+++SiWagon FYI: Tophat WARNINGS & Specs

SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
in Suspension, Braking & Wheels
Lately there's been a few threads on Tophat extension mods.I started this 'cuz I see a lot of mistakes.Below are some specs you'll need & things to watch for.

MAX Pipe extension OD:1 -7/8 (48mm) OD .OEM OD is a hair under 1 -7/8''.Note:You might be able to get 2"(51mm).I didn't get an exact measurement.The prob here is the chassis opening is MAYBE 2"You may need to grind the chassis opening a little to get the 2''. 2" is prefered cause then the shock boot(1 -7/8(48mm)OD GR-2 shx))may just barely fit otherwise you'll need to mod for a rubber boot.GR-2 shx bumper:1.52"(39mm).
Tophat OEM bushing Dia:1.67(42mm)A little under 1 -11/16''.
Tophat metal thickness:.1185"(almost 1/8"(3mm)).
MAX extension Height:
Front:2".Note:You maybe able to get maybe another 3/4"(19mm).Put a chuck of clay on the shx tower & close the hood to check for clearances.
Rear:1"(25mm).Note: If you want more you'll need to mod the interior panel shx cover for more room.

Comments

  • turbo_tegturbo_teg Council Member
    what is the point of extending the top hats... to slam it lower and not have the struts bottom out?
  • udubrx7udubrx7 Senior Wagonist
    When you lower a car on stock struts, at that low ride height the damper rod sits very far down in the strut body and has a very limited range of motion, bottoming out very easily and causing the seals inside the strut to blow out. Thus ruining your struts and giving a very harsh ride. If you extend the top hats, then the strut rods will sit farther out of the strut body and the car won't bottom out at easily and there is a larger range of motion for the strut to dampen effectively.
  • HelloHondaHelloHonda Band Wagon
    udubrx7 wrote:
    When you lower a car on stock struts, at that low ride height the damper rod sits very far down in the strut body and has a very limited range of motion, bottoming out very easily and causing the seals inside the strut to blow out. Thus ruining your struts and giving a very harsh ride. If you extend the top hats, then the strut rods will sit farther out of the strut body and the car won't bottom out at easily and there is a larger range of motion for the strut to dampen effectively.

    Ah! i'm so glad i found someone who just explained the top hat extension thing. I didn't wanna post and then have everyone yell "search....SEARCH!!!!"
  • udubrx7udubrx7 Senior Wagonist
    Sounds like you're learning how to search! Welcome to the world of REALLY smart people............. the ones who know how to type words into google 8) :lol:
  • HelloHondaHelloHonda Band Wagon
    udubrx7 wrote:
    Sounds like you're learning how to search! Welcome to the world of REALLY smart people............. the ones who know how to type words into google 8) :lol:

    yep, thats me! when you extend the tophats, does it make it ride like stock? or close to stock?
  • Dash-N-CarsDash-N-Cars Senior Wagonist
    FYI 2" diameter pipe will NOT fit. You have to cut a little bit out.
  • udubrx7udubrx7 Senior Wagonist
    HelloHonda wrote:
    udubrx7 wrote:
    Sounds like you're learning how to search! Welcome to the world of REALLY smart people............. the ones who know how to type words into google 8) :lol:

    yep, thats me! when you extend the tophats, does it make it ride like stock? or close to stock?


    No matter what you do, if you lower the car it is not going to ride like stock. But extending the top hats will definitely increase the ride quality greatly.
  • Eagle BeagleEagle Beagle familEE
    to ride like stock

    nobody want that ride...well I don't but I do...

    crazy smiley...
  • lafwagonlafwagon Wagonist
    does anyone in here make tophats? If so I would be interested in a set
  • SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
    Just read down the threads about tophats & you'll find your answer.1 or 2 members make them & there's a link in 1 of the postings on a set of CNC tophats.
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