Best replacement folding roof material?

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 2:13 pm

Hi Guys. Looks like I may be up for a new canvas roof. Mine is now quite brittle and starting to crack and tear. Wondering which way to jump with a replacement. Should I get one from the many advertised sellers on ebay such as Majestic, Prestige and the like or from MX5 Mania genuine at $1700 or so plus $400 fitting? Any thought and opinions. What did you get that you were happy with?

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 4:54 pm

Thanks for that. Was hoping to use the glass window. I have a 2000NB A

japester · Postby **japester** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:06 am

I put one of the Prestige Premium Haartz Fabric roofs on my car a couple of years ago. I had to replace it, as some vandals took a knife to the original. It looks much better now though.

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 10:46 pm

Did that one have a glass window? How does it compare with the original?

japester · Postby **japester** » Thu Jun 18, 2015 12:56 am

simie2014 wrote:Did that one have a glass window? How does it compare with the original?

It's glass with demister heating thingy

I think it's a significant improvement over the stock vinyl roof. The only fault is that there is a little bit of slack fabric just above the windows, but it doesn't affect the window seal, or wind noise. You should be able to see the wrinkle in the photo.

Guran · Postby **Guran** » Thu Jun 18, 2015 8:48 am

These guys are worth a look. They sell the Robbins Tops from USA which are great quality and come with "unbreakable" rain rails attached. The zip out glass window is a nice feature too.

http://softtopsonline.com.au/Mazda/

joshuam · Postby **joshuam** » Thu Jun 18, 2015 9:34 pm

It isn't that expensive to get them from the states. I have a tear in mine and I'm about to import one. Looking at the Sierra or Robbins for around $500 USD + $80USD shipping for stayfast cloth. You can get the budget vinyl ones for as little as $200-300 + shipping.

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 3:41 pm

Thanks for that guys. Will check out the Robbins roof. I guess when that arrives youd have to have an upholsterer fit it for you. Wonder how much that would cost?

joshuam · Postby **joshuam** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 9:36 pm

simie2014 wrote:Thanks for that guys. Will check out the Robbins roof. I guess when that arrives youd have to have an upholsterer fit it for you. Wonder how much that would cost?

No, most guys on here would do it themselves. There are plenty of guides on all of the forums (presumably a few here - I haven't checked yet). I am planning to do mine myself. It is probably about a days work for 2 novices from what I have read.

joshuam · Postby **joshuam** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:56 pm

Dundy2456 wrote:I installed mine myself, took a good week (in my spare time). Fitting it to the car myself was a mistake though, took a scraping of clear coat off . Taking pictures of the removal / dismantle of the old one is your best bet to not making mistakes. Also reading up on other's experiences (as mentioned above) - don't know why this is here it won't go away -->

I have heard in the past that the install on a NB is MUCH easier than on a NA. I haven't really looked into the NA stuff though.

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 11:08 pm

Cant see much point in the zip out glass rear window on the Robbins? Robbind soft top seem to be pretty good. Notice they can be bought for about a grand in Aus. Seems reasonable price?

japester · Postby **japester** » Mon Jun 22, 2015 12:31 am

simie2014 wrote:Thanks for that guys. Will check out the Robbins roof. I guess when that arrives youd have to have an upholsterer fit it for you. Wonder how much that would cost?

No idea! I did mine in an afternoon, on my own. It's not terribly difficult, just a little awkward at times as you navigate the fabric around the frames.