Soft tops

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02-02-2007, 06:09 PM
trickyrix

Soft tops

Looks like I'll probably be in the market for a new soft top once the weather warms up this spring/summer. Anyone have any input as far as going with one that has a glass rear window as opposed to sticking with plastic? I know glass costs more, but is there anything else I should be aware of? Any modifications I have to make? Does it zip out and fold down to clear the factory brace behind the seats? Any recommendations on what/where to buy? I'd prefer a tan canvas top to the black vinyl that my car has right now. I saw that Black Roadster had one that looked pretty damn good, but I forgot to ask about it...

Like I said, nothing urgent... just poking around for options so I can find the right thing when the time comes.
02-02-2007, 08:29 PM
channelmaniac

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

Looks like I'll probably be in the market for a new soft top once the weather warms up this spring/summer. Anyone have any input as far as going with one that has a glass rear window as opposed to sticking with plastic? I know glass costs more, but is there anything else I should be aware of? Any modifications I have to make? Does it zip out and fold down to clear the factory brace behind the seats? Any recommendations on what/where to buy? I'd prefer a tan canvas top to the black vinyl that my car has right now. I saw that Black Roadster had one that looked pretty damn good, but I forgot to ask about it...

Like I said, nothing urgent... just poking around for options so I can find the right thing when the time comes.

Some soft tops with glass windows don't work well with certain roll bars.

RJ
02-02-2007, 10:25 PM
Mouglie

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewP...eIndexID=33227

here's a good website that might
help you find what you need...
02-02-2007, 10:27 PM
icepenguin66

I wouild never go with the plastic rear window ever again. I love my glass rear window with defroster! Yes of course there is an isssue if you already have a roll bar but if you don't then you just have to order the correct roll bar.
02-02-2007, 11:26 PM
black roadster

Trickrix,

I have an OEM top off of a 2003 Miata and a Hard Dog M2 Sport. No zipping. Just drop the top. Also, since I bought a used top of a wrecked NB it was an easy bolt-in installation.

Some aftermarket tops will not work with rollbars and some rollbars will not work with glass windows. Most around here have Hard Dog rollbars. They should be able to tell you what fits with what.
02-03-2007, 09:35 AM
CraiginTX

If it's just the back window, you can replace just that panel for a TCB approved fix. My '96 has a very recent window, and although the top shows some wear, there are no leaks and the back window is crystal clear.

If you really need a whole top, +1 to BR suggestion to get a top & frame off a wrecked NB - it's an easy swap and the heated glass window is a nice bonus.

Craig
02-03-2007, 10:33 AM
Majik

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Trickrix,

I have an OEM top off of a 2003 Miata and a Hard Dog M2 Sport. No zipping. Just drop the top. Also, since I bought a used top of a wrecked NB it was an easy bolt-in installation.

Some aftermarket tops will not work with rollbars and some rollbars will not work with glass windows. Most around here have Hard Dog rollbars. They should be able to tell you what fits with what.

I agree on the easy bolt in installation. I helped Sammm replace the top on his car with a top he bought off of another car. It was cake to replace.
02-03-2007, 10:56 AM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraiginTX

it's an easy swap and the heated glass window is a nice bonus.

I need to get a defrost switch and hook mine up. :(
02-03-2007, 11:10 AM
Sharpie

I bought my zipperless glass window from CabrioWorld. It was around $400. The only modification was to drill a small hold in one of the bows, to rivet a strap to. I'd also never want to go back to a plastic window. Mainly because I was so anal about doing it correctly and using a window protector, etc. Now I can pull it up and down at a stop light without leaving the seat.
02-03-2007, 11:27 AM
pliablemoose

I installed a Robbins top last summer, and have to install another when it warms up a bit, they're pretty labor intensive.

I strongly prefer the glass rear windows, no hassles, and the roll bar manufacturers list which ones cause interference with their bars.
02-03-2007, 12:30 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Trickrix,
I have an OEM top off of a 2003 Miata and a Hard Dog M2 Sport. No zipping. Just drop the top. Also, since I bought a used top of a wrecked NB it was an easy bolt-in installation.

So, uh... where does one run across a wrecked NB with a good top?
02-03-2007, 12:51 PM
johnwag

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

So, uh... where does one run across a wrecked NB with a good top?

Gary at TrackDog. Unless they sold recently, he has a few tops for sale.
214-280-6172
03-04-2007, 12:00 PM
Lasher

Hi, I'm new to the forum...I have a 91 and the plastic window needs replacing. The top itself is a bit on the dull side. I looked at the Robbins tops and have heard replacing a top is a bear to do. Any thoughts from the pros out there?

Should I try to do it myself or pay to have one done?

