T-Top Getting Damaged in Engine Cover Area

[Todd McKelvie]

Guys...need some help here. I have an 02 NSX. The paint on my t-top is getting chipped (very middle of the front edge...about 1/2 inch long) by the latch clip when I store it above the engine cover. No matter how long I work to get the t-top to seat in the holding area, it rubs on the metal piece that the t-top cover locks onto. I am also noticing that there are little chips starting on the back of the t-top where the pins hold it in the storage space.

I hope this makes sense. I can post picts later if necessary.

HELP!!!

 

[Ko-nsx]

Guys...need some help here. I have an 02 NSX. The paint on my t-top is getting chipped (very middle of the front edge...about 1/2 inch long) by the latch clip when I store it above the engine cover. No matter how long I work to get the t-top to seat in the holding area, it rubs on the metal piece that the t-top cover locks onto. I am also noticing that there are little chips starting on the back of the t-top where the pins hold it in the storage space.

I hope this makes sense. I can post picts later if necessary.

HELP!!!

I've had my car for 3 years and have never had that problem. It stays in the targa holder most of the summer. You might want to retighten something or doulbe check alignment. Better yet compare it to someone else. Is it still under warranty?

 

[Da Hapa]

Guys...need some help here. I have an 02 NSX. The paint on my t-top is getting chipped (very middle of the front edge...about 1/2 inch long) by the latch clip when I store it above the engine cover. No matter how long I work to get the t-top to seat in the holding area, it rubs on the metal piece that the t-top cover locks onto. I am also noticing that there are little chips starting on the back of the t-top where the pins hold it in the storage space.

I hope this makes sense. I can post picts later if necessary.

HELP!!!

Todd -

Unfortunately, I can't help you other than to say that I have the exact same problem. I haven't been able to resolve the problem so I don't store the panel in the engine cover anymore.

Please let me know what you find out.

 

[Todd McKelvie]

I looked everything over today and it all looks perfect. I guess I will just have to leave it at home.

 

[Hrant]

Make sure the issue is not the tape at the two ends of the T-top starting to peel off vs. actually damage to the edge due to lock-in mechanisms. T-tops eventually will have that transparent tape starting to peel off. I live with it as it wasn't worth the cost of labor to replace it.

See this thread if it helps: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34657&highlight=T-top

 

[Todd McKelvie]

The clear film is wearing as well. That is not the big issue...the paint is actually worn...chipped. I am going to figure this issue out...it is pissing me off!

 

[odenspike]

I had a similiar problem with mine and under closer inspection saw some of the clip pieces up front were cracked or cracking, I actually got the entire claim shell replaced under warranty. Wish I had got the extended warranty before my factory ran out for as many things as I had replaced with my 02 :frown:

 

[votrix]

I have the some problem too. . .I don't have a solution to the problem either, but as a work around, I just keep a microfiber towel in the holder and cover that section of the targa top where it rubs the holder.

 

[Bilulan]

I'm sure you have checked this, but after you seat the top into the clam-shell, do you give it that extra little push before closing?

For over a year, I could hear the clamshell rub as I closed the clam shell top. One day, I realized that it actually sits down in a little further, by depressing it after its laying in the shell.

 

[Ski_Banker]

I'm sure you have checked this, but after you seat the top into the clam-shell, do you give it that extra little push before closing?

For over a year, I could hear the clamshell rub as I closed the clam shell top. One day, I realized that it actually sits down in a little further, by depressing it after its laying in the shell.

I've noticed the same thing; it either fits/closes perfectly or with a little work. Not sure if this is what the OP is experiencing, but my concern is that the metal clip on the top of the clam shell is very close to scratching the front T edge when being closed.

 

[Todd McKelvie]

I took a close look at my cover and found the rubber piece that helps hold the t-top in place is torn. The rubber piece covers part of the metal clip on the top of the clam shell.

It looks like it might be allowing the t-top to slide around when it is stored and hit the metal clip.

Does this sound like a possibility?

P.S. I went to my local Acura dealer today and they were absolutely NO help!

 

[Bram]

That is your problem, you have the make sure the T-top pin fit into the little rubber cup at both ends of the clam shell holder.
If you replace these rubber cups, it would solve your problem.

Bram

I took a close look at my cover and found the rubber piece that helps hold the t-top in place is torn. The rubber piece covers part of the metal clip on the top of the clam shell.

It looks like it might be allowing the t-top to slide around when it is stored and hit the metal clip.

Does this sound like a possibility?

P.S. I went to my local Acura dealer today and they were absolutely NO help!

 

[Todd McKelvie]

The rubber cups are in perfect shape as far as I can see. It is the rubber piece that connects to the metal latch on lid that is ripped.

 

[ss5153]

I took the top off my 96 today for a drive, and I noticed a few spots that are starting to peel, nothing major, it's the tape that is sticking out, so I will just ignore it for now. But if it's the paint that is chipped off, I would suggest not storing it above the engine any longer. Could the heat from the engine cause the tape to peel over time?

 

[MiamiMermaid]

I'm sure you have checked this, but after you seat the top into the clam-shell, do you give it that extra little push before closing?

For over a year, I could hear the clamshell rub as I closed the clam shell top. One day, I realized that it actually sits down in a little further, by depressing it after its laying in the shell.

ditto... on a weekly basis, my Targa is on/off with the minimum of 10 times and noticed the same problem and recognized this exact solution....

 

[MiamiMermaid]

I took a close look at my cover and found the rubber piece that helps hold the t-top in place is torn. The rubber piece covers part of the metal clip on the top of the clam shell.

It looks like it might be allowing the t-top to slide around when it is stored and hit the metal clip.

Does this sound like a possibility?

P.S. I went to my local Acura dealer today and they were absolutely NO help!

yup, very similar, if not placed securely (see above post), there provides too much leeway for the top to slip and slide, causing it to scratch .. the addition of heat from the engine most likely does not help any either
*as stated by votrix, having a couple microfibers handy could be helpful for extra protection*

 

[Hugh]

You guys realize what's going on here don't you? God intended the NSX to be a Coupe. All these little problems are his way of getting back at the people in the marketing department at Honda who insisted on a Targa version.

 

[MiamiMermaid]

*Sunshine and the NSX*

You guys realize what's going on here don't you? God intended the NSX to be a Coupe. All these little problems are his way of getting back at the people in the marketing department at Honda who insisted on a Targa version.

hardee har har hehe
Hey now, what is more fabulous than a Sunny day in Florida with the targa off and your hair getting all tangled from the wind ?? :tongue:

 

[Hugh]

Re: *Sunshine and the NSX*

hardee har har hehe
Hey now, what is more fabulous than a Sunny day in Florida with the targa off and your hair getting all tangled from the wind ?? :tongue:

If I answered that here it would cause you to blush so much you'd become redder than your car. :biggrin: