I've added links in the description above to where you can buy this same soft top, and also some of the tools that make the job easier. I hope this helps you guys out!
@@johnathanhallock4922 They aren't made any better, but the NB top gives you more options. For instance, a glass rear window with defroster lines. Also, the top allows for you to have enough room to install a roll bar with a glass rear window. This is the reason that I went with the NB top.
Just to clarify, at 19:45 those clips holding the ends of the rain rail are the same clips used to retain the carpet. If you break those, the part number for the carpet clips is G03268865a00
Used this video for my '01 miata in 2024. 100% could not have done it myself without this video. Thank you for the time and effort in showing the process.
Too many garage videos are of the type where cool dudes get help from their equally cool bros and just skip the dirty gritty bits. "First step to installing your ebay coilovers? Remove the old ones first" Six seconds later, cut to guy holding a dusty shock absorber "...and there you go!"
Dude you saved my ass today. Was a genuine struggle for most of the job. Took me like 10 hours start to finish but with your guidance and just knowing that you were able to get it done pulled me through it all.
I'm happy to help! When I was doing this job, there were no detailed videos on how to do it, so I set out to make the video that I wished was available for me to use. It's still not perfect, but I think it's more helpful than the ones I saw.
This video was an absolute resource when I was doing my install. I literally popped this video about 3 dozen times while installing. I’m incredibly thankful you made this video! And to iterate, those rain rail retainer pieces were an absolute pain to put in, and putting them in the right order is so important. I had to fudge the order to make mine work but all good! Probably one of the most challenging things to do on a Miata quite honesty. Anyway, good luck to anyone else attempting this!! And if anyone has any questions I’d love to help.
Thank you so much! Yeah before I made the video, I knew I needed to do this job, and there just wasn't a good video already out there that showed each step. So I made the video that I wish someone else would have made for me to watch. LOL Did you buy the version with the glass window? I have another video installing the defroster on that, if you're interested. I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!
@@BecauseMiata I did watch that video a bit after watching the soft top install video! I also opted for the Robbin's top with the defroster as well and luckily it was just a quick wire harness transfer since I'm working on an NB and it's all set-up for it already. What I didn't luck out on was I had to reuse my rain rail since I opted for the soft top that didn't have one installed. So I had to go in and pop off the rivets on the old top and had to mount it on the new top. That also slowed down the rebuild a bit to be honest. Mostly because the rivets were speedy/compression rivets, and you had to line everything up just right using the small holes on the new top. You also had to fight with the soft top since it was so new. It was definitely challenging. But overall, I'm glad I was able to do it myself. Could've easily paid someone $200-$300 dollars to install it, but I wouldn't have learned what I did doing it myself. Plus, I love the car community! Anyway, thanks for making videos. I'm subscribed, and I hope to see more. Happy building!
Thank you so much. I bought the exact top (have a 1997 sto mazda miata) and installed the top exactly how you installed it. Every time i said "the installation cant get much worse/harder, it pretty much did LOL". The most difficult part of the installation was attaching the support strap in between the rain guard and the new hood and putting it on that screw sticking out the backend that the rainguard sits on. This video is the mother of all tutorials for miata top replacements.
I’m 24 and not mechanically inclined at all (just a DIY person) and this was definitely a challenge, doing by myself. I haven’t been driving though, so I’ve been able to work on it maybe once or twice every week. Just finished mine today, I agree the webbing strap was BY FAR the most difficult part. I ripped my fingers up on both hands just trying to get it to latch on, and stay in between the rain rail. For the part where you put the metal railing/stud seals. I was able to get it on much easier, by just tightening it up without anything. The idea was to at least flatten up the stud seals first, so I had more room to work with. Anyway yeah the webbing strap part was terrible. Glad it’s over.
@@Justin-xi6ue that strap was not fun. I trimmed the hole in the webbing so it fit over the bolt easier, temporarily put bolts on the rain rail to hold it in place, had the top open halfway, and propped the glass window up with a blanket. Then I had enough room to get the strap onto the bolt pretty easily. It took me some fighting to figure those tidbits out!
My son-in-law Kevin recently gave me his Father's 1997 Miata M Edition with 33,005 miles on it. Kevin's Father and I were days within being the same age, but he unfortunately passed away and the car had been sitting for several years. Kevin loves the Miata and it has sentimental value to him, but he wanted it driven and enjoyed, and he has little time for it because of work and raising my 3 beautiful Grandkids together with my Daughter. I just now finished tightening the last bolt on a new Robbins top. I'd never have figured out the install without this video. Thank you so much for taking the time to create and post it. I watched a few others and your's was the best by far.
