Hey guys,

I am torn both literally and emotionally on this subject. My soft top has a few small holes, but the plastic finally cracked in september. I have only had the S for a few months so am still kind of planning the build out. I have been scouring all sections of the forum and google etc trying to see exactly what I like.

I think it would really help to see them in person as the pictures just don't do it. I have a spa but color doesn't really matter, I just want to experience the different tops; if anyone in the area with them would be willing to meet and take me for a spin.

I was dead set on the Spoon top, but yesterday I really started liking the Mugen and the replicas. (Especially the price on the replica's I could by about six of them for one of the others) I do think I would rather have authentic but I have heard the replicas fit better?

Anywho if anyone of you have one of these and wouldn't mind sharing your insight with me let me know.

Thanks,

Eric

 

The big question is are you planning to do a lot of exterior mods? If you're going aggressive, both hardtops will work. If you keeping the exterior stock, I would say mugen or oem style. Be careful with the replicas though and go through a company that has a good reputation. i.e., Chaser aero were selling replica mugen tops that fit like crap.

Good luck with whatever you go with.

 

Honestly OEM fits best and I personally think it looks the best, but they are expensive and hard to find.

There is also a reason the replica mugen tops are so cheap...

 

Like I said I am still planning out the build. I am trying to decide on Tracy Wide Body kit, or Ap2 front conversion, some lip and canards J's Rear Diffuser.

I know the stigma of replica's, I just saw a few places yesterday that had nothing but good said about them. One being rockstar garage there vacuum double sided being about 1800 with hardware, and the other being forbidden. If I get the spoon I will get the spoon not the shine mooncraft, I'm just not sure if I like it as much as I thought or if I would like it with the other mods.

I just heard a lot of people saying the Mugen replica's fit better than the original.

 

I had the Forbidden Mugen replica. I liked it, but didn't love it. I was able to make it fit without rattles or squeaks. It did leak at the top front corner of the driver's window if it was raining and I drove 70mph+. The rear where it rested on the car didn't line up perfectly. It took forever to get it bolted in and be quiet. I sold the top and will only buy OEM if I get another hardtop.

 

I like the shine mooncraft hardtop, just for the fact that it has the side windows. You can get the spoon modified with the windows, but bulletproof charges a nice chunk of money for it, IIRC.

 

I would definitely stay away from replicas, the price may be quite appealing but the frustration of noises and fitment issues will quickly have you regretting it. It really boils down to what do YOU want, but this is one area where you don't want to be cheap. Tom is right about having supporting exterior mods if you get an aggressive top, but if done right I believe it can still look good without . I have a spoon top with a very stock look, aside from a hood, and believe it has a very clean look. Good luck either way you decide

 

Are you happy with the spoon? That is what I originally wanted and feel like I am still leaning that way.

Thats why I was asking if anyone semi local had the replica's as I don't believe the hype, but do see a lot of people say they fit better than OEM, atleast for the Mugen ones. (I don't believe it at all.)

I will probably save up for the spoon remix through bulletproof, or ask for it for the holidays! I just kind of wanted to ride in one to make sure I actually like it before I pull the trigger. I don't use the trunk much so don't think that would be an issue either.

 

Agree with Nandska... Really depends if you are going aggressive or a clean look. With most spoon top i've seen, it only looks nice if you are going aggressive (wide body, aggressive wheels, spoon front, etc.). If you are not going so aggressive and doing a clean look, OEM all the way. When I first got my car, I was thinking all these aftermarket stuff. Once I got them, I got sick of them. Went back to the OEM look and just made it look CLEAN. IMO.... OEM top, ap2 front, lowered, and semi-aggressive wheel. DONE. Everything else can go to some engine work.

 

I bought a rockstar double cf mugen replica. While it looks absolutely amazing on the car, its not weathertight. Though I don't get any rain inside there are 4 spots that aren't sealed tight. That and it creaks like all hell over slow to moderate speed bumps and imperfections in the road. Its only been on the car for less than a month and i'm already considering selling it and just replacing the soft top when the time comes. I've readjusted it a handful of times and can't get the creaks to go away. I'm getting too old for annoying noises.