Just did my own install of a new soft top on my NB and it was not a very fun time. Probably had the worst luck when it came to weather and the install itself. I will definitely be saving up to buy a hard top in the future.
great video. just did mine today with this advice. I would add two things - when installing the new top, the top crossbar with the notch can be pulled apart by hand to insert the edge of the headliner, then clamp it back together with a slip joint pliers. Also, the molding on the car at the base of the B pillar should be removed - two screw, one long, one short, as well as the screw on the inside of the car that holds the snap for the tonneau. This will give you access to insert the rain rail behind the loop and permit the push clips to be inserted through the molding loop, the ends of the rain rail and then into the car.
I found this very helpful '93 Miata NA. Except, leave top down after fitting B Pillar flap, add 2 rivets. Remove 3 bolts on body (both sides or one at a time), lift up as folded frame and set forward, on body. This gives a straight shot at B Pillar retainer screw and seal rivets. Drop back down, re-align bolts. I installed Rain Rail correctly. It still leaked, in heavy rain. Robbins said to turn Body Molding flap up, per drawing everyone ignores. What a PITA! Thank you! PDO
Great video - definitely one of the best Miata top install videos I've watched. I'll be using this as a guide when it comes to replacing my Miata top in a few weeks. Many thanks for going to the effort of documenting your work. Do the straps (introduced at 13:05) come with the Robbins top, or were they purchased separately?
Yes the straps came with the Robbins top. One thing I didn't mention was I was scared for a moment they were wrong because they were SUPER tight. I thought they seemed like 2 inches too short. After a while I went ahead with them and they worked with no problems.
@@OGPedXing not a robbins top, but mine came with straps too (and rivets, which I discovered after I already bought some rivets!), however, I already had the glass window previously, and already had straps installed. the new straps had a second piece sewed onto them which made them about an inch longer - not sure why for this unless for NA version (mine is NB). if I were to remove these "second pieces" the strap would have been the same length as original. I opted for "why bother" and just kept the original straps.
Wish I had watched this first. I was just following the instructions tjat came with my Robbins top and it worked me into a corner. I am now unable to reattach the spring tensioner and also cannot fasten the fastener you show at 20:35. The instructions have you start by riveting the top to the B pillar but now it's impossible to do those things. Anyway, good video. Most of the other videos skip all the important parts.
Sorry to hear that, yeah you may want to drill out those rivets and get the tensioner in and that flap positioned. The rivets are cheap to replace, you can find them at a hardware store.
@@OGPedXing Yeah I debated doing that... but I already had the weatherstripping put back in by the time I realized there was a problem and dreaded having to start over. Was able to get the flaps in place (big PITA) and am just going to remove the tension cable- seems to be OK without it. I think it just helps slow the roof down when putting it up, not essential to have. Anyway, hope more people see your video and I am going to message Robbin about the missing step in their instructions.
Ha, redoing the seats was my first video. ruclips.net/video/-z5xAXRvCIU/видео.html. I used some eBay vinyl covers but they were actually pretty nice. Good leather texture, durable, and good fitment. I did need to add some additional padding in the bolsters to fill out a couple of wrinkles. I used a synthetic quilt batting material and it worked fine.
Great video! I got the same top and installed it just before winter so it never really have seen the sun and heat. Is it normal that it wont fold completly?
It's normal for the top, when folded, to stick up above the belt line of the car by a little bit, say 2 inches or so. That will settle as it warms up or if you push it down a little further. As long as the glass is laying flat you should be good.
@@OGPedXing right now it’s sticking about 6-7 inch and it look like the strap are blocking the top to fold correctly. But I should not worry and just wait for it to get warmer?
The straps on an na should go into the number 3 and 4 bow listings and will pop out of the way when folded. I just looked at mine and when the roof is half down, the bows are about a half inch apart and then the glass goes down flat on the parcel shelf. The front main bow ends up 3 inches below the beltline molding and the only thing sticking up is a corner of the first window seal.
For a first timer (being careful and such), plan on about 6-7 hours or a couple of afternoons over a weekend. You may need a bit more time if you need to install the support straps for a glass window on an NA (90-97) frame. The Robbins manual says about 6.5 hrs total. I spent about this time but I cleaned the drains and around the shelf for almost two hours! It was a mess. If you've done it before, this method will only take 4 or so hours.
Check the video description for a couple of links. I personally got the Robbins top with glass. Robbins is top end probably, but I know many who have done Autoberry or Sierra.
It's held up very well -- this is the Robbins top which I think is a little more robust. The bargain ones I also link to may not be quite as good but they are about $200 cheaper than Robbins. Also depends on conditions. Heat and cold cycles plus sun exposure make a big difference.
I've mostly stuck to the Robbins tops. You can save some money from autoberry (which is the same company as Sierra I think) but some times they have some quality control issues. But I've known people who have been fine with them.
If it's the whole roof line, the only thing I know off is adjusting the latch bolts. Righting it will draw it down at the same time as making it closer to the front bow. If it's the roof slipping backwards, you may need to unscrew the bow retainer and reapply adhesive.
