Anyone tried this?

My plans are to replace my current soft top at some point, probably will have to wait until next Spring. I have the hard top, but I dont want to drive around with it on after the weather cools down a bit. My current soft top is okay except the rear plastic window is yellowed and cracked quite a bit and the soft top has a tear near the seam behind the drive's seat. The guy I bought the car from has taken great care of the car but he just didnt act on replacing the window soon enough and I guess the tear is from that possibly. I'd like to have the soft top option so that when it is hot driving home on 635 in rush hour traffic I can put the top up and run the ac, but would like to be able to drop it when it is cool. I just really dont want to drive with that yellowed taped up window and not be able to see behind me in traffic. I think I may be able to patch the tear well enough to squeak by for a few months, but the window has to go. I ran across this replacement window option but was curious if anyone has tried it and if they feel it was worth $50 as a short term solution.

http://www.mazda-miata-window.com/ClearWindow.asp

You can get a whole new top for < $200. Not too hard to DIY either.

I've seen those on fleabay and have been thinking about it but to be honest, after reading the instructions it scares the crap out me. I'm typically a DIY type too. Maybe it's more intimidating than it really is.

If you're a DIY type, don't worry about it. Just follow the directions and tips you can find from the dealers and in the miata.net garage. BTW, a nice option (if you can find one) is to just unbolt/unrivet the whole assembly from an NB and transfer the top and frame together. You get a glass window that way but, of course, you want to find a nice one if possible.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AlanP1964

I just really dont want to drive with that yellowed taped up window and not be able to see behind me in traffic.

---

Use side mirrors and more throttle... ;)

If your plan is to just get through the fall and winter, the $50 window might work. But I would seriously look into the complete NB top option. Installing a top that's already on the frame can be a solo project (ask me how I know), and the glass window is a really nice upgrade.

I replaced my plastic rear window with the kit that you linked to. My top was (is) in good condition, so replacing the window made sense for me. It was a one man job.

If you decide to replace your window, I have a 1/2 inch plywood piece that I cut for a work table. It slides into the car so that you have a flat surface to work on. I also have extra glue.

I now have a roll bar, so the NB top will no longer work for me. But, that is a very nice option.

When you get ready to replace to window or top, call for a tech day (best to check the autocross schedule before picking a date). Beer and pizza can get you some experienced help.

I've replaced two tops. First time it was a 6 hour job. Second time no more than 4 hours. I didn't need any special tools, not even a rivet gun, as I just pulled the lines through the new top, thus no need to drill out the old rivets from the frame. It's really no big deal, just do a search on Miata.net so that you have a second set of instructions for a different point of view from the mfg's instructions.

I got lucky and found a used rear window for cheap here at MME it has lasted over a year! The top itself is really starting to fall apart so I plan to get a new top this winter.

Before
http://www.harrisonindustrial.com/im...iata%20010.jpg

After
http://www.harrisonindustrial.com/im...iata%20086.jpg

POS, I think you pulled the old switcheroo! Those cars have different license plates!! ::Banana::

The top replacement is not difficult just time consuming. And it is easier when the temps are higher so that means sweating. I did it in my garage by myself. Not that big of a deal.

Just a follow up. The soft top replacement is still going to happen, but as a stop-gap measure, I found this:

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/prod...46491255658073

With shipping and buying the glue locally, it is still cheaper than the original kit I linked to.