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I love the look of the HT and the sense of security it brings.
The biggest beef I have with the HT is that the weight and stress it applies to the car always loosens the screws on the striker plates (the metal hooks on the car side). Just this passed weekend, after having the HT on for a few months, I decided to remove it. To my surprise 3 out of the 4 screws had fallen off of the 2 striker plates, so I had to take off the molding and screw them back on AGAIN (this is the 3rd time now...)! It's a drag, but maybe it's just my car.
The other thing is that the HT does take up a lot of floor space unless you have a device to hang it. Something to think about.
It's seems we are all alone....jeje.... That's the only problem: you need a friend to get it off but have a lot of pros: more beautiful line, less wind sound, less fear to leave it alone...
Originally posted by jiro I love the look of the HT and the sense of security it brings.
The biggest beef I have with the HT is that the weight and stress it applies to the car always loosens the screws on the striker plates (the metal hooks on the car side). Just this passed weekend, after having the HT on for a few months, I decided to remove it. To my surprise 3 out of the 4 screws had fallen off of the 2 striker plates, so I had to take off the molding and screw them back on AGAIN (this is the 3rd time now...)! It's a drag, but maybe it's just my car.
The other thing is that the HT does take up a lot of floor space unless you have a device to hang it. Something to think about.
I haven't had this problem at all. I didn't install mine though. You might try a touch of locktite on each screw next time.
I love my hardtop as well - makes the car a "true" convertible. coupe or convertible you can take your pick! The only beef I have is the eventual squeaking you'll get. I've just greased up my seals and I still have squeaks from my hardtop. Probably time to readjust the back.
I just had my hardtop delivered last night!! Can't wait to have it installed. It is relatively light and you can maneuver it around yourself, although I wouldn't recommend moving it very much or far.
The best thing for me (no one mentined yet) is the visibility. There is no more limited rear visibility problem. The entire rear view mirror can be used to see behind you. It's like 90% of the top down visibility. I love it and it looks great. I don't like the cost though.
If you have a garage and $50 you can make a nice hoist that eliminates the need for a helper. Takes 10 minutes max to put it on and only a couple to take it off.
I love the ht, but now with the new 02 soft top that I'm installing I'm not sure it is going to see a ton of use. I would guess that during the dog days of summer the hardtop will be on the car.
IMO there is no better appearance mod except for maybe a set of BBS RG-R's
I don't have one, but if you haven't removed your windshield tape, consider getting a black hard top for you Sebring silver.
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Thanks for all the responses. I'm definitly ordering one. The black top idea is interesting for sebring silver. Don't know if I have the b's to spend 3g's on a different color. Would love to see thea though.
I love my hardtop it's like having two different cars.
A hoist is a must if you live alone. I have about $120 in my hoist but it's designed to hold 90lbs (a little extra insurance) removes and installs in about 5 minutes. It's called a Harken Hoister and you can get it at West Marine.
For the the striker screws use Blue Loctite, to keep them from coming loose.
