Christianisag

Whats up guys I just bought a hard top and I'm having a little trouble with the install... Ill post the pictures along with questions regarding them.

I picked up a replica so I'm not expecting to have everything fit perfect.. but some things seem to be kind of ridiculous and funky.

1) the hardtop strikers don't really pull any tightness into the hardtop like the soft top does. any fixes? I've heard of wrapping rubber around the latch so it makes it tighter.
2) are you supposed to bolt the brackets down first, then fit the top on it? it seems like the holes don't match up or are like milimeters off.


This is the back of the top, I installed the long weather stripping to the bottom, but it still has quite a big gap. This is before bolting it all down, but when I did get it all bolted, it still had a significant amount of light coming through. Should the weather stripping rest right on the black plastic strip that outlines our cars?
How can I fix this? When I put weight on the back end everything seems fine, but as I let up it pops right back up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6157525027/http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6157525027/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/67676165@N06/, on Flickr

Second question, the top with everything bolted down fits like this.. the drivers side corner top seems really smushed in and the passenger seems like its just sitting on top of the frame cushion. The result is unevenness in the driver side window which is super snug while the passenger window has a lot more room. Which is supposed to be correct? And how can I fix this.. OR is it a defective top?

*Take note I haven't installed the window weather stripping..but everything is bolted down and together.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6157523831/http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6157523831/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/67676165@N06/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6158067616/http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6158067616/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/67676165@N06/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6158068428/http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6158068428/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/67676165@N06/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6157524589/http://www.flickr.com/photos/67676165@N06/6157524589/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/67676165@N06/, on Flickr

If someone could chime in that would be great, even supplying pictures of yours so I can compare would be greater. Cheers.

xoz

probably all adjustable with:
1) shims to get a better latch fit and to adjust the front HT edge.
2) OEM hardwares will give you a better adjustment parameter, to get the HT sitting better on the car.
3) thicker seals to fill the gaps.

ninelarge

Not sure of the quality of your replica, but a lot of it can come down to fine tuning the installation of the strikers and latches, and ultimately the alignment and installation of the hardtop itself. The type of rubber seals you use can also make a huge difference.

Christianisag

Could you guys point me to the direction of adjusting the latches? Cause yeah my latches are super weak and loose on the hardtop. It seems like the screws wont tighten any deeper? And it doesnt pull any.

And where can I find better/bigger seals? Anywhere local? Cause i dont think my small back seal is gonna cut it!

Any other info from hardtop gurus would be helpful!

99SH

Get seals here: https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/831...and-full-kits/

As for the latches, it's all trial & error until they fit right.

RedCelica

Moved to Under the Hood since this is more of a technical thread and not general discussion.

Christianisag

99sh would i have to drill new holes to mKe them catch better?

99SH

I don't know what brackets you have and how you're bolting them down, but if you've run out of adjustment and can definitively get everything latched & aligned by drilling new holes; then that's your only option.

S~Factor

Which replica hardtop is this?

Christianisag

I bought the extreme dimensions mugen style hardtop and am using s2kdude (justins's) hardware. Any suggestions?