In a discussion with some friends about hardtops vs softtops, it got me thinking about retractable hardtops.

Has anyone successfully created a retractable hardtop for the s2000? I'd imagine you could use a modified system cannibalised from a newer model miata or slk, but with an OEM or aftermarket hardtop for the actual roof.

Has this been tried by anyone? I know that anything is possible if you just throw enough money at it.

 

buy a benz if you need that on a roadster

 

Thanks Joe, real helpful.

I've already had my roof knifed once, and don't really want to get a hardtop. Retractable hardtop would be something I'd like on my s2000.

 

Im as helpful as your idea is practical. Simply too much involved for this to remotely work. Oem hardtop is on or off in about 2 minutes with one other person. Thats as close as youll get

 

That's just craziness!

 

as nice as that would sound, i doubt it will happen

 

Anything can be done with enough money. Let us know how it goes.

 

I thought someone brought this idea up in the Gallery forum. I think it would be much easier to do a targa style top with the OEM hardtop if anything (like Supra). It might be possible but would take A LOT of custom work to do I think. I am not sure if our stock top motors are strong enough or not to be used.

 

not gonna work man, my grandmother has an slk230, and your trunk has to be the same size as your hardtop for it to fold in lol. Our trunks most definately are not, but a targa might be an idea, but if so, just buy a del sol and be done with it.

 

Certainly. However, look at a retracting hardtop and compare to the S. It's not a simple task as the hardtop can't simply fold into the same spot as the soft top. The trunk and quarter panels aren't designed to accommodate a folding hardtop and there would be significant work to make this happen.

How much are you willing to pay? It's going to be much more than a hardtop and those aren't cheap to begin with. Sometimes a pipe dream is a pipe dream -- particularly when it's outside your budget.

I agree with the post above: If you want a retractable hardtop then get a car that comes with one.

I don't consider losing my trunk or the added weight and complexity "nice" but YMMV.