I am thinking of buying a hardtop and would like some feedback.

Does the hardtop cut down the amount of road noise?

Can you still use your ragtop?

Anyone have any suggestions as to where I can get a good deal on one? I have a 2000 model, silver. and got a quote for $3495 for the top, rack, cover and installation.

Thanks
ed

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by elees
[B]I am thinking of buying a hardtop and would like some feedback.

 

Got mine last week.

Yes, it significantly cuts down road noise and the exhaust note (a minus for me..)
Can't really say for the 2000 model but I paid about $3000 installed in my MY02.

If you talk to the manger and mention the internet prices (around $2750), they will most likely give you at least 10% off what they usually charge.

Also, shop around because I've seen quite a wide price range.

Do a search on the board to get more info.

Oh yeah.. of course you can still use your ragtop. You thought that all of us getting the
hardtop were giving up on open airing? you a moron?

 

Did any of you try to arrange for the hardtop to be there first, so that when the car came in so it could be installed? I've heard that it takes up to 6 weeks or longer to get the top. Sounds like a logistical nightmare, but if it meant one less trip to a dealer it might be worth it. In this case would you pay for the top first, or just the assembled package?

 

It's quieter because of the reduction of wind noise. But you hear the engine and tires more distinctively.

Yes. That doesn't change.

HandA has the best prices for parts. But $3495 for everything including installation is a very competitive price already.

 

I think the reason most people wait until they have the car is because you need a VIN to order the hardtop. There is a VIN plate on the hardtop to make it part of the car it is matched to. When you don't have a car yet, it is difficult to come up with a VIN. Even if you are given a VIN before the car is delivered, what happens if the actual car has a different VIN and you have ordered the top based on the erronous VIN?

 

Trevor at HandA mentioned a couple months ago that hardtops no loger come with VIN plates.

Anybody that very recently got a hardtop confirm that. Did you get a VIN plate or not with the hardtop?

 

The VIN plates stopped with the introduction of the MY02 so you do not need to have a VIN to order a hardtop. The only time it will matter is if you have a pre-Feb 2000 build (lower than YT005730) because you need the extra kit with all the wiring for the rear defroster.

On a separate note, if you have a MY02 (black, white, red, yellow) and want a hard top, you will need to get a different kit. This kit has a wiring harness so you can use the rear defrost button for both the hard & soft tops.

 

eleese: You have a PM.

 

Just got my hardtop put on yesterday. I got it for $2810 including installation as part of the deal when I bought my car. It takes about 3 weeks from when it's ordered to be delivered.
Also all MY2002's require the type B installation kit and do not include a VIN plate. For your info if you go through a Honda dealer they pay $2290 for the hardtop, (not including the installation kit) so make your deal with that in mind.