I purchased a very low mileage 02 this summer. The top is in perfect shape now. I read about issues with tears in the tops of these cars. Other than taking good care of the top and being careful to raise and lower it correctly - is there anything I should do to my top to fend off problems down the line? For example, are there areas of the top frame that have a tendency to cause wear in the material that can be smoothed somehow? Or are there common wear areas in the tops that can be reinforced with an additional layer of fabric or something like that? I have seen references in threads here but I wasn't able to find them again despite some effort.

 

Yes, there are several things you can do: protect the vinyl with 303 or Ragtopp (I prefer 303 since it can be used on 1000s of other things), lube the bars where they connect, file the burrs. Most importantly, use the search engine, as the topic has been discussed ad naseum and their is a wealth of information posted in these forums.

 

Well, the truth is I did try to find all the old treads on this topic using the search engine. No joy. Probably my poor search skills. Is there a how to somewhere on using the search engine effectively? I'm happy to try again. I'm looking for some detail re the items you mention. Thanks for the input.

 

ok so I found this thread - purely by chance - not by using search engine

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/114...f-my-soft-top/

that thread references a few others

 

Essentially you will find how to "de-burr" the top's support bars. Some people do reinforce the top from the inside (Don't use Gorilla Tape) and be sure to get some Modifry's elastic strap replacements. Top that off with 303 or Ragtop cleaner/protectant and you should be good to go.

 

number one on my list is soft top straps. Neglecting those will cause the fabric to fail for sure.

 

The straps on mine look and feel fine right now. Is this something you recommend replacing with modifry straps even before there is a problem with the oem straps?

Also, I apologize in advance but I can't seem to find any clear pics or videos or how to's regarding the frame debur process. Also, is the frame bur issue present in 02 model year cars?

 

The straps can look good, but not be. The real test is how taught they are when top is up. Tug on them. Should feel tight and springy.

Sent from my SM-G920P using IB AutoGroup

 

PM me and I will send you the TSB

 

Thanks for the offer on the TSB - I found it while browsing around. All set.

But, here is a link to a helpful thread I ran across. https://www.s2ki.com/...2k/page__st__25


EDIT - actually the tsb I found is incomplete - only has page 1 of 3 pages. I did see it posted somewhere but it was to small to read. I'll PM you.