Removing Soft Top (frame & all)

[Jaron]

Hey I am looking for a step by step guide to removing a soft top. Not just the top but the frame and everything.

Has anyone done this or have links ?


Thanks

[emecksphive]

its not too hard but some of the bolts along the back of the top neare the window can be hard to get out, and get more difficult as you get closer to the seatbelt towers.

Start by taking your seats out i makes it a lot easier.

to get the top off along the back near the boot there are 10mm bolts running from seatbelt tower to seatbelt tower, once these are removed three metal brackets can be removed and then the top can be loosened from the car.

to remove the whole frame you need to remove the trim near the seatbelt towers which runs down to the sill plates. remove this by loosening the metal tab on top and then remove all the screws and pull tab plastic things you can see.

once you have the trim off there are three bolts on each side which hold the frame in place, take these out and you should be able to lift the whole top off the car.

be careful not to scratch the paint as it is quite heavy and a bit awkward

[Jaron]

Thanks for the info, the only problem I have really run into is those Frankenstein bolts that are on the seatbelt towers for the hard top..

I don't think I have the tool for this, it looks to be pretty tight aswell. How did you get around this ?

[Bevan]

Thanks for the info, the only problem I have really run into is those Frankenstein bolts that are on the seatbelt towers for the hard top..

Frankenstein bolts are the chrome one at the top of the bootlid. You mean the striker plates? It's just a big allen key I beleive. If you don't have one, a large flat-bladed screw driver will work too.

[Jaron]

I will take some pics tonight, yer I mean the striker plates. I don't think it is an Allen Key, but I will double check tonight. Cheers

[jules]

No they are called Torx bolts. Go to Bunnings and get a T40 size one.
You can buy them in sets like Allen Keys for $19.


Jules

[jules]

PS: If you're desperate, you are welcome to pop down and I'll help with the removal.

I've had to remove mine to fit the style bar.

Jules

[kula]

i did mine a while back,

was very easy, just undo the bolts as you go along..

putting it in is much more difficult ive heard so make sure you really want it out.

[Jaron]

Thanks for the offer jules... If I don't have any luck I will let you know

It shouldn't be that hard though.

Cheers for the help.

Ohh by the way, the people that have removed their soft top frame ect..... did you find a little improvement in performance because of the weight factor ?

Just slowly ripping the interior out.

[Garry]

If you are planning on reusing the soft top be careful with the rain rail. Thats the plastic gutter thing attached around the bottom of the soft top. It's very brittle and if it cracks it will leak.

[Jaron]

Thanks garry I will watch out for the rain rail, though my soft top has beens slashed and I don't think I will be using it again. lol

[Bevan]

Thanks garry I will watch out for the rain rail, though my soft top has beens slashed and I don't think I will be using it again. lol

Even if you change the soft-top, you'll still need to re-use that rain rail that Garry mentioned, so do be carefull with it, it's just plastic.

[SuperMazdaKart]

http://www.prestigeautotrim.com/instructions/mazda/mx5hoodfit.htm

& of course i'd assume you already know about the how tos at miata garage

[Juffa]

Even if you change the soft-top, you'll still need to re-use that rain rail that Garry mentioned, so do be carefull with it, it's just plastic.

No only is just plastic, a replacement will also cost you just about $200+

J

[93_Clubman]

I don't think it is an Allen Key, but I will double check tonight.

as jules indicated it's not, however i use a good condition 4.5mm allen key to tighten mine when necessary, as i no torx bolt tightener & have a hardtop fitted.