I finally got my new top put on & it hasn't been any fun.

Several weeks ago I had my new soft top installed. After the install was completed, I was told that there was a problem. After a few anxious moments they explained to me that one of the bows in the top frame was bent. Actually it is bent kind of straight, so it needs to be straightened so that it is actually kind of bent. It is bent down on the drivers side, above the drivers head. It isn't bent badly, but with the new top it is very noticeable. Also, because it is bent down in the middle, the outer most ends of the bow are pushing up more than they should. That is also where the worst tears in my old top were.

My initial thought was that that it wouldn't be a big deal to rebend. Boy was I wrong, it has turned into hours of very unnerving fun for all. With the top latched, I currently have the drivers seat out with a floor jack & a 2x4 providing an alarming amount of force to the top frame. I have had several variations of this setup, with less than desirable results. I have left it with a slight amount of pressure on it for days & have had no change in the arch of the bow. All I seem to be is collectively pushing the whole top frame up & not just the bow that I want to unbend (or bend, I can't decide). I have tried using my hand, a rubber mallet & thought about even more violent solutions. I thought about removing the bow, but it has parts of the top attached to it & I'm afraid if I remove it I won't be able to reassemble it when I'm done. I also don't want to get into a situation where I have to return to the upholstery shop, but I can't drive the car with the top up & can't put it down.

The part I need is replaceable separately, but not available separately new from Honda. The bow I need is highlighted in red in the picture below. I'm looking for the bow, but would consider a whole frame if that is all that is available. Does anyone out there have an old, or spare frame that they are willing to part out. I see them come up for sale, from time to time, but the only one I see now has a top on it & is $750.00. I would like to fix this before it ruins my new top. I have been afraid to drive the car & haven't put the top down since I had it replaced.

Let me know if anyone has anything that may help me out of my delema.

Thanks - arbez

Edit: My car is a 2005

 

I am looking at buying that $750 top. Were I to do that, my Top (with a few repaired cuts) and frame would become available for sale. If no one else has a spare frame for part out, get in touch with me, and we'll see what we can do.

Thanks.