Thanks Larry! That was my goal...to make a video that I wish someone else had made before I started the project. There just weren't that many detailed videos out there. Mine is far from perfect, but I tried to get the main points in there. I love the story about how you got your Miata. If you watch my very first video on my channel, I tell a very similar story on how I got my '97. Thanks for watching!
Like so many others here, I could not have done this on my own without your video. I could almost write a book about my experience, the problems, the missing/broken parts, all the stupid little problems I had doing this on my own I mean everything in this process and I MEAN EVERYTHING fought me. Anyway your video is what I needed and I kept referring to it every step so thank you.
I think you suggested this to me as I viewed another one of your video's, I didn't look at good enough, now I'm back and see it's perfectly what I was looking for.
I'm replacing the soft top on my '99 for the first time ever. It's my first ever Miata much less first convertible. This video is a freaking god send, thank you so much. I looked everywhere for videos explaining this step by step and what rivets even are and how to drill them out.
I just watched it to the end...loved the air freshener!!! So cool you are keeping your Dads car going like you are. I recently got a 94 black and tan. I just turned 61 and have a son that will be 21 next week. Once I am finished with the car, I plan on giving it to him. Right now, its titles in my name for insurance reasons but I have TOD (transfer on death) on the title with his name on it. Hoping long after I am gone, he keeps it going like you are and when he goes out, lights up, top down, a little piece of me will be with him
Thank you for this. Would have killed to have this when I replaced mine, I love how detailed this is. no skipping the challenges you face by cutting to the finished product.. instead, you work through them and show how you got it done. Love the videos man
I want to THANK YOU for this incredible video! I bought a Robbins Canvas top with glass window and rain rail attached. I was going to do it myself, a couple guys at the local car and coffee told me to just pay a club member to do it. I reached out and didn't hear back so yesterday, with the help of your video, I decided to do it myself. I could not have done it without this video! I watched others and yours is by far the best on the Web! One part I go lost at, your video at 52:20. Attaching the #2 and #4 listing, you didnt show that part much and the Robbins instructions are horrible! I finally found a picture on another site showing how you attach the long fabric to the short piece by #2 bow and then insert the plastic strip into the retainer. (By the way, the long piece is supposed to go under the #3 and #4 bows) Im not quite finished, I am ready to mount it back in the car but first I need to replace 2 of the plastic clips at the front of the top, the 7 screws that hold the metal trim after you glue it down. 2 of the clips will not hold, keep pulling out of the frame....other than that, the install (so far) has been perfect because of this video. Next time I am in Chicago, ( I just got back from there Friday), deep dish pizza and beer on me if you are willing!! LOL
I watched a lot of videos prior to attempting my soft top replacement earlier this week, and out of all of them this video was the most helpful. Your good camera work and framing of each shot makes it easy to follow along and understand both the big picture and the details of what you are doing. Also, thank you for covering all the nuances.
I had to come on again and say thanks for making this. I got my son a 91 Smurf Blue for Xmas and the back window was hazy with a big brown streak in it. He unknowingly dropped the top on a cold January night to show a friend what it looked like top down and the back window cracked! I wasnt really looking forward to going through the hell and expense of replacing another top after doing mine last fall. Searching a couple weeks ago, I ran across a guy selling his NB top and frame for $300! He runs a hard top and took it off years ago to save weight. Since it was already on the frame, the total swap took less than 2 hours (using your video again as a guide!). Top looks brand new and has the NB glass window to boot!
I just installed a Robbin's cloth top on a 1997 Miata, your video helped me get the straps installed. The new straps are very tight and make closing the top very hard. I had to use a tie down with a ratchet on it hooked to the "B" pillar and the top of the door hinge to get it closed. The "B" pillar is solid and there is no chance of bending the frame.
Used your instructions to I stall my Robbins top. Your video was super helpful and honestly a much better guide than the actual instructions. One thing that I did differently that was very helpful was when installing the rain rail, I initially compressed the rain rail on the stud with the nuts (before the retainer brackets). Once i removed the nuts the rain rail stayed pressed compressed and gave me enough room to put the foam washer then the retainer without too much trouble). I did the side pieces first since they both had only 3 studs, then I did the center. Hope that makes sense. Anyways thanks a bunch for the video!
