I have had my S2000 almost 4 years, kept outside all year in tough New England weather and it still looks like new. I use Ragtopps convertible spray 3 times a year, and I would expect the top to last another 3 years.

 

Vinyl > Canvas

 

Just curious...

To those that say their top has already ripped. Do you:

1. Leave it in a garage for long periods with the top in the down position
2. Not clean the top often.

I know if you leave it for a long time in the down position and let it dry out (never cleaning/treating it) that could aid in ripping. As it would be put under stress when raised afterward.

 

My car is nearly 6 years old. I have the soft top down for 6 months straight every year when I have my hardtop on for winter. I treat the soft top with 303 or low gloss ArmourAll twice (some years only once) a year. There are no rips, tears or any other damage in it.

 

Hey JackS,

What's a "trim" shop? Would that be like $100 or so? I would prefer the glass, but I rather not have to change the whole top, which is fine. Thanks

 

Look in your yellow pages. If you live in or near a city of any size, there should be several. They specialize in auto reupholstry, windows, interior detailing etc. If you are located in a smaller town and have recreational bodies of water around, you may find simular services at a "boat" trim shop.
Many years ago a trim shop made me a convertable top for my '71 Vette. Should they offer to make you a top, be sure you know exactly what your getting and of coarse the price would have to be much lower than OEM.
I would expect that trim shops just like any other business's would have varying degrees of skills and this would be something you must consider before allowing a new top to be made. If only a vinyl window though, this should be a piece of cake.

 

Doing it by myself, took me about 25 hours or so, two days constant work. Very very miserable work,but worthwhile in the end!

The best hint i could tell you is to cut off the old top since it'll save you a few hours removal, but if things go wrong..... Also it took me a while cause most of the instructions out there were vague. If your not comfortable doing the work, i'd suggest paying someone to do it, it is a major undertaking.

 

I'm comfortable taking on the task, but I'll definitely request help from a friend (an extra set of hands always helps).

 

So I can't just go to a "trim shop"? XViper, what's your best suggestion to get it fixed? Where to go? Must it be a Honda dealer?

 

If you are to replace the plastic with another plastic, then the best would be a Honda dealer as they should have a direct replacement. If you are asking about a glass window, you'll have to check out some of the aftermarket sources like some of the previous posts.