Replica hardtops?
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Replica hardtops?
i really don't know much about them. but according to most people i have spoken too they have all they they are crap? they all said the fitment is crap. i tapped one yesterday and it was paper thin :/ and no matter how well fitted they leak air when driving . example when they pass 100mph air starts coming in and its like a mini tornado in the car . it it really worth the 3,500 for a oem top? or would a decent replica with good fitment be good enough?
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Raleigh, NC
OEM will be best for wind noise and fitment, because it's Honda. Real Mugen is also supposed to fit like near OEM.
There are of course tons of replica tops out there and some fit like shit. There are several companies here that make replicas that have good reputations.
Challenge: Makes a full CF OEM styled top, fitment is supposed to be right on.
Forbidden USA: Makes Mugen copies and now OEM copies that all seem to fit pretty well.
Rockstar Garage: Sells (makes?) Mugen copies and is close to releasing an Amuse copy, reviews are generally pretty favorable.
Whether or not it's worth it for the OEM top is entirely dependent on you. My personal preference would be OEM -> Challenge -> Forbidden OEM Style. I'll be picking up one here in the next month or 2, which depends on my budget and what's available at the time.
There are of course tons of replica tops out there and some fit like shit. There are several companies here that make replicas that have good reputations.
Challenge: Makes a full CF OEM styled top, fitment is supposed to be right on.
Forbidden USA: Makes Mugen copies and now OEM copies that all seem to fit pretty well.
Rockstar Garage: Sells (makes?) Mugen copies and is close to releasing an Amuse copy, reviews are generally pretty favorable.
Whether or not it's worth it for the OEM top is entirely dependent on you. My personal preference would be OEM -> Challenge -> Forbidden OEM Style. I'll be picking up one here in the next month or 2, which depends on my budget and what's available at the time.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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I have a VIS carbon fiber mugen hardtop. The fitment is pretty good with no leaks of water. I only notice some air come in barely at 110ish+ mph. My exhaust is so loud I barely even notice it even if it does happen.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Temecula, CA
You can't beat OEM period.
Having said that, theyre are good replicas. Forbidden is pretty good. You have to work with them too to seal them correctly. Just don't go in expecting oem quality, fit, and finish.
Having said that, theyre are good replicas. Forbidden is pretty good. You have to work with them too to seal them correctly. Just don't go in expecting oem quality, fit, and finish.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Northern California
OEM is a nice piece, but I don't know how people can justify paying close to $4,000 for it. I paid $1200 for my replica top with brackets painted BB, and another $330 for a glass window. It has questionable fitment and was a nightmare to install the window, but I attribute most of that to the manufacturer (I bought it used, not sure where it came from). I would pay up for a solid replica. You get all the looks with $2000 less cost. BTW I also had an OEM hardtop, which I sold back in 2009 for $1900 when I was running up my credit cards. The quality is top notch, but again, having an OEM hardtop is like your chick try to explain why her leather purse costs more that a whole dead cow, it's a luxury good.
