No guidance on patching a convertible top?

I have tomorrow off from work and all other commitments--I'd like to take this off of my to-do list.

8/8/2009 12:02:09 AM

check with a local marina?

check the google?

http://www.s2ki.com/search/forums?query=convertible+top+repair

[Edited on August 8, 2009 at 3:31 AM. Reason : s2ki.com?]

8/8/2009 3:21:30 AM

yeah, hadn't thought about a marina. you figure they repair bimini tops and stuff, so it'd be about the same thing?

i have looked on google. all I found were people using electrical tape and silicone, or full-tilt "convertible top restoration" services. I need something in the middle--something that works, is reasonably priced, but doesn't look like the joint venture of MacGyver and Sanford & Son.

8/8/2009 9:37:39 AM

just take it to auto tops and interiors next time you're up this way. i doubt you can DIY much cheaper and still have it look professional. there are so called patch kits out there for boat/convertible tops, but i've never seen one that didn't look like a piece of fabric just glued over top of the hole.

you might could find a complete inexpensive dealer take off as well. it's not all that uncommon for verts to arrive with minor scuffs, etc. from shipping that make it unacceptable for new sale but would hardly matter to the average person.

8/8/2009 12:11:51 PM

that's the answer I was looking for. I had tried to find a place that did these sort of repairs and didn't see anything local-ish...so I was gonna DIY.

8/8/2009 3:30:44 PM

Next up:

1. Transmission fluid: I don't know if mine's ever been changed, so I'm gonna do it soon. I've read that GM Synchromesh is good. Anyone researched this more thoroughly and/or tried anything other than the Honda juice?

2. Bushing kits: at 91k, I figure that mine are pretty worn. Any suggestions on aftermarket stuff?

3. I know that the S2000's suspension geometry goes all to hell if you lower it, so I'm not going to do much in the way of suspension. I probably ought to replace the shocks, though. Any suggestions or favorites?




Man, the older I get, the less enamored I am with godzilla horsepower and face-flattening acceleration. I mean, I definitely don't dislike it, and it's cool as shit as a novelty, and I'm sure I'll have plenty more stupid-fast cars (probably faster than anything I've had to date), but great handling, control feel, and vehicle dynamics have become more satisfying to me. I was burning up a backroad today, and thought to myself "Man, this little 240hp engine is really all I need. On top of that, I'm not stupid enough to drive that road any faster than I just did, anyway."

I was afraid that I'd get bored with my SV650 after my last bike being a GSX-R 750, but that hasn't been the case at all. A little more power would be ok, but really, that would be 3rd on my wish list behind (1) better brakes, (2) sharper handling...and I'm about to take a huge step towards proper handling by mounting some proper sportbike tires instead of the Pilot Road rubber that's on it now.

[Edited on August 8, 2009 at 3:58 PM. Reason : ]

8/8/2009 3:46:13 PM

1) I only used honda MTF. It wasnt crappy on cold mornings for about 2 months. Now i just double clutch until it is warm. It isnt ever really BAD just different. Was only an issue when it was 30-40 degrees outside.

2) No idea. I would go OEM.

3) I believe some guys switch to CR OEM shocks. No expert here though.



I think with a Honda you really should just go all OEM with all parts.

I order most stuff from http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

[Edited on August 8, 2009 at 3:55 PM. Reason : .]

8/8/2009 3:53:37 PM

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=S2000&catcgry2=2009&catcgry3=2DR+CR&catcgry4=KA6MT&catcgry5=FRONT+SHOCK+ABSORBER


Does that link work?

8/8/2009 3:59:19 PM

I'm not of that mindset, generally. I'm fine with firmer bushings.

The CR shocks are a great idea if they aren't stupid expensive, though. I wonder if they will fit on an AP1?

[Edited on August 8, 2009 at 4:02 PM. Reason : ^yeah, it works, and I already found the page for the CR shocks]

8/8/2009 4:02:02 PM

Duke, check out a 911. Seriously.

8/8/2009 4:05:56 PM

I dont read s2ki anymore but im 99% positive they bolt right in. They are not that expensive.

8/8/2009 4:07:35 PM

Driving several S2ks, I can't say that I could find anything to complain about in the shocks/bushings, etc. I really think it's great factory, so I'd personally just get a set of lightly used ones from somebody swapping to some ricer crap, and they'd be very cheap to boot. Stephen did just that a few weeks ago for his rear shock/springs, and they were like $80 shipped or something.

8/8/2009 4:11:17 PM

^^^1. I'm going to own one. It's on my absolute-must-own list, along with a C6 (with the second-tier being Elise/M3/Viper/another Evo). Don't really want to spend the money on it at the moment, though, as I want to get into a position where I'll get my money's worth out of owning one...

2. ...but I will if I find a deal I can't pass up.

3. They scare me, though. I've never driven one, but I don't view it as a good starting point for doing HPDEs. Also, the operating/repair costs strike fear into my heart.



