tph4m

I own a 2001 with a plastic top and my buddy has an 2003 with a glass top. Long story short, we agreed to swap tops, just straight trade. Is this fairly easy to do? Ive been searching, and all I find is the glass top's being modified to fit the plastic top's frame. But no straight trades. Is it as simple as unbolt my top and rebolt onto his? thanks

frofro24

Only if you are talking about a frame swap too. The frames are different, and are designed to fold the tops at different points. If you do not convert the 00-01 frame to fit the glass top, it will damage the top possibly breaking the glass and maybe even the frame.

tph4m

yes i am talking about the frame too. Is it as easy as unbolting the frame on both tops and bolting them back in? Basically..

can a 2001 whole soft top assembly bolt right into a 2003? and vice versa..

tph4m

"I'm looking to remove the entire frame and soft top off my ap1 and install the 03' frame/ soft top. Is this possible?"

frofro24

I am 95% sure. Call Honda and ask.

Stratocaster

Yes, it swaps. There is a number of threads on this topic. Also there is a DIY step by step on how to mod the 00-01 frame to work with the 02-07 top. Also there is a few after market replacement tops that have installation doc on this as well.

Short version, Top and frame is easier then just the stop top.

frofro24

I have a 01 and replaced it with just the glass top. I did the conversion to the frame. It took a total of about 7 hours to do the job from start to finish by myself. The frame mod only took about 20 min, real easy. I like the glass back a lot better due to the clarity. The plastic was nice because it was larger and you had a wider area of visibility, and it unzipped, but now that is have the glass, I prefer it over the plastic.

tph4m

ok.. i KNOW about the converting the 00-01 frames to accept a 02+ glass skin.. but that is not what i am asking. I am swapping the whole convertible assembly (frame, top, etc) between the cars..i guess im gnona have to take a stab at it myself and find out and answer my own question =/

frofro24

Yeah I follow you, just conversation. I have a shop manual that shows the parts you will be dealing with. I would give honda a call and get them to print off the pages for you. I have heard from several people that it is easier to do what you are planning to do. (as Stratocaster stated)

Gvr4-330

Yes it's possible. I just finished my swap today.

The glass tops have defroster wiring, so if you can, grab the driver's side rear side panel as it'll have the holes for the wiring. I had to drill my own. You can always remove the wiring completely as the 00-01 doesn't have the defroster wiring in place.

Also, the rear tray in the 02+ has 2 stoppers in it (I guess to stop the top when it drops). Mine didn't, but I just didn't worry about it.

Also, take out the center 2 tonneau cover snaps on the backside of the roll hoops. It'll interfere with the glass. You'll see on the '02 that they just have blanks there.

Other than that, it's a straight swap. Just take out everything behind the seats, unbolt the frame, lift it out, lift the new top/frame in, bolt it in, then replace everything behind the seats. Mine had been sitting folded for awhile, so it's really tight, but other than that, no problems.

Rob