Ski Rack on a hardtop?
#11
I guess it depends on how much gear you're setting onto the rack. If it's just a pair of skis or snowboards for 2 then I wouldn't worry about stressing the hard top. Don't be worried about the naysayers with s2k + snow because that is tire dependent; not car dependent. Best of luck and snap some photos for us.
#13
I highly doubt there are any ski racks that were made specifically for the Honda OEM hardtop, let alone the Mugen hardtop. However, I would imagine the universal ski racks you find at your local sporting goods/automotive store (something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...YA7PSX8A7JQ453) would probably fit no problem. I am unsure about the amount of stress it would put on the hardtop though, or if it's even enough to do any harm but, I have yet to see any convertible hardtops with a rack on them so I'm guessing this might be an indication that it wouldn't be a good idea. But, then again you're only hauling I'm guessing less than 30-40 pounds of equipment so I don't think it could do much harm if any. I think the better option, one of which you are already aware of is either a trunk rack or installing a hitch and getting a hitch rack. I have seen many smaller convertibles and even other S2000 owners do this and none have reported any damage to their vehicles when used correctly.
#14
I've driven my s2k in the snow n/a and now when it is turbo'd. All you need is snow tires and some driving skill. It's alot of fun drving in the snow
A roof rack would be nice, although i just put my snowboard and gear in my passenger seat. It fits just barely if you angle it. I'm 6'ft to so my board is pretty good size.
A roof rack would be nice, although i just put my snowboard and gear in my passenger seat. It fits just barely if you angle it. I'm 6'ft to so my board is pretty good size.
#16
I've thought about having a roof-rack on my hardtop... but haven't pulled the trigger on it yet.
I think the OEM would fair better than any of the aftermarket hardtops, since it's actually metal. but, with a bike rack on the OEM hardtop, I can't imagine the bike causing a huge amount of additional stress.
Now, the aftermarket hardtops are a different story. Methinks the resin and build quality would play a role in how well it'll handle an additional 50lbs? of equipment.
What I would do is... test it. Buy a yakima roof rack (or borrow one)... and mount it up. drive around to see if it causes any problems. then toss some gear on it, retest.
I think the OEM would fair better than any of the aftermarket hardtops, since it's actually metal. but, with a bike rack on the OEM hardtop, I can't imagine the bike causing a huge amount of additional stress.
Now, the aftermarket hardtops are a different story. Methinks the resin and build quality would play a role in how well it'll handle an additional 50lbs? of equipment.
What I would do is... test it. Buy a yakima roof rack (or borrow one)... and mount it up. drive around to see if it causes any problems. then toss some gear on it, retest.
#17
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consider the amount of stress that would be on the hardtop latches at speed. When a snowboard is on the roof of a car, it produces lift. I'm not sure if the hardtop latches are designed to handle that type of load.
I wouldn't do it. You could drive a minivan at the racetrack but why would you?
I wouldn't do it. You could drive a minivan at the racetrack but why would you?
#18
Registered User
S2k is a great car in the snow with proper tires.
But since this is about mounting a roof rack on a hard top and NOT ABOUT DRIVING ON SNOW, I'd advise against it.
OEM top would be best to handle increased stress since FRP might not be strong enough at the mounting points of the brackets to support the additional load.
Then the question is HOW would you mount it to the top??? If it simply clamped on to the sides I'd think it might damage the window seals and I don't think the windows would roll up all the way.
I'd get a removable boot rack, or get a trailer hitch and mount up a extended thing on to it to attach your board.
In other words, no I don't think it can be done and I've never seen it done.
Good luck though
But since this is about mounting a roof rack on a hard top and NOT ABOUT DRIVING ON SNOW, I'd advise against it.
OEM top would be best to handle increased stress since FRP might not be strong enough at the mounting points of the brackets to support the additional load.
Then the question is HOW would you mount it to the top??? If it simply clamped on to the sides I'd think it might damage the window seals and I don't think the windows would roll up all the way.
I'd get a removable boot rack, or get a trailer hitch and mount up a extended thing on to it to attach your board.
In other words, no I don't think it can be done and I've never seen it done.
Good luck though
#19
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiC03_wVjc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XvjVvFdMIY