Finished the install, the NA looks fantastic with a tan cloth top and glass window! One tip for Robbins tops and the foam washers at the end of the video. As he said, damn near impossible to get on the front and back of the metal retainer. I put the back ones on and then metal retainer and tightened all the nuts down. Then, one by one, I removed the nuts, put the foam washer on the outside of the retainer, tightened the nut back down and then rinse, repeat with the other 12 studs. Then, once all of them were on, I loosened them all up and then retightened according to the diagram he references in the instructions. Only problem, after going through all that, when you tighten down the nuts the foam washers twist and tear, lol. I did a leak test all the way around the car, no water entered the car and instead, it came out from my previous clogged rain rail drains. The top is tight like a snare drum and looks awesome. Thanks again for the great video!
Really Nervous to do this soon but it's really needed for my miata, I'm just hoping to do it good and right! And that bit about your pops and the air freshener man my heart. So sad but sweet man sorry for your loss. Thank you for the video 🙏
wish i had seen this 3 days ago, searched for something like this for weeks... its just like you said they all tell you something but no body is showing the important things. thanks m8 now i know what i gotta do different to redo all my mistakes
Thank you for your attention to detail. I ordered my Robbins zipperless vinyl soft top with heated glass and used your video as the installation instructions. I used scotch tape to hold the rain rail gaskets in place while I pressed the retainers in place. It worked well.
Thanks so much for your video, the paper instructions were too vague. There were 2 things I did toward the end that made things easier. The top we have is similar to yours, Robbins, Glass, Defrost, but no zipper & support straps were a little different. 1. I used a couple 12” 2x4 scraps to hold the glass up which made it easier to get to the rear studs. 2. I only tightened the nuts to where just the tip of the stud was flush with the top of each nut. This gave me enough play to close the roof more easily. I then did final tightening of the 13 nuts in sequence as per instructions to do the final tensioning to already latched top, much easier!
Your video is perfect! Kept it open the whole time I replaced mine. All two weeks....only because I ordered those new "clips". Watched it many times and kept pace with you. So much better than the instructions! Thank you thank you! Now I'm back on the road!
Piece of advice, those Philips head screws, probably aren't Philips head schrews. My best guess is that they are JIS screws, you need to be careful because it's easy to destroy them with a Philips driver. Difference is JIS screws have straight flutes, while Philips has a taper (that is supposed to prevent overtightening) So get a JIS driver, they aren't expensive and very worth it if you have a Japanese car or motorcycle
I have a hardtop for the real bad weather, and my soft top is in decent shape. That said, BIG kudos for making this video! I am sure I will need it someday. Love your added effects in your videos, makes me smile.
Absolutely the most comprehensive and useful soft top install video I've ever seen! You've demystified this for me. I'm going to order my soft top now, since I know I'll be able to install it with the help of your video. Thank you!
Thanks for this video. I love the timestamps! I would think that you would've replaced it as soon as you couldn't see through it anymore. :) I have the opposite problem. My 2001 LS has the glass window, but the top itself has two 1-inch mirror-image slits that formed across from each other, on top of the frame. I put the tape specially made for that, and it stopped them from getting any bigger, and stopped the rain from getting in as well. But now I'm debating replacing it. It's super expensive to have it professionally installed, and my boyfriend is *not* a car guy. You're lucky you can do this stuff yourself and save a ton of money!
Thank you!! Today I changed my top and your video gave me the confidence and more than that the instructions to do this job by myself! Really helpful. Greetings from Italy ;)
Thanks! I'll be doing this with the Robbin's Bordeaux top, once it arrives in about a month or two. The only downside, is that it'll be in the middle of winter.
I’m installing a Sierra glass soft top when it’s below freezing out. Not fun. At all. I recommend a space heater in the car with the doors shut. I’m sweating up a storm but without it I couldn’t get it finished.
Got this project comin up soon. Never worked with rivets in my life and it was infuriating watching other short videos explaining nothing. Thank you for understanding not everyone knows every tool.
thank you so much for this video!! I referenced it multiple times during my install - certainly was way more detailed than the paper instructions and other guides I've found, really helped me sort myself out when I got confused and overwhelmed. cannot thank you enough!
I can’t thank you enough! I just have the top on the frame and it’s in the car. Just gotta attach the rain rail portion to the car. I can see the light!
