New top

[larryd]

I'll be replacing the top on my 97 NA. I was looking to get Robbins Streamline top but think I've read somewhere it doesn't fit the NA's as well; it recommended using the original design top. Any advice would be appreciated.

[sammm]

Does the car live inside or outside? Do you want a glass or plastic window? Are you cheap or are you not?

[Jiggerachi]

I have the streamline top, canvas with defrost glass window. It fits just fine, i'm having trouble getting it to retract all the way though, but I don't think that has anything to do with it being a streamline top. Very nice tops.

That reminds me, I need to figure out how to fix that...

[larryd]

car is kept mostly inside, i drive it to work 2-3 days per week when nice and not so much cheap as i like the looks of the streamline w/o so many seams! oh yeah glass window w/o defroster

[OZMDD]

I had the streamline with plastic window on my 1992 NA, thought it was great.

[Jiggerachi]

That reminds me, I need to figure out how to fix that...

Did some digging on the bouncing up issue on robbins tops, found this thread, if you're interested.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...bbins+bouncing
"To make it sit lower, I lowered the top, loosened the six bolts (3 per side) that hold the top on, and wiggled the top until it settled down, then tightened everything back up. Now the boot is only slightly tighter than stock, and I do mean slightly, and although the top bounces up a bit in colder weather, it stays nice and flat when the weather is warm.

Robbins vinyl top with glass window

hiaxi "

Seems like a semi-common issue, most seem to be related to installation. I've seen minor wrinkles and things fixed by doing similar adjustments. Mine was/is tight as a drum, but fits perfectly.

Ulness someone else has better information, I wouldn't worry about fitment issues with Robbins tops, however there are cheaper alternatives out there. Might send a message to Rogue. I hear he's the top guru around here. Track Dog Racing does a lot of tops as well.

Instalation was a huge PITA, but definitely doable with one person. What I did was buy a top frame off someone on the board (I have my old one if you need it) and install the new top fabric onto the 2nd frame. This way you can take your time and complete it in a clean indoor environment. Wait till a nice saturday and swap the complete top on frame into your car.

Oh and make sure you get a new rain rail while you're at it. Chances are your rain rail is toast.



Here is my top the day I installed it.

[larryd]

thanks for the advice. i think i'll go for the streamline, less seams. good pix, it really looks great. i've got a brg green M so i'll go with the tan top. thnanks again.