The Robbins kit came with two sizes and I think I only used the smaller ones which were 5/32 inch. The others may have been for the tensioner cables, but I didn't need to replace those.
I finally did mine. Damn it was hard! It looks fine but when I fold it I have to help it fold in the right positon, otherwise it creates weird marks on the top. And cant figure out why! But still good video!
I think this is common...any fold marks will go away after the top is closed and tight for more than a few minutes. If you have a plastic window though, I definitely recommend putting a towel or some people use a foam pool noodle down so the window plastic doesn't crease over time. But congratulations on getting through the project! 🍻
Robbins is the worst. I had 3 tops fail on my Miata. The first failed in 1 year, the second in 3 years, and the third one just failed in only 4 years. Both of the last ones had the rear window literally fell out from sitting in the Texas sun! They never paid for getting my window installed for the warranty service. Somehow they; decided that since I had installed it, it wasn't "professionally" done, so they wouldn't pay. I'll never buy another Robbins top. I hope you have better luck.
Eh, you know, easy-ish. Lots of steps, unfortunately, but none of them are hard to manage. Five or 6 hours to finish. My goal was easy as compared to the way other videos presented it...they seemed to go through extra steps and hassle.
Hmm, not exactly. The riveting needs to make sure the top is lined up with the edge of the frame. The metal seal guides can be tweaked separately. What I did is not clean the seal guides too much...the clean spot was where the screw heads rested. So when they went back on, the screws went into their holes but the guides moved around a little until I had all the positions lined up exactly. Then the seals went in and I never had any leak problems.
Haha, my narration game was not awesome...early video. I think I've gotten better. Maybe not, lol. I love a good lecture, come from two generations of teachers. My name is Patrick also, we gotta stick together!
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Just did my own install of a new soft top on my NB and it was not a very fun time. Probably had the worst luck when it came to weather and the install itself. I will definitely be saving up to buy a hard top in the future.
Changing that roof is hard work... if I would known its going to be that huge challenge would have paid for specialist to do that.
great video. just did mine today with this advice. I would add two things - when installing the new top, the top crossbar with the notch can be pulled apart by hand to insert the edge of the headliner, then clamp it back together with a slip joint pliers. Also, the molding on the car at the base of the B pillar should be removed - two screw, one long, one short, as well as the screw on the inside of the car that holds the snap for the tonneau. This will give you access to insert the rain rail behind the loop and permit the push clips to be inserted through the molding loop, the ends of the rain rail and then into the car.
Good tips, thanks for posting!
I found this very helpful '93 Miata NA. Except, leave top down after fitting B Pillar flap, add 2 rivets. Remove 3 bolts on body (both sides or one at a time), lift up as folded frame and set forward, on body. This gives a straight shot at B Pillar retainer screw and seal rivets. Drop back down, re-align bolts. I installed Rain Rail correctly. It still leaked, in heavy rain. Robbins said to turn Body Molding flap up, per drawing everyone ignores. What a PITA! Thank you! PDO
One of the best roof replacement video, thanks for doing it!!
Excellent instructional video, the lighting appears to be the only challenge for me end to end.
I agree. Since that time I installed new lights in the shop. Also I stopped using that camera!
Great video - definitely one of the best Miata top install videos I've watched. I'll be using this as a guide when it comes to replacing my Miata top in a few weeks.
Many thanks for going to the effort of documenting your work.
Do the straps (introduced at 13:05) come with the Robbins top, or were they purchased separately?
Yes the straps came with the Robbins top. One thing I didn't mention was I was scared for a moment they were wrong because they were SUPER tight. I thought they seemed like 2 inches too short. After a while I went ahead with them and they worked with no problems.
@@OGPedXing not a robbins top, but mine came with straps too (and rivets, which I discovered after I already bought some rivets!), however, I already had the glass window previously, and already had straps installed. the new straps had a second piece sewed onto them which made them about an inch longer - not sure why for this unless for NA version (mine is NB). if I were to remove these "second pieces" the strap would have been the same length as original. I opted for "why bother" and just kept the original straps.
Wish I had watched this first. I was just following the instructions tjat came with my Robbins top and it worked me into a corner. I am now unable to reattach the spring tensioner and also cannot fasten the fastener you show at 20:35. The instructions have you start by riveting the top to the B pillar but now it's impossible to do those things.
Anyway, good video. Most of the other videos skip all the important parts.
Sorry to hear that, yeah you may want to drill out those rivets and get the tensioner in and that flap positioned. The rivets are cheap to replace, you can find them at a hardware store.
@@OGPedXing Yeah I debated doing that... but I already had the weatherstripping put back in by the time I realized there was a problem and dreaded having to start over. Was able to get the flaps in place (big PITA) and am just going to remove the tension cable- seems to be OK without it. I think it just helps slow the roof down when putting it up, not essential to have.
Anyway, hope more people see your video and I am going to message Robbin about the missing step in their instructions.
Your seats look like there in excellent condition. Are they the original seats. I need both of my seat done any suggestion for a kit or seat cover.
