I've made my mind up and decided that I'd like to go with an OEM style hardtop, but would like the weight savings of aftermarket vs. OEM. I've done some searching, but haven't found a clear answer concerning recent brands/tops with the best fitament. I've read mixed reviews on the Ballade oem style top, and was hoping to get some additional input about Ballade and other available brands.

 

If you want the OEM style then the best way is to get an OEM top. Others have rattles, you need to play with getting it to sit flush and so on. OEM with OEM mounts works well like factory. You can use fixed mounts instead of latches which do good as well but it takes a lot of effort and OEM mounts to make the other options decent.

 

My double carbon Forbidden OEM replica weighed like...nothing. The quality overall was also really good.

I could lift/install/remove it myself.

I can also lift/install/remove my fiberglass Mugen replica top myself.

I also have an OEM Honda top...and obviously, my OEM top is infinitely better in every way in terms of quality and fitment. But its about 44LB. I would never attempt to handle my OEM top myself.

With ANY replica, you'll be putting up with a lot of noise and rattles and leaks that you'll need to fight with. These problems can be resolved with either using OEM rear latches or using Forbidden's OEM style latches. Take your time with weather sealing it. It will take a lot of finesse and good sense.

It won't ever be as good as OEM...but get creative to make it livable. Buy a tube of Shin Etsu grease. Get greazy.

Also a good idea to coat the plastic window in something UV resistant. Or opt for a glass window.

Noteworthy...my Genuine Honda OEM top also rattled like an old wooden ship until I bought solid front brackets to mate with my OEM rears. Maybe I didn't spend enough time and effort on adjusting my OEM front latches (?). I'll try again in the spring when I get that car back home.

 

Just curious as to what it cost you to get Double carbon oem, glass window and oem hardware?

 

My double carbon had a plastic window.

IIRC, $2200 shipped

 

Thanks! Not sure why more people don't go this route?

 

A lot of people go with fiberglass replica's for the cost savings.

As mentioned...even the good replicas are nowhere near as good as the genuine items. But they are very light and they work well enough. Some people have gone from the 44LB OEM top to a carbon model for their race/track cars to save weight. Its a significant weight savings (probably ~20-25LB)

 

I have an oem top. I have it on a high quality sling hanging in the rafters of my garage. I can remove it, and stick it back on, with ease all by myself. Works great.

 

If you don't need the oem convertible, you can gut the convertible and install an OEM hardtop and come out with some weight savings. I was spoiled with the authentic Mugen carbon fiber HT, a bit too expensive but fantastic quality.

The shipping on aftermarket hardtops is pretty high, unless you can find something in your local area.

 

This is a great answer. Thank you for the information.

The car is not a daily driver and, to be honest, rarely gets driven. I've done a lot of weight reduction which is why I wanted to look into the aftermarket for tops. I've always liked the Spoon top, but if I went that route I'd want the full kit. I like the Mugen, but it's everywhere. The Amuse is an option too, and I like the dry carbon top, but I also like the cleanliness of the oem top. My soft top has been completely removed and I'm looking for a hard top in order to enjoy the car more often.