^oohh, that's an idea. I'd never considered used shocks, but I'll bet you're right...some very lightly used take-offs can probably be found for dirt cheap.

[Edited on August 8, 2009 at 4:13 PM. Reason : ]

8/8/2009 4:11:58 PM

gm synchromesh is great stuff. really helps smooth out a stiff transmission/ailing synchros.

8/8/2009 6:08:23 PM

have driven the wifes on several occasions. wish it were just a little bigger, feel like i need one for each foot.

8/9/2009 6:47:10 PM

duke, just hit up s2ki and get some low mileage used OEM shocks. i got a rear oem coilover set with ~15,000 miles on it for $150 from a local guy. just toss a wtb on craigslist. there are plenty of s2000 ricers out there.

[Edited on August 9, 2009 at 10:02 PM. Reason : ]

8/9/2009 10:00:40 PM

^^how big are you?! I'm 6'2"195 and fit my S2000 just fine.

8/9/2009 10:47:12 PM

So this is the problem I have on my driveway now...I think next weekend I am going to build a ramp of some sort.





Notice that the bumper is not touching, lol.

8/10/2009 7:42:03 PM

you dont need to "build" anything, you just need a sheet of plywood.

8/10/2009 7:56:38 PM

or learn to start pulling in at an angle and straightening out at the last minute.

8/10/2009 8:03:20 PM

Quote :

"^^how big are you?! I'm 6'2"195 and fit my S2000 just fine."

6'3" 220, driver side is doable but not particularly comfortable. shoulder width is the downfall. passenger side feels like im in jail. with the top down both are bearable, with it up........ not so much.

8/10/2009 8:04:02 PM

6'4" - 198lbs

i don't have any problems driving one comfortably.

8/10/2009 9:22:01 PM

I plan on trying this top repair when I get my car back. It doesn't seem to be that noticeable after a few days.

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=705403

8/10/2009 9:52:28 PM

Quote :

"you dont need to "build" anything, you just need a sheet of plywood."

Quote :

"or learn to start pulling in at an angle and straightening out at the last minute."

No, that won't work. A sheet of plywood might prevent me from scraping, but it sure as hell wouldn't prevent me from slipping the hell out of the clutch every time I go up the driveway. And I don't feel like replacing the clutch every 20-30k miles. The steep driveway ends in an angle at the bottom, its not parallel (with the house) across. And the angle goes the wrong way. I can't start on the side of the driveway that works with the angle, b/c that side drops off more steeply and high centers my car.

I have to build something that reduces the slope of the driveway. I'm aiming for an angle of less than 10° degrees b/c that's about as much as it can go without being moved very slowly (I've measured). To make things harder the driveway levels out an an uneven angle (as I mentioned) so one side will have to be longer than the other.

8/10/2009 10:55:29 PM

E BRAKE = CLUTCH SAVER

8/10/2009 10:56:23 PM

Hey smart guy, how do you suggest I go UP the driveway slowly without burning the clutch....


just wondering

8/10/2009 11:30:48 PM

by holding the majority of the cars momentum towards the home due to the poorly designed driveway with the e brake. just like I said.

8/11/2009 8:32:04 AM

I can see it helping, but not a lot.


So who's good with carpentry?

8/11/2009 8:45:18 AM

it's a f'in piece of plywood. carpentry skills not needed, lol

8/11/2009 8:47:11 AM

I need something sturdy and permanent. Can't be something that's gonna shift every time I drive over it.

8/11/2009 8:51:00 AM

You could staple gun 50 grit sand paper to the plywood

but no, really, how about getting a small bag of concrete mix, use the plywood as a frame, and make some concrete ramps? not that hard... Time consuming, but not hard... Oh, I'd be sure to use some rebarb, or spaced out bricks, for internal concrete support. Probably unnecessary, however, I'd rather do that than risk the weight of the car crushing the concrete...

8/11/2009 8:59:43 AM

sweet jesus man!

maybe you can give me some tips when you're over on Saturday.

8/11/2009 9:14:51 AM

You shoul use PT Lumber. You could insert 1/4" grooves perpendicular to the vehicle's tires so rain won't puddle and give something for your tires to "bite" on. Then again, your drive wheels won't be on it, but it'd be so you don't have to worry about relying solely on your e-brake, wondering if one day your car might slide off. I guess you could add a lip to help prevent your car from sliding too far forward... If you build it big enough, the weight of the lumber should be enough to keep it from sliding in the drive way.


Okay, at Lowes,
6x6x12 #2 SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE TREATED - $29.97
6x6x8 #2 SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE TREATED -$19.97
4x6x12 #2 SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE TREATED - $19.97
4x4x12 #2 SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE TREATED - $11.97


I think a couple 4x4x12 will be fine to use as support, and you can overlay the surface with some 1/2" plywood.

