Well it's time for a new top on my 2000 s2k. I trying to weigh the cost of having Honda install it vs just doing it myself. Those who have had their tops replaced, what did Honda charge you (labor), or if you DIY how hard/time consuming was it?

 

something to consider if you're gonna diy.

soft top swap instructions:
http://liquidiq.com/S2000/Glass%20Top%20In...%20Ver%202x.pdf

 

I had a local shop replace my01 convertible (includes the plastic window) for $925 all inclusive. I opted for the canvas vs the vinyl top. I think they wanted $850 for the vinyl all inclusive (inclusive was parts/labor/tax).

I searched the internet for almost a month, the cheapest I found for parts only was $525.

Honda wanted $875 parts and $450 labor. The labor to do it yourself will be well over 8 hours.

 

Yikes, the dealer is really expensive!

Alexz, could you send me the link to where you found the top?

What are the advantages of vinyl vs canvass?

Thanks,
-Chris

 

it can be done in less than 8 hours but i say do it yourself as well.

 

I would not do it yourself....it requires riveting through the top material along the rear edge...it you screw it up, well, you are screwed. There is one that you can buy off eBay for like $650-700 and it has a glass rear window, and the conversion straps needed. It has been reviewed on here (I think its from Cabio World), and got good reviews. Should take a GOOD shop less than a day to install. Mine took 5 hours. But then again, they did not "remove" the old top, they SLICED it off to cut time!

John

 

What's so hard about rivets?

 

Nothing, in general, but if you screw one up, the top will probably leak like a biatch. I would not trust myself with that, unless I have worked extensively with them in the past (which I have not). My buddy works in a metal fabrication shop, and even he would not touch them, because they apparently need to be 100% right the first time, and need to be sealed well.

I have also heard that arranging the channel can be a little pain. People have done it, and done it well. Some others have probably screwed it up as well. I, personally, would not risk $700 in materials to save a few hundred on the install.

John

 

Bare this in mind, that if you choose the dealer to do this work for you that you should be always with him in order to be careful with the instalation. The reason am saying this is because a friend of mine had his interior and boot scratched in many areas after the instalation was completed and the dealer denied that he did them. So just be careful. If I was in your sit I would just DIY it.

 

you dont put any rivets through the top itself. just the frame.