recommend a replacement soft top, r u able to help me fit it

revhead · Postby **revhead** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:08 pm

So I have looked around on this forum, Google, eBay and there seem to be HEAPS of soft top variations and styles available for the mx5. I own a na6 1990 and the top doesn’t leak, no wind noise or rattle, but it looks really nasty and pretty ratty!

Can anyone recommend a good quality replacement soft top that I might be able to source locally Australia Vic? I’m happy to keep the plastic zip down window style, don’t really want to pay extra for a glass one or one fitted with heating. I have also noticed there a couple of types of material that the tops are made in, which is the better more durable type of material?

I have had a look but are there any forum sponsors that are selling soft tops? Also are there any friendly mx5 members that know their way around a soft top that can help me fit it? Of course I’m happy to pay anyone that can help me and show me how it’s done, as I want to learn and get my hands dirty too, just want to make sure it’s done properly, I’m pretty sure I would screw it up pretty bad! Cash or beer, your choice!

Cheers guys.

YanMa YatTai · Postby **YanMa YatTai** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 6:40 pm

Sponsor - Mania sells them at a price! Would also need to ship to you.
http://www.mx5mania.com.au/exterior.php
Cheaper overseas and eBay (if you dare!).

DIY? Have a look at this.
http://youtu.be/Jof1c_-OntM?t=3m24s
Even he says its a PITA, and he's a seasoned pro!
Still, if you have time and patience...

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 8:49 pm

I just fitted a new stayfast cloth top on my NA a few weeks ago.

My experience suggests you buy from O/S (sourced mine from ebay) and follow the below link if you are handy with your hand and have basic tools.

Material type is a personal preference, vinyl will be cheaper though. I highly recommend a Robbins brand top!

http://www.miata.net/garage/MiataTop2/index.html

chrisearl88 · Postby **chrisearl88** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:23 pm

Took 8 hours with a mate, we are both quite practical engineers, so its not something you would want to do on your daily on the weekend if its your first time....

I got from prestigeautotops off ebay, got it for 300 posted, plastic window style, looks as good as OEM maybe even better stitching.

Honestly the $500 someone might charge to fit it, is a fair price. I'd charge someone at least that much if i had to do it again.

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 11:50 pm

I've just ordered my Robbins top from topsonline.com. I will let you know how it goes.

revhead · Postby **revhead** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:48 am

Keep me up to date on how you go Paul!

Thanks guys, so it’s a bit of a bi#ch to do on your own I gather. I have an engineering background myself but when it comes to fabric I’m sure I would rip a hole in it somewhere out of frustration. I will check out the Robbins top. Are there any shops in Melbourne Vic that fit them? A sponsor on the forum that can fit them? $1000ish to replace a top, geez

spikes · Postby **spikes** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:10 am

It's such a bitch to do, my advice is leave it in the sun to let it stretch making it more pliable. It took my 7 hours from start to finish to fit mine, that included removing the frame and the old top, stretch on the new top and put it back together, it's straightforward but just really fiddly and becomes very frustrating.

aka_juffa · Postby **aka_juffa** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:12 am

revhead wrote:Keep me up to date on how you go Paul!

Thanks guys, so it’s a bit of a bi#ch to do on your own I gather. I have an engineering background myself but when it comes to fabric I’m sure I would rip a hole in it somewhere out of frustration. I will check out the Robbins top. Are there any shops in Melbourne Vic that fit them? A sponsor on the forum that can fit them? $1000ish to replace a top, geez

Most auto trimmers will be able to fit them. Blackman and Sons in Morrabbin fixed a tear in a soft top for me a few years ago. They had a number of classic cars in their workshop that they were working at the time.

I had a robbins cloth soft top, with glass window on a previous 5. Looks great and you don't have to worry about the window been affected by UV.

You can pick up a 2nd hand NB soft top, with frame for around $500. Much easier to fit the whole kit and kaboodle in my opinion......in fact I am about to do that in the next few weeks if you want to come and assist, and get a few pointers.....I'm in Chelsea.

J.

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:43 pm

PaulF wrote:I've just ordered my Robbins top from topsonline.com. I will let you know how it goes.

Good luck with the install Paul!

It's not hard, just tedious and a second pair of hands is essential when putting it back in the car, it's nigh impossible to get the rain rail on to the studs and start tightening the nuts by yourself. The link I provided earlier also has a few tips that the instructions from robbins won't show you.

If you have a short patience span (like me) I suggest breaking the job up over 2 days, it will save your sanity and reduce the chance of making a mistake.

Also, depending on how anal you are about having a clean car, this is the perfect time to pull the carpets out and give them a wash as the seats have to come out anyway (wife wasn't thrilled bout me using the bath tub but it worked

). You'll feel sick when you see how dirty they can be.

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:26 pm

Well, I ordered the top on the 14th and it arrived today. Considering that it came from the States and I chose the cheapest shipping option, I can't complain with that.

revhead · Postby **revhead** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 11:45 am

thanks juffa, im in bulleen so its a bit of a drive to chelsea, thanks though mate.

mazdaz · Postby **mazdaz** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:54 pm

My brother in law owns his own trimming business here in brisbane, even he hates them with a passion. His advice take your time and then bring it to me when you get stuck..which you will.

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 8:41 am

mazdaz wrote:My brother in law owns his own trimming business here in brisbane, even he hates them with a passion. His advice take your time and then bring it to me when you get stuck..which you will.

Hey mazdaz

I'm just about to buy a new soft top for mine thanks to the A-Hole who slashed it. Can you give me your brother in-law's details? I think I may leave fitting to a Pro.

mazdaz · Postby **mazdaz** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:30 am

sorry for late response did you get it fixed?

tktlouie · Postby **tktlouie** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:53 am

"I own a na6 1990 and the top doesn’t leak, no wind noise or rattle, but it looks really nasty and pretty ratty"

Have you tried restoring it instead of replacing it? For about a $100 bucks...
Have a look at Renovo products. Easy to use great results.

http://renovoaustralia.com.au/

Mania sales it as well.

No association with company but have used it before with great results.