why do some have problems with the soft top tearing and some don't?
07-20-2011, 09:08 AM
#12
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Well my S is almost 12, has 75K miles, and I have never done any maintenance to the top, other than wash it, and I have no tears at all. I think the reason is that the vehicle is always parked in the garage at night, and even during the day when it isn't being driven somewhere. I can count on two hands the number of nights it has been outside overnight. I think the sun and the elements are the biggest cause of tears, (except sharp things) making the top brittle and less pliable. Anyone else have a similar experience?
07-20-2011, 12:21 PM
#14
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07-20-2011, 05:15 PM
#15
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Well my S is almost 12, has 75K miles, and I have never done any maintenance to the top, other than wash it, and I have no tears at all. I think the reason is that the vehicle is always parked in the garage at night, and even during the day when it isn't being driven somewhere. I can count on two hands the number of nights it has been outside overnight. I think the sun and the elements are the biggest cause of tears, (except sharp things) making the top brittle and less pliable. Anyone else have a similar experience?
I disagree. My car has been garaged as well since new(original owner). Have taken car of my top by washing it every 2 weeks and using 303 protectant every 2-3 months. Started showing wear marks on the passenger side(behind the pass.) and started ripping on the drivers side(started off as a pin hole and is now bout 1/2 long). BTW, car has 58k mile, Got it when it had about 450 miles.
07-20-2011, 08:05 PM
#16
^^ Definitely this, even if you dont get a new top. There is a Honda TSB with instruction clearly pointing out the problematic areas (PM me if you need a copy). It is easy! I had mine patched from the inside when it started to form a small tear. I filed these sharp edges down and smoothed them out very well. No problems for more than 2 years now. As well, use 303 every 3-4 months.
07-21-2011, 03:31 AM
#17
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07-21-2011, 04:31 AM
#18
Originally Posted by ikeyballz' timestamp='1311154135' post='20796253
When you do get that top changed, shave down EVERY sharp edge you find on your top, then protect it with some coating (touch up paint?). I did this to mine when I switched my top and so far *knocks on wood* its been ok. 3 years
^^ Definitely this, even if you dont get a new top. There is a Honda TSB with instruction clearly pointing out the problematic areas (PM me if you need a copy). It is easy!. I had mine patched from the inside when it started to form a small tear. I filed these sharp edges down and smoothed them out very well. No problems for more than 2 years now. As well, use the 303.
07-21-2011, 05:03 AM
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i got my soft top got ripped 3 years ago and they replaced the top. but they didnt replace the bars. so the rips came back again :-\ gonna have to take it back to see if they can replace it under the TSB even tho is at 79k miles.
07-21-2011, 05:52 AM
#20
Originally Posted by 2Kaputnik' timestamp='1311221111' post='20799769
[quote name='ikeyballz' timestamp='1311154135' post='20796253']
When you do get that top changed, shave down EVERY sharp edge you find on your top, then protect it with some coating (touch up paint?). I did this to mine when I switched my top and so far *knocks on wood* its been ok. 3 years
When you do get that top changed, shave down EVERY sharp edge you find on your top, then protect it with some coating (touch up paint?). I did this to mine when I switched my top and so far *knocks on wood* its been ok. 3 years
^^ Definitely this, even if you dont get a new top. There is a Honda TSB with instruction clearly pointing out the problematic areas (PM me if you need a copy). It is easy!. I had mine patched from the inside when it started to form a small tear. I filed these sharp edges down and smoothed them out very well. No problems for more than 2 years now. As well, use the 303.
[/quote]
Mine were very sharp on the edges, and there were some sharp burrs too. It was quite obvious. Maybe yours have already been smoothed over?
