also just noticed that everyone with this problem has an '02!

 

I've noticed the same worn and thinning spots on my 2002. I believe the wear occurs when the top is folded down. The latch and the elastic straps rub on the top when the top is down. When the top is up everything is fine.

I'm going to go have a look at a 2006 and see if Honda has changed anything.

I'll also post some pictures later today.

 

Okay, here's an update on my situation. I talked with one of the other S2000 Atlanta members who has a 2003 that just went out of warranty, he had the holes more on the sides of his top (most likely where the MY2000-2001 owners have the problem). His service advisor spoke with Honda and they are replacing his top under warranty.

I'm now inquiring about what Honda will do for my problem. I believe the wear only occurs when the top is down (folded). The latch and the elastic strap both rub on the inside surface. This is only on the driver's side for me. I beleive the issue is the top folds too much, this causes the bar (latch and elastic strap) to dig into the fabric and rub while driving.

This probably won't occur if your top folds down slightly less, I remember Honda issuing a TSB about the height in which the top rests when folded. A lot of people were having trouble with the boot cover and the suggestion from Honda was to adjust the bump stops. I believe that if they are too far down the top folds too tightly which will cause excessive wear. Here is a shot of my top, the upper wear mark is through the inner fabric and I can see the PVC layer on the outside. You can also see the wear coming through on the outside.