DIY Top or not - help

My 92 finally needs a new top - zipper is shot, separated from the cross bows and it's just time. I've read everything on miata.net about replacing it yourself and am still unsure but would really like to save the money. I'm reasonably handy - did my own shocks, brakes, installed SC on my 95, etc.. but the idea of installing a convertible top just freaks me. From you guys that have done it, would you do it again, would you recommended it for someone with "average" mechanical skills? I'd hate to get halfway through only to find out I've messed it up and then have to travel to a shop with top in hand - they usually charge more if the owner screwed it up first (dont' blame them either). I've got a huge garage to work in and to leave the car in if I don't get it done in one day. Good selection of tools (air and hand) and a couple of the "special" tools shown in the articles on miata.net. Guess I'm trying to get you experts to talk me into it (or out of it as the case may be). If it makes a difference, Robbins top w/vinyl window (want to keep everything original) with rain rails included. Thanks in advance for any divine guidance.

Tom

Do it yourself and spend the extra on a better top. Its really not that complicated.

I am probably less skilled than you and I did mine - which came out fine (straight and watertight).

I would give a vote for the Robbins tops.

One bit of advice - I did it the first time with the frame still on the car, then a month or so later decided to take the soft top and frame off and put them on another miata. If I had to change the top again I would DEFINITELY remove the frame instead of trying to put it on in place. There are a couple of spots that take FOREVER if you dont.

Greg

"Tom Howlin" wrote

If you've done shocks you will be able to handily install a top. After having recently replaced the top on our '90, when I do my '97 I will seriously consider taking the frame off when mounting the new top and will again call on my neighbor to help push the rain rail retainers in. Yeah, that's right *when* I do my '97.

Tom,

Do it yourself, it requires patience and time but is not all that difficult. I replaced my 97 with a Duetto zipperless glass top. Looks good, is watertight and the vision to the rear is outstanding with the glass. Took the better part of a weekend with lots of breaks. If I do it again, I will do a couple of things different like remove the frame from the car (damn B piller screws) and replace the rainrail.

M. Cain