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Installing a hardtop for the first time
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 1:03 am
by kenson
Hi everyone,
I've already found a great tutorial for installing a hardtop for the first time:
http://www.mx-5.com/me+my+mx-5/tips+tricks/articles/hard_topWhat I'm worried about is the hole that is required in the rear quarter panel trim
Is it true that there is a line behind the rear quarter trim panel I can follow? I'd have a look at it myself but I'm leaving on a plane really soon and I'm trying to get my dad to fit it while I'm away
Cheers,
Kenny
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:44 am
by GP
A lot of people dont worry about the sidelatches, Mine hasn't been a problem.
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 1:08 pm
by Okibi
They're pretty easy to fit, just need a dremel and take your time.
I wouldn't run my hardtop without the side latches.
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 1:57 pm
by GP
How come Okibi
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 4:42 pm
by MxJadeMonkey
Have run mine for like three years with out sides, track days and all, stayed on at 185kph eastern creek!
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 5:00 pm
by bensale
I ran mine without the side latches for a few months with out any problems. Although, when I installed the side latches the car was noticably stiffer and the hardtop rattled and squeaked a lot less.
Cutting the hole is fairly simple, you have to remove the trim panels. On the inside of the plastic there is a guide line to show where to cut. I simply used a drill and a hacksaw as I dont have a dremel. Its not too difficult and the result is really good.
Ben,
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 5:49 pm
by Okibi
Sure, you could even run your wheels with only 1 nut (screwed tightly), but I wouldn't recommend it.
The hardtop may stay on without the side latches, even at moderate speed on a smooth race track, but I wouldn't want to be driving my car (especially at speed) when the roof decided to come off, fall on top of me of fly backward into oncoming traffic.
For the sake of a couple of mounting points and an extra 20 seconds to secure, why take the risk?
Even if you didn't kill/hurt anyone I doubt an insurance company would cover the damage to the Ferrari following if the hardtop wasn't secured properly.
If you have a rollbar in the way securing the top can be an issue, but attachment points can still be fabricated.
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 6:01 pm
by Fatty
and you don't need to be too fussy about taking your time and cutting the hole really neatly. it can be a bit messy coz the latch covers it all anyway.
Re: Installing a hardtop for the first time
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:57 pm
by Alex
kenson wrote:Hi everyone,
I've already found a great tutorial for installing a hardtop for the first time:
http://www.mx-5.com/me+my+mx-5/tips+tricks/articles/hard_topWhat I'm worried about is the hole that is required in the rear quarter panel trim
Is it true that there is a line behind the rear quarter trim panel I can follow? I'd have a look at it myself but I'm leaving on a plane really soon and I'm trying to get my dad to fit it while I'm away
Cheers,
Kenny
the easiest way i've seen is to borrow soneone else's panels and use them as a template to draw an outline on your own before cutting
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:06 pm
by Fatty
but there is already an outline on the back of the panel.
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:26 pm
by kenson
Sweet, thanks for the replies guys