I know I read this in another thread recently, but I can't figure out where. The thread was discussing the fact that regardless of what color our S2K's are, the frame around the windshield is always black.

There was a post that mentioned something about tape that hadn't been removed by the dealer.

So on my blue MY02, I looked, and sure enough, it appears that the black surface is fairly soft. Further, when I open the doors, I can see the edge of the black, and it really looks like it's simply applied over the metal.

But here's the thing....it's applied really well. So can anyone tell me....is this really supposed to come off? Do I have Suzuka blue just waiting to be revealed around my winshield? I'm certainly not going to go try to peel anything off unless I'm sure it's not supposed to be there.

Thanks,
--Steve

 

Yes it is body color under there just waiting to be set free. As for "supposed to"... If you look at all of the Honda Pic of the car (Sales brochures, Web Site Pics) you will see the even they removed it. Some members have even had the dealer repair the minor paint flaws.

But all cars come with it, and it is supposed to be there. Remove at your own rick, many have.

 

As Stratocaster said. Some believe that it makes the car blend in better with the black soft top depending on the colour of the car. Do a search and you will find plenty of opinions and even a 'how to' on the removal which can get interesting.

 

This all comes down to your preference. It is on the car in the US market for aesthetic purposes only. I pulled mine off after about 10k miles and it's not something that is really noticed until I'm around other S2000's. Then, I always hear someone say, "Hey, wow! Look the tape is off."

Here are some before and after pics. Decide for yourself and best luck with it.

Before


After

 

Thanks guys. Now I feel a little silly for starting a new thread. I don't usually put much faith in "search" boxes. But when I finally tried the one here, it gave me tons of great threads with more information and pictures than I'd ever hoped for on the subject.

So now I know the story. I just have to make up my mind whether I want to do it or not. My baby will be two months old this weekend, so the clock is ticking!

Thanks again -- and nice pics, Airgate!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by airgate
[B]This all comes down to your preference.

 

Rob,

I also have a 02 Sebring/black. I saw Arigate's car at the Fall Colors event and as soon as I got home I pulled and puled and pulled some more until all the tape was off. It is a pain, but it really looks great when done IMO. I will tell you that I bought some 3M adhesive remover aerosol type, sprayed it on a cloth and worked on the adhesive part that separated from the tape. 3m product worked really well. Make sure to use MAJOR amounts of caution when doing this though as I pulled up some really nasty black goo that I assume was windshield glue. It came off with some more cleaning, I am pretty sure I didn't do any damage as it was only 1/4" area When you are done remember to wax the area.

Enjoy

 

Ralper, I have removed mine and I love the looks of it. In my opinion, this is how the car should look. I wouldn't be too surprised if you find a small spot or two that needs to be rubbed out. I had a couple of spots on my windshield frame that looked they had been sanded with a very fine grade of sandpaper, but they were no problem to remove with 3M Swirl Mark Remover. It took much longer to remove the glue than it did to polish the rough spots. The entire job took 2 1/2 hours, so it was not too bad. Mine was about 10 months old when I removed the windshield tape.

Bob

 

in case you didn't read it, lot's of people love the look with the tape removed with the TOP DOWN. many don't like how it looks with the top up.

 

Bob, Greg

Two questions:

1. Is it harder to do as time passes?
2. Its mighty cold here in Northern New Jersey. Should I wait for warm weather when the glue will be more pliable?

I happen to agree with both of you. I too think it looks better without the tape.