Thanks man. My top is cracked where the glass is bonded to the original top and the rain rail is cracked - so it's been letting water into the trunk. I also need to add a new fuel pump so I figure once the top is off and the carpet out I'll do that before I put it all back - should make life a lot easier. Can't thank you enough for your detailed breakdown - I've had my new Robbins top for a year and have been putting it off. You've given me the confidence to give it a go :)
If you live in a warm climate, go ahead and start the project. If you live in a colder climate like I do, it may be better to put it off a little longer. The warmer weather allows the top to stretch a bit easier. Just follow my steps and you will be successful. You've got this!
Wow! I really appreciate the time you took to make this video. Your attention to detail is just amazing and makes me feel that I now have a resource to go to when I replace my top. My vinyl window split yesterday morning as I was lowering the top to enjoy a Fall morning drive to work. So now I have a problem. Your video made it look like something I would like to take on, if only to show I can still rise to a challenge. One of the best videos on RUclips!
Thank you for this! currently replacing my soft top on my MX-5 NB and your video covers a few holes in the extremely poor instructions that came with the Robbins top.
I have done it myself now for the third time. Just keep it clean and conditioned, it was too costly and a headache to install to just let it go. I don't know about 20 years, I think your doing good at 10-15 yrs.
Thanks so much for doing this we are halfway through and putting it all back tomorrow. one thing i would say is get your Robins soft top with the rain rail installed cos its a cow. we didnt have the correct tool to set the rapid rivets in the rain rail so make sure you have that it s 12 mm domed rapid rivet setting tool if you have the top and rain rail separate. Where we live we cant get them easily so we had to use sealed pop rivets with a washer on the back so it pulls up tight. I hope that decision doesn't bite us, I am going to flatten them out a bit with a punch i have. Also leave your rain rail is the sun for a bit to soften, it made it a heck of a lot easier to handle.
The only issue short term the pop rivets to hold the rain rail is that it seems to cause was them pull up so tight it buckles the rain rail and makes it hard to get the rear bracket rail thing in place. One thing we did do is initially just put the nuts on over night with the top down it made it easier next day to put the rails on. Just DONT try to shut the roof with only the nuts as I am pretty sure it will tear the nuts through the rain rail and no one wants that. It all ended well and managed to shut the roof and it looks great although we managed to scratch the rear window. We forgot to put a towel over the rear parcel tray. So make sure you do that too.
Ur vid was super helpful cuz my top didn’t come with detailed instructions.thanks to ur vid I was able to install my new top.looking forward to seeing newer content on ur channel
I thought my top was bad when it didn't close after the install. Im glad I wasn't the only one. I actually just left it outside after a busy day and came back to close it. Turns out the sun stretch it out.
Fantastic video. It showed everything that one would need to complete the project. Especially, for the novice. I followed the video and had no problems understanding what I needed to do. Step by step, it was brilliant. Thank you!
Looking to remove my NB soft top to have it recolored. This is the most detailed and hence the best instructional video on youtube I've seen. Thanks a lot!
Wolfenscheid The first time doing this is always the most difficult. I could do it in half the time now. I needed to replace my top, and there were only a few videos on how to do it. They missed a lot of details so I thought I would help out the Miata community by making a video with more details. Thanks for watching!
Great installation video, back to basics with every detail explained with good video. All top manufacturers should use the same format as it is not an easy or quick job to do. Highly recommended. What everyone should consider is that not all tops or rain rails are the same which can throw a curveball so be warned. Ask me how I know...🤬
Righteous Gal thank you so much for watching! Yes, take your time and give yourself a few days in a covered garage. Follow my video while you work on it, and everything else you should be able to figure out. Thanks again!
Omg thank you so so so so so much I’ve been stuggling all day to figure out why the rain rail wouldn’t fit into the brackets, i feel like an idiot now that i know they where up side down😂😂😂 mine didn’t come with instructions tho so that makes me feel a little better😂
Excellent video and very helpful. I just purchased a new top with glass it will be the second time replacing, the first was plastic window. (we wont do plastic again).
Great video! we are new into the "Miata craze" that started recently when we gave our son a 1995 miata as a present for his high school graduation. We've done some improvements to the car so far, but now we are planning to tackle the vinyl window that is cracked. After watching your video, we are planning to replace the soft top (due that the vinyl window can't be replaced) and the use of the glass window is really interesting. Would you be able to post how the glass window fits in the NA body once the top is lowered? We are looking at the way our current vinyl window folds and for sure the glass won't be able to do that. Kudos to you for sharing your experience.
I’ve been curious about how the glass that doesn’t zip out folds as well. I know these (and any glass) can be problematic with any stabilizer or roll bar. . I jut replaced my top with the zippered glass. Having the ability to fold the down the window down is really nice when you don’t want the full top dropped, but do want an amazing breeze.
