Soft top - points to check during replacement
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Soft top - points to check during replacement
Hi guys
My car is going in this Monday for the top to be replaced by Honda. I've done quite a few searched here, but can't seem to find any real answers as to what I should look out for while they're replacing the top?
The current top has hardly any windnoise (for a convertible) so would like to keep it that way. for the guys that have had their tops replaced, did they replaced the fabric only, or the frame as well? Did they add any patches on the new top before putting it on the car?
Thanks for all the help guys.
My car is going in this Monday for the top to be replaced by Honda. I've done quite a few searched here, but can't seem to find any real answers as to what I should look out for while they're replacing the top?
The current top has hardly any windnoise (for a convertible) so would like to keep it that way. for the guys that have had their tops replaced, did they replaced the fabric only, or the frame as well? Did they add any patches on the new top before putting it on the car?
Thanks for all the help guys.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
No reason to replace the frame, Honda only replaces the fabric which of course includes the back window.
Look for rattles from parts of the rivets being left behind.
Tell them to be sure and blow out the drains, if debris is left in there you're going to have problems with water.
Make sure they secure the front folded edge of the top, I've seen some that are peeling away. My guy used some glue to sure the end to the metal (this is near the top latches).
Look for how the top closes, if installed properly the top should close pretty much the same as before the work was done. The top may be slightly tighter (up to about 5%) when the new top is first put on until it stretches a bit.
Look for abnormal wrinkles when the top is up. The top should be tight and wrinkle free.
Check that the rear window defroster was properly connected.
Check to make sure none of the interior plastic was damaged and that they didn't crack open your roll hoop covers, this is a common mistake that shops make, they think they can remove just the covers when you have to unbolt and remove the roll bars.
Check that they replace the elastic straps that pull on the middle bow, my guy replacemed them with wider, stronger straps. The elastic wears out in a few years and must be replaced anyway, this is the time to do it. Also, on these straps, make sure they do not leave the exposed rivet heads to rub on the underside of the top, they need to roll the elastic strap over the rivet heads like the factory did.
Check for any scratches on the paint or exterior trim work.
Like you said, there should be no additional wind noise just because the top was replaced. If properly installed it should look and sound as it did from the factory.
If needed let them keep the car overnight, don't rush the shop by telling them you want the car the same day. Tell them to take their time and do the job right.
I'll post more if I think of anything. Hope it all goes well! You might want to contact Josh at Complete Interior Restorations (770) 451-3914 and talk more to him. He did an excellent job on my top.
Look for rattles from parts of the rivets being left behind.
Tell them to be sure and blow out the drains, if debris is left in there you're going to have problems with water.
Make sure they secure the front folded edge of the top, I've seen some that are peeling away. My guy used some glue to sure the end to the metal (this is near the top latches).
Look for how the top closes, if installed properly the top should close pretty much the same as before the work was done. The top may be slightly tighter (up to about 5%) when the new top is first put on until it stretches a bit.
Look for abnormal wrinkles when the top is up. The top should be tight and wrinkle free.
Check that the rear window defroster was properly connected.
Check to make sure none of the interior plastic was damaged and that they didn't crack open your roll hoop covers, this is a common mistake that shops make, they think they can remove just the covers when you have to unbolt and remove the roll bars.
Check that they replace the elastic straps that pull on the middle bow, my guy replacemed them with wider, stronger straps. The elastic wears out in a few years and must be replaced anyway, this is the time to do it. Also, on these straps, make sure they do not leave the exposed rivet heads to rub on the underside of the top, they need to roll the elastic strap over the rivet heads like the factory did.
Check for any scratches on the paint or exterior trim work.
Like you said, there should be no additional wind noise just because the top was replaced. If properly installed it should look and sound as it did from the factory.
If needed let them keep the car overnight, don't rush the shop by telling them you want the car the same day. Tell them to take their time and do the job right.
I'll post more if I think of anything. Hope it all goes well! You might want to contact Josh at Complete Interior Restorations (770) 451-3914 and talk more to him. He did an excellent job on my top.
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