DIY: Replacing the Soft Top on a Honda S2000: Avoiding Pitfalls and Tearing Hazards
There’s a sinking feeling you get when you spot the first signs of wear on your S2000’s soft top—a small scuff that turns into a pinhole, and then, inevitably, a tear that lets the weather in. It’s one of the most common issues for these cars, and it’s almost always caused by the top frame rubbing against the fabric in a few specific spots .
Here’s the thing about the S2000’s soft top—you either take the time to understand its weak points and tackle the replacement with patience, or you risk ending up with wrinkles, leaks, or a ripped new top that’s worse than the one you started with. Replacing it is one of the most challenging DIY jobs on the car, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely achievable .
TL;DR
Replacing an S2000 soft top is a major DIY project. The biggest causes of tears are sharp edges on the top frame, especially on a plastic “ear” near the driver and passenger shoulders . To succeed, you need to strip the interior, smooth every potential contact point on the frame, and carefully stretch the new top into place. Most people pay a professional, but if you’re patient and organized, you can do it yourself in a weekend.
Key Takeaways
- The Frame is the Enemy: New tops don’t tear on their own; they’re cut by sharp edges and rough spots on the metal frame .
- Patience is Non-Negotiable: This is a 12-20 hour job for a first-timer, involving removing much of the car’s interior .
- Prep the Frame, Always: Before installing the new top, sand down every sharp edge on the frame and apply protective tape to prevent future rubs .
- Quality Parts Matter: A premium aftermarket top from brands like Robbins often has better fitment and materials than cheaper alternatives .
- Consider the Professional: While DIY is possible, a specialist can often do it faster and with a guarantee against leaks .
Understanding the S2000 Soft Top: Why It Tears
The S2000’s soft top is a brilliant piece of engineering, but it has a fatal flaw: the frame. Over time, the fabric rubs against the bare metal of the frame, and sharp edges literally saw through the material from the inside .
The primary culprit is a sharp plastic “ear” on the frame located just behind the driver’s and passenger’s shoulders. One installer noted that this edge is so sharp they “were able to cut a thread with it” . The second major spot is the rear hinge area on the passenger side, which is a known Honda service bulletin issue .
The Two Paths: DIY or Professional
The Professional Route
There are specialists who have replaced hundreds of S2000 tops. They know every trick, have the right tools, and can often complete the job in under 8 hours . A top from a brand like Robbins costs around $1,100, and installation is typically $500 or more .
The biggest advantage of a pro is peace of mind. A bungled replacement can result in water flooding the trunk and other serious problems, and if a professional does the job, you have recourse if there are issues . Many owners who are otherwise “DIY everything” still choose to pay for this one .
The DIY Route
If you’re determined to do it yourself, you’re in for a challenge. The job involves stripping half the interior, drilling out rivets, wrestling with a massive piece of fabric, and then putting it all back together. It’s not technically difficult, but it’s incredibly fiddly and time-consuming .
Step-by-Step: How to Do It Right
Part 1: The Strip Down
The first step is to remove the interior so you can access the frame . You’ll need to remove the seats and most of the rear interior panels.
While some have found shortcuts and done it without removing the roll hoops , removing them is the safer, more straightforward approach. The roll hoops are held in by four bolts on each side . Trying to work around them can lead to broken plastic trim, which is hard to replace and rattles afterward .
Part 2: The Critical Step—Prepare the Frame
Before you even unbox your new top, you must address the frame. This is the single most important step to prevent your new top from tearing. You should file, grind, and sand down every sharp edge and rough spot you can find on the frame .
One expert installer’s tip is to then put a piece of masking tape over any screws in the frame to ensure they don’t come into direct contact with the fabric . Another great preventative trick is to use the soft side of Velcro tape on the top frame bow, which is much more durable than felt tape for protecting the top from fraying .
Part 3: The Install
This is where you’ll follow the guide for your specific new top. A comprehensive guide from a forum member covers the entire process in depth . Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Contact Cement: When applying patches or gluing fabric, you need multiple coats of contact cement. The first coat sinks into the material, so applying a second and third coat creates a strong bond .
- Don’t Rivet the Rain Rail: Some aftermarket instructions suggest riveting the rain rail to the top. For a DIY install, this can create wrinkles. One expert recommends letting the rain rail float rather than riveting it .
- Ratcheting Straps: Getting the top to close for the first time can be a struggle. Using ratcheting straps from the top frame to a secure point (like a garage door rail) helps pull the top into alignment, making it easier to secure the latches .
- Give it Time to Stretch: After the install, don’t put the top down for a few weeks. This lets the fabric stretch out properly, preventing wrinkles and extra strain on the seams .
Real-World Impact: Why Bother?
When it’s done right, a new soft top transforms the S2000. It looks fantastic, seals out the rain, and makes the car feel fresh again. The design flaw means that even if you don’t replace the top, you can patch small tears and grind down the frame to prevent them from growing .
“A Honda interior isn’t just a place to sit; it’s a practical workspace, a family hub, and a command center. In the S2000, the interior is the connection between you and the road. A properly installed soft top, free from rattles and leaks, isn’t just about comfort; it’s about preserving the driving experience Honda intended.”
Comparison Table: Soft Top Replacement Options
| Aspect | DIY Replacement | Professional Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $600-$1,200 (top only) | $1,100-$2,000+ (parts + labor) |
| Time | 12-20+ hours for a first-timer | 4-8 hours for an expert |
| Risk | High (leaks, tears, broken trim) | Low (guaranteed work) |
| Expertise Needed | Very High | None (but you’ll be paying for skill) |
| Best For | Experienced DIYers with time, space, and patience | Anyone who wants a guaranteed, hassle-free result |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I fix a small tear in my S2000 soft top?
A: Clean the area and apply a patch from the inside using a strong adhesive like HH-66 or Weldwood contact cement. Sanding down the sharp edge that caused the tear is the most important part to ensure it doesn’t come back .
Q: What tools do I need to replace the S2000 soft top?
A: You will need a full set of tools: socket sets (10mm, 12mm, 14mm), ratchets, a drill with various bits, a rivet gun, screwdrivers, and a small angled ratcheting screwdriver for tight spots .
Q: Is the Robbins soft top better than the OEM one?
A: Many owners prefer the Robbins StayFast cloth top. It’s said to look better than the OEM vinyl, and its holes are perfectly drilled, leading to a better fit than some cheaper alternatives .
Q: What is the most common mistake when installing a new top?
A: Failing to address the sharp edges on the top frame. If you don’t sand them down, the new top will tear in the same place as the old one .
Q: Do I need to remove the roll hoops to replace the top?
A: Most DIY guides recommend removing the roll hoops. While it can be done without removing them, it makes the job much more difficult and risks damaging or breaking the plastic trim .
Q: How long should I wait before putting the top down after installation?
A: It is generally recommended to leave the top up for two weeks to allow the canvas to stretch and the glue to fully cure .
What’s your experience with S2000 soft tops? Drop your questions or lessons learned in the comments below.
For further reading on Honda S2000 maintenance and technical forums:
