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Looking for a cover to keep leaves, sun, etc. out of the interior when parked. Thought I'd found a good one on GoMiata in U.S. but Freight being asked is $90 .
Anyone come across a local one reasonably priced? Went to a local motor trimmer but he was talking $200+
Otherwise I guess I'll get very adept at putting the roof up and down a lot

Unless you're willing to spend a few hundred, there's not many around.

The covers are often harder to put on and off than the roof is. (lots of fiddly zips and clips etc, roof is just one swing and 2 clips)

Silvia wrote:Looking for a cover to keep leaves, sun, etc. out of the interior when parked. Thought I'd found a good one on GoMiata in U.S. but Freight being asked is $90 .
Anyone come across a local one reasonably priced? Went to a local motor trimmer but he was talking $200+
Otherwise I guess I'll get very adept at putting the roof up and down a lot

Fit a strap long enough to allow you to pull the roof up from your seat under the centre grab handle and just tuck it under the frame and out of the way.
Putting the roof up is far quicker than any other option that you may find.
Greg.

Mmmm ok, seems the hood definitely fills the desired function.. I've been thinking that the fabric would start to break where it bends all the time when raised fairly often. Is this not a thing to be concerned about then?
The "grab handle" idea to pull the hood up sounds like a good one Greg ...a sort of greenies electric top eh?...
Sometimes it's the simple ideas that make a big difference.....like the big sportsbag in the boot to stop stuff rolling around, the foam "elbow pad" on the console and bending the accelerator pedal across a bit to help with heel and toeing....

Silvia wrote:Mmmm ok, seems the hood definitely fills the desired function.. I've been thinking that the fabric would start to break where it bends all the time when raised fairly often. Is this not a thing to be concerned about then?
The "grab handle" idea to pull the hood up sounds like a good one Greg ...a sort of greenies electric top eh?...
Sometimes it's the simple ideas that make a big difference.....like the big sportsbag in the boot to stop stuff rolling around, the foam "elbow pad" on the console and bending the accelerator pedal across a bit to help with heel and toeing....

BMW Z3 roofs cracked and tore, as did the ones on the Capri but have a look at any NA and wear evidence is negligable.
Clean and treat the roof, I was using a product called Koala Kare (sic) Armour Coat from the 100 Yen shop on our NB's and it performed better than other products in that itmade the material more supple, did not 'blotch' after rain was not sticky and could be buffed after washing to improve finish between applications. Do not spray it on but apply it with a small (cut up a new car sponge) sponge and then follow the instructions.
Greg.

110,000km on the original roof.

No abnormal wear.


It's actually better to have the roof on every so often to keep it from shrinking.

Ok, I'm reassured!
Greg I googled Koala Kare and it says the Armour Coat is for internal use on vinyl etc.
Also won't be near a Y100 shop till Japan, maybe in a few months....

Silvia wrote:Ok, I'm reassured!
Greg I googled Koala Kare and it says the Armour Coat is for internal use on vinyl etc.
Also won't be near a Y100 shop till Japan, maybe in a few months....

Try it if you dont like it wash it off, try the known $2.00 type shops, a Japanese friend of mine used the term 100 yen shop once and it had me in stitches to think that Japan has them too .
Greg.

Been using stuff called 303 protectorant...developed for the aerospace program to protect against space UV on the U.S, rocket program and equal to 40 plus rating....
They sell it in AutoBarn.

The Armour Coat realy seemed to penetrate the material rather than just cover it as some products do.
Greg.

You could be right . It's a bit like tyres.....is it UV that ages them or use.. or both?
303 seems to anti-UV and waterproof but maybe not "treat" the material itself. But maybe that's enough? Anyway I'll keep an eye on it as I go. It's 10 years old (80,000 km) but always kept under cover when not in use. How many times it's been up and down I don't know but seems in perfect condition...I've had the car only 6 weeks. One of the latches was not working properly and I did the "fit small screw"
fix from Miata.net that's working ok now, so it must have had a fair bit of use...

If you reconsider at some stage then this ebay seller from NZ makes or used to make what you wanted:
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/crewie/m.htm ... ksid=p3692

He's the guy I referred to last time you asked this question:
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=50430

His covers used to cost $65 + $10 postage, & his ads used to read:
"A custom made high quality nylon cover that fits exactly over the open area of the MX5 when the roof is down. Available in different colours (Red/Black/Blue/Green/Silver)

Saves having to unclip the tonneau cover & raising the roof to prevent the sun from cooking the inside of your car. Also stops leaves, dirt, dust & uv damage.

Comes in a small storage bag the same colour as the cover (the silver bag in my boot net auction photos shows the size they pack too!) & fits easily into the boot storage nets I sell.

Ideal when visiting friends, cafes, or to stop unwanted eyes peeering into your car!

These are waterproof but not suited as a permanent cover!

Fits all Mx-5 cars from 1989 - 2005

Airmail postage to Australia AU$10.00"

Thanks 93...I've sent him a message and will let you know the answer...

In Melbourne there was a lady making covers for classic cars etc - the business was called Historic Car Covers 03 9703 2604 . 0412 559 706 carcover@tpg.com.au.If the contact is still good she will mail out a brochure and a sample of the material.

The material is Dupont Tyvek. - breathable, strong lightweight non woven. Water repellant and rot resistant , hand washable, can fit tie downs as required , shaped around mirrors elastic all around base etc etc. Personally I would not use nylon.

She has a pattern for an NB. It is made by the lady in her big shed. The cover is excellent and I would have no hesitation in buying again if I needed one.The point is that the covers are made to fit the car not just a all size fits all.

Mr Morlock wrote:In Melbourne there was a lady making covers for classic cars etc - the business was called Historic Car Covers...

M2, to best of my knowledge she was only making full size covers - believe Silvia was looking for a cabin/ cockpit cover.