Ha, redoing the seats was my first video. ruclips.net/video/-z5xAXRvCIU/видео.html. I used some eBay vinyl covers but they were actually pretty nice. Good leather texture, durable, and good fitment. I did need to add some additional padding in the bolsters to fill out a couple of wrinkles. I used a synthetic quilt batting material and it worked fine.
Great video! I got the same top and installed it just before winter so it never really have seen the sun and heat. Is it normal that it wont fold completly?
It's normal for the top, when folded, to stick up above the belt line of the car by a little bit, say 2 inches or so. That will settle as it warms up or if you push it down a little further. As long as the glass is laying flat you should be good.
@@OGPedXing right now it’s sticking about 6-7 inch and it look like the strap are blocking the top to fold correctly. But I should not worry and just wait for it to get warmer?
The straps on an na should go into the number 3 and 4 bow listings and will pop out of the way when folded. I just looked at mine and when the roof is half down, the bows are about a half inch apart and then the glass goes down flat on the parcel shelf. The front main bow ends up 3 inches below the beltline molding and the only thing sticking up is a corner of the first window seal.
How long did the install take from start to finish? Thanks for sharing your vid!
For a first timer (being careful and such), plan on about 6-7 hours or a couple of afternoons over a weekend. You may need a bit more time if you need to install the support straps for a glass window on an NA (90-97) frame. The Robbins manual says about 6.5 hrs total. I spent about this time but I cleaned the drains and around the shelf for almost two hours! It was a mess. If you've done it before, this method will only take 4 or so hours.
@@OGPedXing Thanks! Going to tackle it soon. Glad to watch videos so I know what to expect.
ms kinetik how did it go
can you tell me what is the brand of your new top please? where you but it, there is just too much selection on ebay.
Check the video description for a couple of links. I personally got the Robbins top with glass. Robbins is top end probably, but I know many who have done Autoberry or Sierra.
So I am curious how your top has held up if you still have the car? Some reviews on Amazon indicate seams failing around 1.5-2 years in.
It's held up very well -- this is the Robbins top which I think is a little more robust. The bargain ones I also link to may not be quite as good but they are about $200 cheaper than Robbins. Also depends on conditions. Heat and cold cycles plus sun exposure make a big difference.
hi, was just wondering if you ever purchased the autoberry top and how is it holding up for you? the reviews seem mixed
I've mostly stuck to the Robbins tops. You can save some money from autoberry (which is the same company as Sierra I think) but some times they have some quality control issues. But I've known people who have been fine with them.
Hi, my roof is creeping above the front windshield frame. Is there anything other than the latches tension bolts I can adjust to make it fit better?
If it's the whole roof line, the only thing I know off is adjusting the latch bolts. Righting it will draw it down at the same time as making it closer to the front bow. If it's the roof slipping backwards, you may need to unscrew the bow retainer and reapply adhesive.
do you know what size rivets you used for the sides at 20:01?
The Robbins kit came with two sizes and I think I only used the smaller ones which were 5/32 inch. The others may have been for the tensioner cables, but I didn't need to replace those.
I was able to dill and use a slightly bigger size
I finally did mine. Damn it was hard! It looks fine but when I fold it I have to help it fold in the right positon, otherwise it creates weird marks on the top. And cant figure out why! But still good video!
I think this is common...any fold marks will go away after the top is closed and tight for more than a few minutes. If you have a plastic window though, I definitely recommend putting a towel or some people use a foam pool noodle down so the window plastic doesn't crease over time. But congratulations on getting through the project! 🍻
Great video, Thanks
Robbins is the worst. I had 3 tops fail on my Miata. The first failed in 1 year, the second in 3 years, and the third one just failed in only 4 years. Both of the last ones had the rear window literally fell out from sitting in the Texas sun! They never paid for getting my window installed for the warranty service. Somehow they; decided that since I had installed it, it wasn't "professionally" done, so they wouldn't pay. I'll never buy another Robbins top. I hope you have better luck.
weird i own a bmw for my nice car and my miata to drift lol
Awesome, this is the right channel for you! I have more BMW content coming as well. Thanks for watching!
Ur voice reminds me of Marlee and me 😂
No idea why this is easy
Eh, you know, easy-ish. Lots of steps, unfortunately, but none of them are hard to manage. Five or 6 hours to finish. My goal was easy as compared to the way other videos presented it...they seemed to go through extra steps and hassle.
@@OGPedXing the hardest part for me is the sides, I can rivet but then the sides have to be lined up with the metal boot brace, good luck
Hmm, not exactly. The riveting needs to make sure the top is lined up with the edge of the frame. The metal seal guides can be tweaked separately. What I did is not clean the seal guides too much...the clean spot was where the screw heads rested. So when they went back on, the screws went into their holes but the guides moved around a little until I had all the positions lined up exactly. Then the seals went in and I never had any leak problems.
can you please upload this video without obnoxious background music???????????
Why put music -_______________- annoyingggggg
It was the only way I could get through listening to my own voice over and over while editing...it sounded crazy with nothing in the background. 😂
Just shut up and do it ! Jeezus!
Haha, my narration game was not awesome...early video. I think I've gotten better. Maybe not, lol. I love a good lecture, come from two generations of teachers. My name is Patrick also, we gotta stick together!