Installing a hardtop for the first time

[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_top

What 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

[GP]

A lot of people dont worry about the sidelatches, Mine hasn't been a problem.

[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.

[GP]

How come Okibi

[MxJadeMonkey]

Have run mine for like three years with out sides, track days and all, stayed on at 185kph eastern creek!

[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,

[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.

[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.

[Alex]

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_top

What 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

[Fatty]

but there is already an outline on the back of the panel.

[kenson]

Sweet, thanks for the replies guys