Recently I had my 2005 S2000's soft top replace under warranty due to fraying at a couple of spots. When I got my car back, I noticed that the Honda tech had put the rear bow inside the sleeve of the soft top. I asked the tech who installed it and he told me that's the new procedure American Honda recommends. I called American Honda the next day to confirm this and got a case number. A few days later American Honda called me back and confirmed that the rear bow now goes inside the sleeve. I asked them why but they couldn't answer it other than that's what Honda recommends now. This leads me to think that by putting the rear bow inside the sleeve, will it reduce the chance of premature wearing of the soft top?

Here are a some before and after pictures:

Before (soft top from factory)





After (warranty replacement soft top)

 

I have an 01 and had an 05 top replaced on my convertible frame. My sleeve and bow is set the same way yours is now. Not sure bout the premature wearing.

 

I want to know why Honda change the installation procedure by putting the rear bow inside the sleeve instead of outside. Anyone know if the MY06 S2000's have the bow installed inside the sleeve from the factory?

 

Not trying to stir the pot here. After reading your post. I went out to my car to check my 2 month old 06. The rear bow is on the outside of the sleeve like your top was before you got it replaced.

Interesting.

j o e y

 

My 2005, built in August, has the rear bow outside the sleeve.

 

I think all S2000s come from the factory has the rear bow installed outside the sleeve. I want to know why Honda now recommends putting it inside.

 

I had my top replaced under waranty as well. In fact I can see the same wear marks on your first picture that I had on my top. When my top was replaced they too placed the bar inside the sleeve. I am very intereseted in this as well. Who can enlighten us?

 

Anyone?

 

Is there any documentaion about this?
Was this changed in the sevice manual or is there a TSB?