vfr_rider

Hello all. I've been lurking over the last week or so trying to read as much as my schedule allows. My wife will take delivery of an '03 (silverstone metallic ext; black int) either 11/8 or 11/11, depending on when the transport arrives. Very excited! So, here's where I need the wisdom of other owners. We ordered the hardtop and the dealer is quoting us a charge of $37.50 to install the hardtop installation hardware. Then he says it will take 4.5 hours to install the hardware. I have trouble understanding a charge of $37.50 for 4.5 hours of labor.

Does it really take 4.5 hours to install the mounting hardware or is he trying to feed me a line of something smelly? Is the hardware install something I could do myself (I am very handy, mechanically)? Thanks for your help.

J. Lee McKinley II

S2002

$37.50 per hour or $37.50 total.

Installing the hardware is very easy. I was suprised at how easy it was. Go to HandA Accessories and print out the installation instructions. Then decide.

I think the hardest part of the install is just getting the top aligned so that you have minimal wind noise.

xviper

I have an early MY2000. I did the hardtop installation myself. It took me just under 3 hours and I'm a "handy kinda guy" just like you. How much did you pay for your hardtop? These things can be had for about $2300.00. If you paid more, then I'm thinking the dealer has already made their money on this deal and are willing to do the install and make it look like you're getting a great bargain on the install so you go away with a big smile on your face.
If you go the the HandA site on our sponsor list at the bottom of this page, you can download the complete installation instructions for the hardtop and see for yourself if it's something you want to do. However, now that you've paid for the top, you may as well get them to do it for 37 bucks as I doubt they will give you a discount on the thing if you choose for them NOT to install it.

mister_two

Jeff at Ganley Honda, one of our sponsors, charges a flat rate of 150 for the installation. A Honda tech who has never installed the hard top might take a few hours (2 or 3) to do it. Jeff did it in about an hour but he has done many installs. Jeff could probably do it blindfolded.

blue02

The labor rate doesn't sound to out of line, but the time of 4.5 hrs is to long. Maybe it would be reasonable for a pre 2002 needing the defroster wiring installed, maybe that is the quote they gave you. Your 2003 would be like the install I did on my 2002. With no previous experience I was able to install the top in about 2.5 hrs. Everything fit quite nicely and I had no problems whatever.

whiteGoKart39

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]I have an early MY2000.

xviper

The "Hardtopguy" who just posted had a "buying" frenzy going on in another thread. He had a hardtop as low as $2000.00 but I think all those are gone. PM him or find that other thread in the Group Buys forum. I think his next batch that is coming is more like $2500.00.