Top installation

[driftdevil]

Has anyone done an install of a top? I'm looking to take an old top off a frame and put a cloth one on. If so would ya'll be willing to make a day of it?

[Adam Payrot]

Make sure to take the frame off the car, it's much easier that way. Top installs aren't too bad, they're pretty straight-forward.

[driftdevil]

Have you done one Adam? If so how long would it take?

[Lasher]

Driftdevil, Several topics down is one about soft top replacement. Within the thread is a link showing a girl that replaced her top. Pics and explaination to boot.
I'm replacing my top this weekend. I bought the top frame and all to make it easier. Good luck

[Adam Payrot]

Have you done one Adam? If so how long would it take?

Yeah, I've done a few, and in different ways. I've done the replacement top, and I've done the full frame swap. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to do a replacement top (if you get a replacement rain rail as well, you can cut off quite a bit of time, repairing old ones sucks). A frame swap would take less than that, about an hour or so.

[trickyrix]

Driftdevil, Several topics down is one about soft top replacement. Within the thread is a link showing a girl that replaced her top. Pics and explaination to boot.
I'm replacing my top this weekend. I bought the top frame and all to make it easier. Good luck

Did you get that top from Mazda Heaven?

[Lasher]

Yeah, He is holding it for me. I'm picking it up saturday morning.

On a second note...I met William yesterday and paid for the Cool Breeze doo dad...lol

[trickyrix]

Cool... I can't wait for my Cool Breeze...

I'll be curious to know how the top install goes... and if you're going to need a rain rail. I guess if you're careful you can reuse your old one - that is, if it's not busted.

[black roadster]

I guess if you're careful you can reuse your old one - that is, if it's not busted.

You can't and it will.

Check that, you can try to repair the brittle plastic one but a new rubber one would be highly recommended.

[sammm]

Check that, you can try to repair the brittle plastic one but a new rubber one would be highly recommended.

+1 ... Duct tape works wonders. The original one on my '92 was mostly duct tape. New ones aren't cheap. ~$150

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewP...eIndexID=36301

[Lasher]

I'm making sure to replace the rain rail. I'd be willing to bet mine is shot. So since I'm popping on a top, I may as well do it right.

I found a rain rail for $129 but that is the lowest I've been able to find.

[black roadster]

I'm making sure to replace the rain rail. I'd be willing to bet mine is shot. So since I'm popping on a top, I may as well do it right.

I found a rain rail for $129 but that is the lowest I've been able to find.

Confirm the salvage top doesn't already have a good one. As I said, they are riveted on so it should already be attached to a used top and the NB tops have the more durable rubber rain rails.

[trickyrix]

Confirm the salvage top doesn't already have a good one. As I said, they are riveted on so it should already be attached to a used top and the NB tops have the more durable rubber rain rails.

I went and scoped it out on Monday and the thin plastic part of the rain rail is broken in a few places - it's not a total disaster, but it's definitely broken. Duct tape might work but I'd prolly get a new one.

[Lasher]

As any real man, i'm firm believer in duct tape. But...I'm thinking that a new rain rail is inorder...

[driftdevil]

So is the cloth top worth the extra money or should I just go with another vinyl one?

[black roadster]

So is the cloth top worth the extra money or should I just go with another vinyl one?

In my opinion it is all cosmetic but as Prince of Bling I think you should sport one.

I honestly think it looks a lot better!

[Magma]

I
I honestly think it looks a lot better!

+1