why do some have problems with the soft top tearing and some don't?
07-21-2011 | 06:00 AM
#21
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 867
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by EP Heart' timestamp='1311251490' post='20800428
[quote name='2Kaputnik' timestamp='1311221111' post='20799769']
[quote name='ikeyballz' timestamp='1311154135' post='20796253']
When you do get that top changed, shave down EVERY sharp edge you find on your top, then protect it with some coating (touch up paint?). I did this to mine when I switched my top and so far *knocks on wood* its been ok. 3 years
[quote name='ikeyballz' timestamp='1311154135' post='20796253']
When you do get that top changed, shave down EVERY sharp edge you find on your top, then protect it with some coating (touch up paint?). I did this to mine when I switched my top and so far *knocks on wood* its been ok. 3 years
^^ Definitely this, even if you dont get a new top. There is a Honda TSB with instruction clearly pointing out the problematic areas (PM me if you need a copy). It is easy!. I had mine patched from the inside when it started to form a small tear. I filed these sharp edges down and smoothed them out very well. No problems for more than 2 years now. As well, use the 303.
[/quote]
Mine were very sharp on the edges, and there were some sharp burrs too. It was quite obvious. Maybe yours have already been smoothed over?
[/quote]
I bought mine new and never did anything to it. And I don't think the dealer would've done it since the TSB was released way after I bought it and I don't let dealers service the car, either. Maybe I just got lucky and a Honda lineworker building my car took care of it for me.
07-21-2011 | 07:03 AM
#22
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,648
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper Virginia
I've said it before...
most of the top wear happens while driving with the top DOWN...not by the action of putting it up and down!
The folded top vibrates with every bump in the road causing wear between metal/top contact points.
It's easier to damage a top that is already brittle from UV damage by lack of vinyl treatment.
Apply patches to any points on the inside that are showing wear so the patch will take the wear and not the top when folded down!
My top is down and back up on EVERY drive and I have no tears or even bad wear on a 2002!
most of the top wear happens while driving with the top DOWN...not by the action of putting it up and down!
The folded top vibrates with every bump in the road causing wear between metal/top contact points.
It's easier to damage a top that is already brittle from UV damage by lack of vinyl treatment.
Apply patches to any points on the inside that are showing wear so the patch will take the wear and not the top when folded down!
My top is down and back up on EVERY drive and I have no tears or even bad wear on a 2002!
07-21-2011 | 07:52 AM
#23
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 2
From: North SF Bay, CA
I've said it before...
most of the top wear happens while driving with the top DOWN...not by the action of putting it up and down!
The folded top vibrates with every bump in the road causing wear between metal/top contact points.
It's easier to damage a top that is already brittle from UV damage by lack of vinyl treatment.
Apply patches to any points on the inside that are showing wear so the patch will take the wear and not the top when folded down!
My top is down and back up on EVERY drive and I have no tears or even bad wear on a 2002!
most of the top wear happens while driving with the top DOWN...not by the action of putting it up and down!
The folded top vibrates with every bump in the road causing wear between metal/top contact points.
It's easier to damage a top that is already brittle from UV damage by lack of vinyl treatment.
Apply patches to any points on the inside that are showing wear so the patch will take the wear and not the top when folded down!
My top is down and back up on EVERY drive and I have no tears or even bad wear on a 2002!
This is very true. The sharp edges on the problem areas of metal frame (photos above) only contact the top when it is down. The inside patch, smoothing the edges, and using 303 have kept my top looking like new.
07-21-2011 | 04:00 PM
#24
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 529
Likes: 6
From: Little Rock, AR
I'm amazed this thread has gotten this far without mentioning the fact that worn elastic straps are one of the leading causes of top rips. Modifry sells an easy replacement. When the elastic strap wears it doesn't pull the bar down properly and drags the top against the main rail. This will wear out your top 10 times faster than anything else I have seen.
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