I am going to lunch in a minute and I will see what mine looks like on the inside.

I know my sides do not line up perfectly either (where the HT sits on the quarter panel) Here is a pic it does not line up perfectly but it is off by a few mm. and the Catchers I bought from hardtop guy look different from the ones you have (those looked like my OEM ones)

 

That is interesting. I'm reading the instructions that came with the hardtop manual, and it says the 2 front strikers that come with the kit are not used. I'm guessing because the '02+ models should already have these strikers? If the strikers that come with the ht are indeed different than what is installed on the windshield frame from the factory, then I'm sure that is probably my problem.

 

They are slightly different in both looks and weight. Everyone on the boards says they are the same, but when mine came in the mail they were not the same as the ones I took off my car 2004 (purchased new from dealer ).

After the install and some shin itzu grease all rattles were eliminated and the fitment was very tight .

what is the history on the HT brand new used (if so what year?)? I am assuming new since you have the manual?

 

The ht was purchased new. My friend bought the car brand new and told the dealer he would pay retail if they threw in a ht and installation for free, and they did. I then bought the car from him several months later after he decided he'd rather have a boat.

The dealer gave him the ht manual after they installed it, but they didn't give him any of the extras that came with the installation kit, such as the strikers, defroster switch, etc...

Looking at the manual right now, I found another thing interesting.... The issued date is October 2005, but the application is for a 2006 S2000. I wouldn't suspect a difference between an '05 and '06 though.

 

Strikers are fine. You leave the stock ones on. Same between later years.

You may need to adjust the three bolts on each side of the rear latches, where it attaches the peg to the hardtop. I think the oem top covers it up with some paneling.

 

I have the similar problem on my 2005 S. I bought used OEM HT and installed it and adjusted as instructions says. Everything is fine, no leaks or anything even on car wash, but I can hear aerodynamic noice on the drivers side corner, where striker sits, if I just push wheatherstrip using my finger, the noise is gone.

Also, the drivers HT lock is not tight, it just locks and that's it, but the passenger is ok, when you are locking it, you feel how it pulling the HT to clasp to weatherstrip.

Seeing that pics above, I have pretty much the same problem with the drivers side catcher. Since there is not water leaks, I just left it as is, probably I'll try to change strikers in spring, as far as I see that might help.

Let me know if you want a pics of mine, just to compare what is the gap.

 

i have an 01 i havent taken a good look at the front but thats just how the back sits

 

try adjusting the little hook on the hardtop. on most cars the hardtop hook screws inwards and outwards to provide slack or tension.

 

You can also try removing a shim or adding one to the catcher. that will change fitment (in small increments).

 

I'll have to take a look at that. The hooks on the front of the ht are the only things I haven't messed with. I hope they do adjust.