Talent

So my car got broken into and my soft top has a large gash through it. I'm going to replace it but I have some questions about the best way of doing so. First of all, I hear that the process takes a good 6-8 hours, and I've watched some videos of people doing so. However, on craigslist there are some people who are selling the top in conjunction with the frame for an "easier install".

So would it be easier to remove the old frame with the slashed top and replace it with a new frame with the "new"/used top?

I also drive the 2001 model with plastic windows, and there's a modification requirement that I have to do in order for the glass window to fold properly in my car. I'd like to upgrade to glass, and plan on doing so.

If I do the frame install option, would I still need to make this modification on the frame? If so, would I have to take the entire top off the frame, or would i be able to do it with the frame still on?

Buying a brand new aftermarket top will cost me around $500-600. If I have someone else install it, the total will be around $1100-1350. The shine spoon hardtop I've been considering is $2300 + $$ for paint. Should I just buy the hardtop instead? I would like to drive with the car top down though, so I'm not sure about the cost-benefit in terms of hardtop vs soft top.

Thank you very much for your help!

franky

Its easy to just buy an ap2 soft top with frame n just swap the whole thing. It's a direct drop in. There's no modification whatsoever.

Talent

How certain are you of this? I dont wanna drop a bunch of cash for it not to fit :c

franky

100%. mine's a 2000. I put in an 2005. I just had to replace the straps tat pulls the top down cause they were worn.

Talent

Alright, thank you very much franky! Time to look for some sellers.

Talent

Do you know if theres a DIY for this somewhere? I can only find DIYs for keeping the frame and replacing the soft top.

franky

I don't think there's one.

d1000rr

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/101...t-top-removal/

GTEyes

Got them all installed. Pretty much first try second day.
Not perfect installation as I have the extra straps in the existing rivets so there is a little sideways wrapping going on.
Posting more to get my #'s up as I am new to the site.
Thanks again.