During first installation of my OEM hardtop on my ‘02, the distance between the latches on the top was about 1/4” less than the strikers, making latchdown impossible. How are the latches adjusted outward to line up with the strikers?

Aren’t the original/soft top strikers compatible with the hardtop? I am concerned that if I do anything on the car side to accommodate the hardtop, the soft top will not latch securely.

Am I missing something?

 

you may need to adjust the fitment of the catches by your seats. three bolts on the hardtop side you can loosen and do some adjustment. You do need someone to press down on the rear of the top when tightening to get a good seal and fit.

 

Thanks for the response, JBamin. I know that it’s a matter of finer adjustments as you go on, but I’m not understanding how rear top and/or car adjustments can change the distance between the hardtop latches, so that they line up with the strikers.

Are the original strikers compatible with both hard and soft tops? I understand that they are.

 

The original strikers should technically be compatible but you ideally need hard top strikers. I believe the soft top strikers have a rubber piece on them whereas the hardtop strikers are all metal and the only difference is the hard top strikers are thicker.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-mo...-tops-1079670/

Second, adjusting aft mounting point (where the hard top spikes fit into the bracket attached to the car body) will determine where the hardtop sits in relation to the A-pillar. If you shift the bracket forward, the hard top will sit closer to the A-pillar/windshield frame. That was their point.