Hi guys, this is my first post here but I've been reading aside a lot and knows that you guys might be able to help me with this problem.

I recently purchased a used 2001 spa yellow from a dealer here in North York (canada) and the car comes with a hardtop. Unfortunately I did not check it out carefully at the dealer b/c I was so damn excited about getting the car. Anyways, when the hard top is placed on it seems that on the right hand side looking head on at the car the top right section does not sit fully flush like the left handside and is raising above the front winshield by almost 1 cm. It also seems that the latch on this side is also very hard to lock due to the lift on this side. I have tried to remove and reinsert the top several times without luck. What could this mean? A crooked top? A crooked windshield? or what? Also, when I bought the car from the dealer (not honda but private dealer) he says that the car comes with a 5 years or 100k warranty, if I were to bring this roof problem to a local honda dealer, would they fix it under warranty?

P.S: I just picked up the car this morning so still is trying to learn a lot of things right now so please forgive me if I don't make myself clear with my first post.

Also, is the S2000 steering wheel able to tilt? if yes where is the lever to tilt it located?

Thanks in advance,

zzz36

 

Your hardtop should fit perfectly even. Something is definately not right. Have you checked to see if the hook on the top is grabbing the proper place on the windshield latch? Another member posted about this with his soft top and that's what it turned out to be. This may be the case with your hardtop. If it's grabbing in the same place on each latch, then your warranty should cover this fix or adjustment.
The steering wheel does NOT tilt or telescope.
I suggest you read the car's owners manual thoroughly. If it didn't come with one, then try to get the dealer to find one for you. There is a lot about this car that a new owner needs to know or you may do it harm. Most important is to keep an eye on the engine oil level and don't take too seriously much of what the dealer people have to tell you about this car. They tend to know almost nothing about it.

 

Maybe your latch isn't in right location, I'm wondering how your soft top lines up when it is closed, you may want to check that out first. If that closes right then it could be a problem with the hardtop.

 

What do you mean the steering wheel doesn't tilt? Do you mean that it can't be adjusted up or down?

 

Hi guys,

Like what xviper has suggested I went and tried on the soft top and it does line up perfectly and the latch is closed with very reasonable force. I guess I will have to wait out the storm before and I can bring it in for the dealer to look at it. But all in all you guys are a great help.

Thanks,

zzz36

 

Correct. The steering wheel turns but it doesn't "adjust." No in-out. No up-down. No right-left. Just rotating on its hub to steer the front wheels.

The hardtop should fit smoothly across the front of the windshield frame.

 

I don't understand why a +30k car is missing these basic luxury options such as a power lock switch and tilt steering wheel.

 

I don't think "basic luxury options" were important in the original design goals.

Here is Honda's discussion of the interior design from their 1999 expanded sales brochure entitled, "S2000...A closer look at the S2000...Power, Grace and Balance." by American Honda Motor Company, section 6.1. Copyright 1999 American Honda Motor Company
"Body and Interior Driver-oriented design...

"Honda intended from the start to make the S2000 a driver's car. While some of the features that bring this concept about are incorporated in the chassis and drivetrain of the car, most can be observed in the S2000 interior layout. The S2000 offers complete vehicle and accessory control with minimal movement from a proper driving position.

"The S2000's responsiveness extends to the driver's compartment in ergonomically optimized controls. Clear, racing-inspired instrumentation and excellent outward visibility combine to provide a superb driving environment.

"Standard features include power windows and door locks, and a power-operated soft top. A power mechanism raises or retracts the S2000 convertible top in about six seconds, without tools. When stowed, the top rests behind the seats, out of the way. The stowed top can be neatly concealed with a molded one-piece boot.

"The car's wheelbase and general dimension are similar to other classic designs. At 162 inches in length, it is 10 inches shorter than the Porsche Boxster and within an inch of the Porsche's wheelbase and height, at 94.5 and 50.6 inches respectively for the S2000. In addition, the S2000 is marginally lighter than the Boxster, at about 2809 versus 2810 pounds.

"Relative to other Honda cars, the S2000 is 450 pounds lighter than an (2000) Accord EX V-6 coupe (3259 lbs), and 233 pounds lighter than the Prelude SH (3042 lbs.)

"Body and Interior Features

"Honda's S2000 complements its high-performance nature with an interior inspired by modern Formula 1 race car cockpits. For a race driver, getting information at a glance is of vital importance. Similarly, a driver should have immediate access to important data for a safer, more enjoyable driving experience."

 

If the hardtop was installed by a Honda Dealership then the hardtop adjustment can be warranted. From the sounds of how you describe the hardtop as fitting it needs a rear latch adjustment which will position the front.