NB soft top springs

[Quicksilver]

I find the rearmost bow above the back window doesnt retract properly when putting the top down on the NB8A. I have to reach back and squeeze the two rear bows together to make the rear window fold flat. I expect the problem is the two coil springs which are low down in the frame assembly. Probably a common issue on NA-NBs starting to show their age.

I asked for a price from my friendly Mazda dealer today and figured they may be around $10 each or in dealership spare parts language $20-30 each. No such luck. I was told the springs were not available as a seperate part but only as part of the whole roof frame assembly and would I like to order one from Japan at $1,500+.

Anyone have any of these springs from an old soft top hanging around? Any other clues? Can they be re-tensioned perhaps?

Thanks in advance,

[Okibi]

Do you still have the tension cables/springs down each side above the windows, you'll be able to feel it if you reach near the seatbelt tower when the roof is up.

Those you can get from most MX-5 parts shops.

[Quicksilver]

Do you still have the tension cables/springs down each side above the windows, you'll be able to feel it if you reach near the seatbelt tower when the roof is up.

Those you can get from most MX-5 parts shops.

Yes I can feel the cable and springs there. How can I tell if the cable ends are still connected? Where do they terminate?

[Okibi]

They terminate up in the top corners off the softtop near where your visors are, if they're still tensioned then they haven't snapped.