When ordering Tein suspension from us, notice the option field "Add top hat kit?" for many Honda and Acura models. We get asked a lot what this means exactly. Here is the answer:
 

 
This is a top hat kit. When installing new suspension these parts must be transferred from the OEM shock assemblies over the new shock assemblies. If you can simply remove the original parts and reuse them, you may be wondering why we offer these at all. There are a couple reasons actually.
 
For one, when removing the original top hats it may be necessary to use a spring compressor to release the spring. Undoing the top nut while the spring is under compression will cause the assembly to fly apart and cause damage or injury! Most of the time you can install the hats onto unassembled aftermarket shocks and springs without the use of a compressor. By buying a second set of hats, you can keep the stock shocks together, and only install the new parts. This has the added benefit of switching the shocks back to stock a lot easier should the future need arise.
 
Another benefit of having new hats is if you uninstall the parts later the resale of the kit will be increased. It is not a wasted investment as most of the time used suspension will come in various states of disassembly. You will have a more salable and valuable product in the used market than the next guy.
 
A third reason for getting the top hat kit is because it allows you to option our professional assembly as well. The many washers and bushings needed from the stock suspension is easy to mix up. Also use professional air tools to fasten the assembly together, which most shade trees do not possess. We take the guesswork out of your install be making the suspension ready to toss in. With Tein or Koni systems with adjustable height, we can even set the height for you making the install again a lot easier, with at worst only fine tuning necessary. By getting the top hat kit plus installation, the two most difficult parts of the job are already done for you!
 
 
So is a top hat kit needed when purchasing your Honda or Acura suspension kit from Heeltoe Automotive? Not likely. But is sure is nice to have! Just another service we offer to get you on the road sooner!
 
Marcus