Blah, that install kit is a rip. I am thinking of just buying the front latches for $80/per then making custom brackets for the rear that bolt the hardtop on, then sourcing generic seals from some place. I am thinking this stuff would cost me ~$300 total.

 

Not really a rip. Just the OEM parts needed to do it. For a track install, far fewer parts would be needed.

The kit HTG sells has the seals for the top, not just the mounting hardware. Basically it is everything but the rear window stuff. He put that kit together for the Selibon HTs as they are just a shell. The e-Bay tops are also just shells too.

Just give HTG a call and tell him what you want. He will give you a price for just the parts you need.

 

What costs so much though?

Brushes = $70 (or modify existing ones for free with a pair of scissors)
Strikers = $100 (Not needed on 2002+)
Side catchers = $400 (or custom mount with heavy duty angle iron)
Side latches = $200 (or 4 Grade 8 nuts and bolts from Home Depot)
Front latches = $150
TOTAL = $920

$1350 - $920 = $430

Does the weatherstiping cost an extra $430??

 

HTG sells more then one kit.

The kit you listed the parts for, is almost the 499 kit. This kit assumes you have an OEM top and nothing else.

• Brushes (34)
• Rear Catchers (400)
• Wire harness
• Other odds and ends (Tape for harness, rubber bumpers)

If you were going to mount the HT to the car and not remove it. I have done this on my track car. You don't need much. No bushes, No rear catchers, rear latches, front latches, no strikers.

But if the car is a street car, even if the top is bolted in place. You will need the seals. That is unless you want the car to leak.

I agree that the bulk of the money is in the rear latches and catchers, that is 600 of the 1300. But there is other hardware that is need to mount the seals too. Seibon actually ordered hardware from HTG when they first released these.

BTW, I have a pile of hardware leftover from when I installed my HT on my track car if anyone is interested.

 

Yes. And more. That kit contains most of the part on this page.

http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Mod...G+%28HARDTOP%29

 

lol do you have one? and how would u know if its a piece of shit if you don't have one. i guess i have a piece of shit hardtop that i got for 700 and it look nice n fit great

 

P, you have to post some pics of your install. This would be a great DIY addition to the site

 

Ok lemme tell yall a little story....

Last August I was looking at buying a new Pontiac Solstice. during my research I discovered the Honda S2000 and was immediatly enamoured. I went in search of a used 2004 Rio Yellow and found one here in Phoenix for $26k and talked them down to $24k... it only had 6800 miles and was in excellent condition. I knew I wanted a hard top and when I saw the mugen I loved the shape and just couldn't justify the cost. So I bought the ebay one for $900 shipped and the Hardware for $1100. I knew it was going to be a big project but it also gave me an excuse to hang out with my best friend and technical advisior, Mo.

Over 4 months we built the top. I did most of the sanding and did more sanding than I had to because I didn't understand "how" to sand ... had to put a few extra coats of primer on to cover some minor groves I sanded into the primer.

My buddy, Mo, has far more experience but was not willing to do the work ... just show me how and let me use some of his tools and his garage.... If he wasnt guiding me, this project would have turned out not so well... but he was patient and interested in seeing the project turn out well.

What am I saying? Well, its not something you should attempt unless you know how to work with composites and paint or have a good freind who is willing to assist.

If you have to ask what grit sandpaper to use... then you probably shouldnt attempt this, if you dont know what laminating epoxy is or vacuum bagging or peel ply..... I will rent you Mo...

for $100/hour

 

that answers my questions... anyway, i at lease know rio is one of the harder colors to paint. props to you for a good paint job.

search button, here we go!

 

Shortbus, I really like the rear window with no visible weather stripping. Niiiice!
How'd you do that?