I live in New England and i have a hardtop for my S2000. I was wondering how you guy's store your's when you want the top down. I've taken it off once and it was pretty easy. although we put it on the ground, on a blanket in the garage. propped up the front so the pins weren't points of contact... now the ideal storage is to hang it from the ceiling. but too much work, are the pins sturdy enough to rest it on? also my soft top was a pain to put down, the latches up front don't let go when you ask them too, it takes real force. also the cover for the top when it's down is a pain to get on and off. just noticing all this because it's the first time with the soft top going up an down. all comments on both tops, are appriciated

 

A few of us have built winches and store the HT hanging from the garage ceiling above where the car parks. I back my car into the garage such that when the top comes off, it goes up to the ceiling and the garage door can be opened under it. This saves a lot of space. I'd give you the link to a thread I started with pics but Imagestation is having problems and all those old threads probably don't work anymore. If you want pics, I can either repost them here using the forum's photo storage or email them to you. One person can handle the top with such a winch setup.
I think the pins are strong enough to take the weight but they might get damaged it the top was accidently "dragged" across the floor like if you were to bump into it.
As for the latches being so tight, I think they'll loosen a bit with useage and time. Till then, pull down with the hand hold when you unlatch it.
Most people don't use the "boot" cover.

 

The winch system has been a reccomendation from the start from a couple people (everyone) but I thought it was just something we all wanted not something that was plausable. Pic's aren't nessicary (ynautica@aol.com) but if you could give me some hint's as to how you've attached everything, a sketch maybe... thanks

 

Try going here: (pictures 7 through 12 will show you everything you need to know)
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292784127
Just make sure your anchors are in a ceiling joist. More than one anchoring point will ensure the top won't rotate (I used 4). Once you get the lengths of the ropes correct, tie them all in a knot so they'll always stay the same length. Because the top is rear heavy, note where the hooks are located when the top is hanging.

 

There are some winches at http://www.bhma.com if you want a pre-designed solution...

 

There is a hardtop storage rack available from Honda. I have one, but I haven't had the time to use it yet.

 

handaccessories has a picture of the storage rack on the web page.

 

also my soft top was a pain to put down, the latches up front don't let go when you ask them too, it takes real force. also the cover for the top when it's down is a pain to get on and off. just noticing all this because it's the first time with the soft top going up an down. all comments on both tops, are appriciated [/B][/QUOTE]

I've had the same problem with the soft top getting it on and off mainly with the latches. Trying to pull it down using the hand hold will not give you enough force to loosen the latches' grip. What worked for me is by using my free hand to push down on that corner of the roof whichever latch I'm trying to free and able to exert enough force that way.

 

I've had the same problem with the soft top getting it on and off mainly with the latches. Trying to pull it down using the hand hold will not give you enough force to loosen the latches' grip. What worked for me is by using my free hand to push down on that corner of the roof whichever latch I'm trying to free and able to exert enough force that way. [/B][/QUOTE]
Wow, it shouldn't be that hard. There are "shims" or spacers in the latch mechanism. You either have too few or too many, I can't remember which. I don't have the Helm manual handy, (this adjustment is also shown with the HT installation pages that came with the top - you can download them from the HandA web site). The new latch plate on the windshield do make it latch a lot tighter but if you are going to adjust it, don't make it too loose as they get a bit loose with use and time. You don't want it going the other way and start to rattle like some people have experienced.

Also, with regard to the Honda top stand, not only does it take up floor space but when I saw the price for such a simple device, I had to pick my eyes up off the parts desk - YIKES! The same goes for the Mercedes hoist (or the Miata one too). The total cost of materials for my home made device cost about 30 bucks.

 

Duplicate thread on:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=44758