Soft top Question

Curious, what year is it???

And do you normally treat it at least once or twice, or more a year with anything???

I use Armour All. Now don't start, I have heard many negatives, but have used it for nearly 30 yrs. on many things, and swear by the product.

Sorry, couldn't resist ;-)

Eric

"Mac" wrote

I think you are looking at a new top. This one replaced a 9 year old top and is now almost that old. Duct tape is your best bet, though not pretty.

Cripes! I just realized it's been 5 years since we put the "new" top on our '90.

Time flies when you're drivin' fun!

Chris

My original 1994 top was fine when I last saw it in May. Been under the boot since then. I'm sure it helps that it lives in a garage.

The window no longer unzips, the Velcro is history, and I've reglued the bow sleeves twice, but no rot or cracking. As little as I use it, there's no reason to replace it just 'cause it's old. Maybe tan tops last longer...

My 1991, original top just now is beginning to sprout mildew on the inside. It's been a wet winter and the car's been standing on the road and it's clearly taken its toll. From what has just been said here, though, 17 years for the roof seems to be pretty good going...

Eric

Maybe. They should remain a lot less hot in the sun. Of course, white tops are ideal in that respect, but I am pretty sure the most dramatic advantage of white would not apply for tops.

Leon

Leon, do you mean that the top would be slower than the car if was not white ?

Bruce Bing '03 LS

And that would be, let's see, .... unattractiveness to thieves?

Or immediate availability off the dealer lot, since no one else wants one? 8;)

-- Larry (Henry Ford had it right...)

No. Speed is irrelevant since the top should be down anyway. The problem with a white top is that it does not cut down on cleaning necessity like a white car does.

Leon ;)

OH, that's right. FL. I forgot, you don't drive with the top up. :-)

Bruce Bing '03 LS (Washington)

Actually, we do. But there are no photons around during those, fortunately relatively short, periods. :)

Leon

Mine is a 2000 and always garaged at home, ALWAYS. But generally, about how much can one expect to pay when having a new one installed??

The costs on Miata top installations vary greatly. I have seen as low as $150.00 and as high as $500.00 for labor. $250.00 to $300.00 is a reasonable rate, it has been a a few years since I have seen that low $150.00 figure, and $500.00 is pure robbery.

Add the cost of the top you choose plus shipping to the expected $200.00 to $300.00 in labor. Whether there are taxes and/or duties to add as well depend on your location, of course.

You could call Trussville Mazda for the price on a new OEM top if you are in the U.S., but it will probably go up in price by the time you need to replace your top.

The factory top will be more expensive than some after market offerings, so that is another decision to be made that will affect the final price.

Shop around for a shop when the time comes. It is also worth finding the nearest Miata club to your area and asking for recommendations.

Pat

I assume using the dealer, at the time, would be NUTs??? :-).

wrote

When isn't it? Pat, as always, has good advice.

Well, except for that motorcycle thing. ;-)

Thanks Ken,

Pat