Hardtop bolt

[mitch_f1]

Hey there,
Got a bit of trouble with an NA hardtop; the bolt on the boot that sticks up to attach the hardtop, the captive nut underneath has freed itself. It's on the passenger (fuel cap) side. Any idea how to fix this??

[Alex]

I've heard of this happening before but I'm not sure how to fix it. (might not help much but at least you know your not the only one)

[mitch_f1]

It is a lil bit, but still a bit worrying; my soft top is all mouldy, water is dripping into my boot, and the metal trim holding the soft top on is starting to corrode...so I wanna get it fixed asap

[mitch_f1]

Okay, we didn't get it out, figured it would be too hard to get back in, so we tightened it up. For anyone else's reference its a 15mm nut...will potentially save you an hour of trying to figure out what size it is. Fingers crossed it stops the water leak into the boot.

[Juffa]

G'day. So what you are saying is;
1. That you have a hardtop on your 5
2. Water is leaking in around the rear of the soft top
3. Soft top is going moldy
4. Set plates (3 metal plates holding soft top tight) are rusting.

It may not be the frankenstien bolt that is causing the water incursion issue. The MX-5 has a 'rain rail' that runs around the lower back edge of the soft top. The job of the rail is to capture any water falling on the roof/rear of the car and divert to two drain holes/tubes on either side of the cockpit. If the rain rail becomes damaged it can cause the issue you have described. Also, if the two drain holes/tubes become blocked with dirt or leaves then the water can flow back into the cabin and wet the soft top and back tray.

First thing is to check/clean the two drain holes/tubes. If you do a search on this forum you should find a few recent threads on how to do that.

Next I would get the car into a dry place, remove the hard top, put the soft top up and allow it to dry out. You may need to make up a mild cleaning solution to help remove any stains from the soft top.

With the roof up I would look at the rear of the cockpit and see how damp the carpet is, and check if you can see where the water is coming in. You may have to remove the rain rail to repair or replace it. It may look like a challenge, but nothing you can't do with the right tools and common sense.

There is some great info, including photos on the US form covering these very topics.

http://www.miata.net/garage/garagetops.html

J

[mitch_f1]

Actually I worked out it is just this bolt that is screwed (the captive nut coming loose)


The mould was from top being put away wet I think. There is damp on drivers side drain, so I might see if I can get to that and clean it out. Thanks for headsup

[Juffa]

There is damp on drivers side drain, so I might see if I can get to that and clean it out. Thanks for headsup

The damp might just be a sign that water is being directed by the rain rail to the drains....can't hurt to check though. Besides it is these kind of issues that allow you to get up close and personnel with your mistress

J

[Mr Morlock]

good write up Juffa and good advice.