Icarus II

I have a forbidden mugen hard top replica. A few months ago my soft top was slashed ( ) and this was the suitable replacement given funds, living situation ect.

Question 1: Is there anyone in the seattle area that also has this top? I am looking to get some additional help (or an extra hand) or insight on final adjustments. I have an issue where the drivers side window catches ever so slightly right next to the A-pillar. I was told that it could be sanded to adjust this but to be completely honest it freaks me out taking sand paper to my top and I'd like to know specifically where and how to do it.

If possible I'd rather re-adjust the top so I wouldn't need to sand it.

Question 2: It appears that I have a drivers side catcher that is on its way out. It latches much looser than the passenger side. If this is the case has anyone fixed some minor fitment issues with the catcher replacement? Basically, is it worth replacing it to get the top to pull closer to the windshield even though I don't have leakage or window noise issues from that point specifically? / and could that fix the window clipping issue.

Car: 2005 AP2
Top: Forbidden Mugen Replica
Skill status: How do I change my muffler bearings...?

I would love any and all input, feedback, suggestions, ect.



- Icarus II

street_ruler

love that you put a "skill level" on there. thats awesome.

yes replacing the latch might help you get it into spec.

is the window catching the HT, the HT seal, the A-pillar etc?

what material is the top made of?

has it been painted yet?

Icarus II

The window is catching the actual hard top: See pics below.
***Yes, I know I messed the paint up already. As long as it doesn't leak water I totally do not care at the moment. I shut the window while on a test drive for air leaks and shut my door. . Nothing I can do about it right now.

The hard top is FRP fiberglass.

The top has been painted (came painted).

As you can see that is what I am dealing with. I can press the window forward slightly while shutting the door and it clears. It doesn't need much to clear but I don't know what the best approach would be. I'm hoping that the infinite wisdom of S2ki can help.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161355470/http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161355470/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/61137481@N06/, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161355634/http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161355634/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/61137481@N06/, on Flickr


*****EDIT*****

I should add that this is the second top I have had on my car. A shop installed the first one and may or may not have adjusted the window. I don't know how to tell if it was, I don't know how to adjust it, and as always, any insight would be stellar

street_ruler

that thing is buried in the seal. thats no where near correct. the latches/catchers need to be adjusted heavily.


does that HT not have a seal above the window like the stock soft top does?

street_ruler

if i were you, id start with a spacer/washer under each bolt of the HT catcher. try and "raise" the drivers side corner. when you do the adjustments snug the bolts down but make sure that if you were to bump em with a palm or fist or butt end of a mallet that they would budge for "minor" adjustments.


also reference the other side of the car. if that side isnt having problems then try and make the clearances "look" like that side.

also, acknowledge that this is not OEM and can have some issues. even the most expensive "JDM-mad-tyte" parts can have shitty fitment and some replicas can be great. so im trying to say that the top might not be "square" or symmetrical or perfect

Icarus II

There is not a seal on the front of the top.

So, to clarify...

Striker: On the window frame of the car.
Catcher: Attached to the soft top (hard top in this case).

So, I would need to put a spacer between the catcher and the roof of the car? I (from my limited understanding of this) would think that if you put the spacer between the window frame and the striker it would lower the meet point of the roof and window seal.

I have not adjusted the top a lot. It seems like there isn't a lot of adjustment with the catcher/striker. The hardware for the 'b' pillar mounts (on the side of the car towards the back) have a height adjustment as well as a tiny but of back and forth.

If anyone has experience with this style top I'd love some help. I can provide beer, pizza, tools. I lack the following: a space to work and skills.

I miss my soft top!


I really don't mind if isn't perfect. All I want is to be able to roll my windows up and down and shut and open my doors. Oh, and for it not to leak. Once I move and have the funds, I am getting my soft top fixed.

Ill go take some shots of the other side for reference.

And when I close the passenger side latch the top shifts substantially forward. It does not do so when I close the drivers side latch (leading me to believe my striker is worn).

Icarus II

Does this side look better?

Passenger Side:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161630054/http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161630054/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/61137481@N06/, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161630254/http://www.flickr.com/photos/61137481@N06/7161630254/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/61137481@N06/, on Flickr

Agate

First thing I would do is swap the catchers and/or strikers and see if that fixes your problem on the driver's side.

Icarus II

Ill order new strikers tomorrow.

Agate

Why not swap the ones you already have? Move the passenger side to the driver side and see if the window issue on the driver side goes away.