Installing a new soft-top
Grenyaer
06-09-2007, 04:06 PM
I'm in the market for a new top to replace my ripped up, gross and dirty one.
Has anyone here replaced one of these? Is it a DIY job? If so, do you remember what tools were needed? Nothing more annoying than getting half-way through a job and needed to go out and buy/borrow a tool to finish it.
Has anyone here replaced one of these? Is it a DIY job? If so, do you remember what tools were needed? Nothing more annoying than getting half-way through a job and needed to go out and buy/borrow a tool to finish it.
dtrivin
08-19-2007, 08:42 AM
I just replaced the top on my '99 Miata. After shopping and reading for a couple of months, I chose the Duetto Glasfold top. <http://www.duettomotors.com/miata/miata_tops/tops_glass_intro.htm>;
One of the reasons I chose this top was because I liked the smooth design around the rear window. While installing, I was very impressed with the quality of design and construction.
The instructions they provide are very comprehensive and the special tools that I needed beyond the usual were:
1. A pair of long needle nose pliers
2. rivet gun
3. torque wrench that can at least register a range of 78-101 inch/pounds of force.
4. right angle ratcheted philips head screw driver.
5. double sided mounting tape.
6. patience :-) This was the first top I installed and over the course of a week, I probably spent about 12 hours to complete the install to my satisfaction.
Once the top was installed, it was very hard to close and I had to loosen the rain rail retainers to get it latched, even with the latches at full extension.
As you can see below, it was worth the effort.
http://www.dtrivin.com/miata/newtop.jpg
After the top stretched out a little more, I took off the rain rail retainers, re-aligned the top and then tightened everything to spec. I am very satisfied with the top.
Daniel
One of the reasons I chose this top was because I liked the smooth design around the rear window. While installing, I was very impressed with the quality of design and construction.
The instructions they provide are very comprehensive and the special tools that I needed beyond the usual were:
1. A pair of long needle nose pliers
2. rivet gun
3. torque wrench that can at least register a range of 78-101 inch/pounds of force.
4. right angle ratcheted philips head screw driver.
5. double sided mounting tape.
6. patience :-) This was the first top I installed and over the course of a week, I probably spent about 12 hours to complete the install to my satisfaction.
Once the top was installed, it was very hard to close and I had to loosen the rain rail retainers to get it latched, even with the latches at full extension.
As you can see below, it was worth the effort.
http://www.dtrivin.com/miata/newtop.jpg
After the top stretched out a little more, I took off the rain rail retainers, re-aligned the top and then tightened everything to spec. I am very satisfied with the top.
Daniel
abrittis
08-20-2007, 10:51 AM
Hello,
Go to http://www.miata.net/ and check out the garage section. There is a lot of information about replacing a soft top.
I replaced my '94 top with a Robbin's no-zip top. It took me about 10 hours. It's probably as complicated as changing out a clutch. It's a doable job if you are pretty handy. If not, it is best left to a professional.
Anthony
Go to http://www.miata.net/ and check out the garage section. There is a lot of information about replacing a soft top.
I replaced my '94 top with a Robbin's no-zip top. It took me about 10 hours. It's probably as complicated as changing out a clutch. It's a doable job if you are pretty handy. If not, it is best left to a professional.
Anthony
FlyingHigh2
02-08-2008, 10:56 PM
I am about to replace my top on my 94 with a Robbins No Zip w/glass window, myself. They even had a PDF to print of the instructions, for free!!!!! I'm gonna take my time also. ScottHello,
Go to http://www.miata.net/ and check out the garage section. There is a lot of information about replacing a soft top.
I replaced my '94 top with a Robbin's no-zip top. It took me about 10 hours. It's probably as complicated as changing out a clutch. It's a doable job if you are pretty handy. If not, it is best left to a professional.
Anthony
Go to http://www.miata.net/ and check out the garage section. There is a lot of information about replacing a soft top.
I replaced my '94 top with a Robbin's no-zip top. It took me about 10 hours. It's probably as complicated as changing out a clutch. It's a doable job if you are pretty handy. If not, it is best left to a professional.
Anthony
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