Thanks
03-04-2007, 12:20 PM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lasher

Should I try to do it myself or pay to have one

Welcome aboard. If you can find a top off an NB (frame and all), it's a nice upgrade and very easy to do it yourself - 6 bolts, not counting if the rain rail has issues. I bought one a few years ago for around $250 IIRC. I've never replaced a top only (off the frame) myself.
03-04-2007, 01:23 PM
Lasher

Sammm, Thanks for the insite...I'll see if i can find one.
03-04-2007, 02:34 PM
black roadster

I've done both. Sammm's suggestion is the way to go. Besides, your plastic rain rail is likely shot. 99+ tops use a more durable rubber rain rail.
03-04-2007, 03:07 PM
channelmaniac

I've done the top before. You'll need a new rain rail & a rivet gun.

The best way is to go the NB top if you can.

RJ
03-04-2007, 03:25 PM
Lasher

Wow..Thanks for all of the feed back. Keep in kind I am new so here ya go...what does NB mean? I understand getting the complete frame and top, that sounds easy enough to do.

PC
03-04-2007, 03:50 PM
trickyrix

You'll see NA, NB, and NC on here a lot... the letters refer to the different generations of Miata - here's the skinny:

NA is your Miata (90-97)
NB is the 2nd gen (99-05) - a top off an NB has a glass window, is made of better material, and is pretty much a bolt-in replacement
NC is the current one (06-present)

(I've also seen them referred to as M1, M2, and M3... but that's neither here nor there)

Hope I didn't screw that up :)
03-04-2007, 03:57 PM
Lasher

Cool, Thanks for the lowdown. So from what I'm reading I can use NA/NB complete set up "frame/top " . If thats indeed the case, I bet its easier to find one.
03-04-2007, 04:03 PM
POS Racing

Don't know if your a big fan of the zip out rear window in your current top, ya don't get that feature in an NB top.

I sometime miss that feature. ;)
03-04-2007, 04:08 PM
Lasher

Oh ...That kinda blows, I do enjoy being able to zip the flap down. Although at times it is a pain if it starts raining...lol.

Good info!! With all of the experience on this site i can have my car done in no time....:)
03-04-2007, 04:13 PM
black roadster

Come out to a Wednesday Night meet and you can see the difference.
03-04-2007, 04:14 PM
trickyrix

Ask around here in the Parts is Parts section, and you might also try Mazda Heaven over in Mansfield. I'll be looking for one soon - once my plastic window goes south (it looks pretty crappy and the zipper's pulling away from the top).

Welcome aboard and good luck!
03-04-2007, 04:19 PM
Lasher

Yep sounds like a Wednesday Night Meet is in order.

Madza Heaven is my first call on Monday...lol I'll let you know how it goes.
03-04-2007, 11:57 PM
icepenguin66

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lasher

Yep sounds like a Wednesday Night Meet is in order.

Madza Heaven is my first call on Monday...lol I'll let you know how it goes.

Don't get your hopes up, unless they are just unloading a new car that has a good top they are usually neglected pretty bad. With parts thrown into the interiors with the tops down.
03-05-2007, 07:53 AM
Ted the Red

Quote:

Originally Posted by icepenguin66

Don't get your hopes up, unless they are just unloading a new car that has a good top they are usually neglected pretty bad. With parts thrown into the interiors with the tops down.

The guy over there seems to be pretty good about taking the tops off right away if they are in good shape when they come in.
03-05-2007, 01:01 PM
Lasher

What is a fair price for the frame/top combo?
03-05-2007, 05:31 PM
Lasher

I called Mazda Heaven...the guy has a top with frame. Tan w/glass window. I wanted to see if anyone can give me an idea of a good price. I'm afraid it may go fast.
03-05-2007, 07:53 PM
MiataMike

I read an article on Miata.net that a girl without ever doing a top before did hers all by her lonesome. I think the title was going topless or something to that affect.
03-05-2007, 09:49 PM
Rogue

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiataMike

I read an article on Miata.net that a girl without ever doing a top before did hers all by her lonesome. I think the title was going topless or something to that affect.

Thats funny! :lol:
03-05-2007, 10:20 PM
MiataMike

A girl takes her top off

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=220417

That was the name of the topic...Psh, who wouldn't have looked ;-)
03-05-2007, 10:54 PM
trickyrix

Installing a new top...

...is so easy a GIRL could do it!

:clap:
03-06-2007, 10:15 AM
Lasher

That Girl Rocks!!! Awesome article!!! Sounds like fun to me...

psst...I would have checked out that thread if I saw the name too...lol
03-06-2007, 01:17 PM
trickyrix

Lasher, you've got a PM with some info for ya.
03-06-2007, 01:48 PM
Lasher

Thanks man I got it. I sent you one back.

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