OK so my hardtop came in and everything is installed, but I have 2 problems:

1) The hardtop does not fit flush on top and there is a small gap. The hardtop strikers are somewhat flexing as it locks and pushes up. I'm not sure if I need some heavy duty bolts to replace the stock ones to reduce the play.

2) My passenger side window is rubbing on the side of the hardtop plastic seal. I have to roll down my window just to open the door or else I'm pretty much locked in/ can not open the door.

Has anyone else had these problems?

I've been over this for 2 days already, please help. Thanks.

 

Send a note to Jeff at Hardtopguy.com. He is very good at installing hardtops, and should be able to help you get everything aligned.

 

also try searching for "hardtop fitment", there's tons of topics on this as i recently discovered.

 

If it is oem, you probably installed it wrong. Make sure the rear bolts are somewhat loose and tighter them down first and then the front latches.

 

I did do this first, due to the front latches not matching up with the hardtop strikers.
After removing the strikers and rebolting them (one bolt to each side, to give it some play to align the strikers and latches).

As I lock the latches with the strikers, the driver side striker seems to almost flexes up (more than the passenger side) then giving the gap for the wind to seap in.

I noticed the groves in the bolts were almost stripped. My guess is that the previous owner had a HT and weakend the bolts. Should I try replacing the bolts with more durable ones to prevent the flex on the strikers?

 

Oppps when I meant the groves on the bolts, I meant the where a phillips head would go. I had to re-grove it with a flat head and a hammer, just to unscrew them.

 

To the best of my knowledge you dont even adjust the strikers or the latches (the parts closest to the windshield). These parts are not adjustable.

The only part adjustable is the rear latches. So basically tighten everything as much as possible except the rear latches. Then put the top on your car, twist the rear down and then latch the fronts. Once everything is nice and fit, tighter the rear bolts...

 

Jeff @ Hardtopguy.com installed my hardtop (bought it from him). I think I remember him saying that you install the front windshield strikers FIRST, and tighten these down. Then install the back latches and leave them loose enough to move. Then you put on the hardtop and close the FRONT latches. This aligns the hardtop to the windshield frame and slides the back latches into the appropriate position to align the top to the back of the car. FINALLY you tighten the back latches.

I also remember him saying that the side seals on the hardtop are adjustable. Don't know how, didn't watch him do this.

As I said earlier, send him an e-mail and ask him directly. He's a really nice guy and very helpful. BTW, he has an NSX with a supercharger-Nice car!