With a saw, electric drill & drill bit (for pilot holes), and wood screws (I've got wood glue), we can build this bad boy real easily. It'll be faster than making it with concrete, although an 80lb bag of concrete is less than $4.00 and 0.5"x4' rebarb goes for $3.00 ea. Concrete may be cheaper, though also more time consuming... Curing will take a couple weeks at best. For your reasons, I'd stick with lumber construction.


[Edited on August 11, 2009 at 9:41 AM. Reason : .]

8/11/2009 9:24:27 AM

if you're offering your services (assistance) I say we build this sucker this weekend as well!

Also, why do you mention the drive wheels not going on the ramp? This ramp will help me put the car in the garage. All the wheels will go over the ramp.

[Edited on August 12, 2009 at 10:04 AM. Reason : k]

8/12/2009 10:03:48 AM

Lol, okay, I'm retarded. I thought you were parking it up on the slope and leaving it there... :p

This will be MUCH easier then... oh yeah.. Oh hell yeah.

8/12/2009 10:09:33 AM

Tire suggestions?

Let's make Azenis the benchmark. I put a set on my Evo, and while I preferred the OEM Advans, I didn't like them enough more to justify the cost of them. I know you can get better rubber than the Falkens, but I'm not spending double the cost to get an incrementally better tire. I haven't researched tires in at least a year and a half, maybe close to 2 years. I'm a little out of the loop.

What else out there is worth looking at? The Advan Neova AD08s kinda caught my attention, for one.

[Edited on August 16, 2009 at 12:31 AM. Reason : wow, Azenis are REALLY cheap nowadays.]

8/16/2009 12:27:33 AM

Azenis have icky feedback, are loud and ride like crap compared to almost any other street tire. I know they worked on the EVO fine, but that is a steam roller of a car... The delicacy of the steering of an S2000 I would like to keep intact if it were me... As such I would get Potenza RE01-Rs if they still make those. The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (N spec if you can get that in your size) is another good one. Finally I've been fairly happy with the Kumho XSs, but don't know how they'd compare on track to Azenis. Azenis' ultimate grip level on track is formidable, I'll give them that, but they're certainly not well rounded tires...

8/16/2009 1:46:00 AM

haha, yeah, the S2000 requires a good bit more finesse than an Evo. In the Evo, if you can't feel what's going on or otherwise don't know what to do, you can always just crank the wheel and stand on the gas, and the car will take care of you.

8/16/2009 8:24:18 AM

the rt615's 225/255 destroyed the steering feel for me. i tell myself i will never do it again but you know how cheapness is. the stock re050's were a much better tire. anything ahmet recommends will be good.

8/16/2009 8:52:34 AM

yeah, i don't care at all about them being loud or riding hard. the steering feedback thing is a legitimate gripe.

8/16/2009 9:01:12 AM

My car has a tiny tear in the convertible top


warranty work FTW!

9/3/2009 1:21:17 PM

wtf!

How are everyone's tops getting messed up?

9/3/2009 1:43:12 PM

beats me, but when i talked to the service guy (from Honda) on the phone I came away with the impression that he's an idiot.

me "so it has to be replaced?"
him "well we have to see what caused the tear. if it was caused by rubbing from improperly lowering the top its not under warranty."
me "..."
me " its an electrical automated top, how would I put it down improperly?"
him "well if you were putting it down while the car was moving the wind could scew it up"
me "you can't put the top down unless the parking brake is engaged..."
him "just bring it in, we'll figure it out"


Um, thanks man. you really know your cars! especially since Honda sells...ONE convertible.

9/3/2009 1:47:59 PM

even if the parking brake is engaged it still wont go up/down if the car is moving at all. i tried it :/

i think you can cut the wire to the speed sensor though.

9/3/2009 1:52:02 PM

I'd imagine it'll take a whole day at least to replace this. That being the case will I get a loaner? If so, I hope I can grab something nice. I mean I do drive Honda's halo vehicle

9/3/2009 2:04:55 PM

Wait, so these S2000 engines displace two liters or more son?! We are talking something around 2000cc's son.

That is absolutely ridiculous and beyond excessive. We all know that 1000cc's is FAR too large of a displacement for any 4 cylinder engine, although if you happen to have a two-cylinder engine then 1000cc's is a perfectly acceptable displacement and should be encouraged (Even if the power output is similar to an equivalent 4-cylinder).

This is making sense to you shitbags, right?

9/3/2009 2:15:44 PM

^i'm not following you son

9/3/2009 2:17:07 PM

^^^

I've had people at honda ask me who makes the hardtop.


Changing out the top is VERY difficult. Good luck with your car not rattling from one of 900 fucked up fasteners if they choose to replace it.

[Edited on September 3, 2009 at 2:18 PM. Reason : .]

9/3/2009 2:18:41 PM

I see. Well that's not encouraging. My dad had the top on his replaced last year and its been fine since.

9/3/2009 2:33:10 PM

take it to the same place as your dad then.

why again are these tops failing? fuck honduhs man . that is inexcusable.

9/3/2009 2:33:58 PM