Ever since I bought my car, the rear (PLASTIC) window has had a big cut in it.

I have a new soft top, IDENTICAL to the old one, just in better condition, and now I want to know if the work to just change the cloth is something I should just do on my own.

Just to confirm, I am NOT fitting a different soft top with glass window, and I am NOT changing anything to do with the skeleton or mechanism. I JUST want to replace one soft top with another identical one (MATERIAL ONLY).

I'm very mechanically minded, but quite lazy, if it takes a very long time, or is overly complicated, I'll get someone else to do it. Could someone describe the procedure in detail please?

Thanks very much in advance for answers.

 

I got instructions from softopsonline.com, but would still like to have input regarding the difficulty/duration (time-wise) of the procedure.

 

Just switch the windows out!

-Matt

 

Is that possible? Now you've got me interested...

How would I go about that? Are they sewn, glued in or what?

 

IMO, probably not. There have been pictures on here of poorly installed tops, even by Honda mechanics. My understanding is that while some of the install is straightfoward, you have to do some riveting at the rear of the top that determines the tension that it's under. That's when knowledge, skill, and practice really comes into play. Up to you if you want to gamble on whether your DIY talent is up to the task.

 

Perhaps I should look further into just replacing the window then. Anyone got any bright ideas how that could be accomplished?

 

is it overly difficult? no. is it time consuming? YES. plan on anywhere from 6 hours (if you're super mechanically inclined and can work at the speed of lightning, not to mention have a ton of tools at your immediate disposal) to 9-10 hours (more likely for the average person.)

 

I replaced my top with the canvas/glass version from topsonline.com. I'm not really sure any of the comments you've gotten so far are 100% accurate...

It took 2 of us 5 hours working at a normal pace to replace the top. We are both mechanically inclined. It would have taken 6 if I didn't have an air riveter. The remainder of the tools needed were common. The only thing you need that doesn't come in the kit were extra rivets and washers to attach the plastic basin around the rear window. You WILL need them as there aren't enough, so pick them up before-hand.

I don't *think* you could easily screw up fitment. As long as you attach the material in the proper pre-assigned locations you'll be fine. Leave the car out in the sun for an hour or so before closing the top the first time. The material is tight and the heat will make it easier to close the first time.

 

Depending on the condition of the top, I would choose to replace the entire top or just replace the window (if your top is in better condition).

You will need to remove all the interior pieces anyway (as if you were to be replacing the entire top).

The rear window is attached to the top by a zipper and rivets are found on the portion attached to the chassis side. You will need to remove the rear top tray in order to remove the rivets and replace the new window.
You can remove the rivets by drilling into the center and it will pop right out. You will then remove the black tape on the top of the window to expose the zipper and un-zip the plastic window.

Follow the directions to remove all the interior pieces and the rear top trim to remove your plastic window in this thread:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=448840

Again, it

 

we're talking about one guy, who admits he is lazy, on his first time. what's your estimate on how long that will take then?