Soft Top / Hard Top Latch repair

TwoHeads · Postby **TwoHeads** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:23 pm

I need to fix one of our latches as the button doesn't lock the latch down on our 02 NB8B. The photos no longer appear in the "How to" posting in the Technical Guides section. Does anyone have these or know of another thread with this info?

cheers

Two Heads

Tassie

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:10 pm

There is a couple of ways to repair the latches described on the big forum
I have used this method on mine
There is an alternative method described HERE

Good luck

TwoHeads · Postby **TwoHeads** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:15 pm

OK, thanks de Bounce. I think I prefer the first method, looks neater, so that will be next project

cheers

Two Heads

adrianciaff · Postby **adrianciaff** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 4:25 pm

the early-mid NB soft top latches were known to be faulty, if you can source a pair of NA latches it will be worth every cent

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:08 pm

I tried the first method on my NB8A, with limited success. It was better but still not solid enough to be trustworthy at max kmh.. (You could still open the latch without pressing the button first.)

I then did the second method, which works a treat and gives a nice solid click when latched. (and wont open unless you push the button first)

If I had my time again I wouldn't have done the first method, as now the thumb button doesn't sit flush with the latch as before..

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:45 pm

I tried the first method on my latches. It didn't work so I had to use the second method which sort of works.

The NB latches really are rubbish. My hardtop latches are starting to wear as well and they would have only been used a max of 15 times. I never had any problems with my NA latches. I think the secret is to hold the button down as you latch and unlatch to stop it wearing away.

DaveWA · Postby **DaveWA** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 4:13 pm

Anyone know where to get the soft top latch striker plates??

Cheers

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 4:31 pm

you get spare parts for MX5 from Mazda. Some parts are not serviced and many custom parts are never made aftermarket.
You can buy new latches but I doubt any of the parts in the latch are service items.

mazdatenfive · Postby **mazdatenfive** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 10:57 pm

DaveWA wrote:Anyone know where to get the soft top latch striker plates??

Cheers

Emailed

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 1:42 pm

I bought new latches for $120ish each from the US.

justinowell · Postby **justinowell** » Wed May 11, 2011 4:27 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:you get spare parts for MX5 from Mazda. Some parts are not serviced and many custom parts are never made aftermarket.
You can buy new latches but I doubt any of the parts in the latch are service items.

I have to agree. It is highly advisable to purchase mazda parts for mx5 from dealerships. You may go for aftermarket, but it would be difficult to obtain custom parts.

emexv · Postby **emexv** » Wed May 11, 2011 7:08 pm

I did the second method on mine. A simple job and works perfectly. Also while your at it a light sand and spray with a pressure pack, I used Motorspray, and they will not only work like new but will look new also.