Good Job and it looks great! It really is a tough job and takes many man-hours; lots of aching muscles later, yes (me too); I just did my 01 NB with a ROBBINS - and the stretching is really something! I have a space heater in the car for the next few days, since it is cooler / colder weather now (January in the SouthEast); I am going to run a half-cover on this car from now on - to protect the top for the periods where I am not driving it daily; so, keep the half-cover (North American Custom Covers sells one) in mind if you want to extend the life of the soft-top; my first soft-top on my NA lasted about seventeen years, and I put a Robbins on it, and then replaced the rain-rail (again) about two years later; the 01 NB top is seventeen years as well, and it had no leaks, but the rain-rail cracked, so I just went ahead and did the whole thing; Not for the faint of heart, but the installation is well-documented by Robbins as well as elsewhere (online and on youtube); Anyway, wow, the new soft-top was really tight this time around - it took myself and my wife some muscle to pull it down and latch it ... and then started heating it for a few days; and will tighten the latches, one a a time, over the next week or two; Again: god job and it looks great! ROBBINS is the best!
Hey thanks for watching! Yeah, the stretching can be a challenge, but what saved me are the ratchet straps! Use the ratchet straps as I did in the video, and you'll have NO PROBLEMS closing it up and latching it shut. Before I tried the straps, I also let mine sit in the garage with space heaters on, and I also put weights on the roof to help stretch it down...nothing worked great...until I discovered the ratchet straps. I had it stretched out and closed within 30 seconds. I couldn't believe how much time I had wasted on this. As you've seen first hand when you replace a top...also replace the rain rails. It's much easier to do them both at once than have to take it back apart 2 years later. You have some great ideas about the custom covers! Thanks again!
Thanks so much @@BecauseMiata; I agree with the rachet straps - good idea! We did get it latched and letting it just sit in the ambient 55F ... with a space heater inside the car set for about 70F; (the seats are still removed); and I turn it off before I go to bed - face it, heater in carpeted car is a real hazard; anyway, yeah, the straps are a better idea - and then a drive to Miami would be safer than the space heater; I am thinking to re-cover each of the seats now that I have them out (much more fun repair than the soft-top); the new soft-top will restore a new-ness to any Miata - so it is a good investment. I have driven these cars for 25 years now, and they offer such a high-return-on-investment - so that repairs and restorations are both satisfying and financially-sound decisions; these are great father-daughter (or son) projects too! Caring for these cars can be a passion, really - and it can be done on a budget - anyone with a job can own and restore a Miata and learn and have fun with it, and share that time with a family member - so very worthwhile!
same story with mine, my top was 19 and i just changed it but the rain rail was all cracked and i didn't order one with my top, oh well, ill put it on in a few months... its 110 degrees right now, wont rain for probably another 8 months lol.
Thank you so much for posting this. It was absolutely essential and incredibly detailed. I would not have been able to do it as well as I did without this video.
Really nice that you took the time and effort to explain it all. I still don't think I have the patience though LOL (I've had one done by a local shop that's been perfection for like 7 years now, and my BRG done by a guy I found on CL when I wanted it changed to tan w/ glass - been maybe 10 years on that one and I need to kinda position the bows & straps by hand when raising it, plus it's still super tight so that money saving venture mighta been a bad idea :(
Sometimes you can create enough slack at the adjustment bolt in the middle of the latches. I've been able to open them up and get it to hook the top, then close the latch. And finally, use a 10mm wrench and spin the latch adjuster and start closing the gap. Doing it like this you might not be able to close the gap at the first attempt and might need to just let it sit for an hour to start stretching. Then come back and tighten the adjuster again. Good luck roadsterers!
I'm so glad you went to the detail that you did. I have to do the same thing to my NA miata. Trying to decide if I should install the roll bar first or soft top first.
I chose top first. I do have a roll bar already, and just waiting for the weather to cooperate before I install it. I don't think there is a correct order between the top and bar. I could see pros and cons for each argument.
I do install on a lot of miata soft top , I really like your video , learn something new everyday. One thing that I want to say , cheap tops will be harder for installation because they don't fit as good as the Robbin's top. Anyways, good job on the video .
Thanks for sharing! I would also imagine that a glass window top is harder than a vinyl window top too. Vinyl window is less weight and no fear of it cracking during the install, no need for support straps, etc...
if the hood is tight initially, put the cabin heaters on max heat and leave it for 30 mins or so with doors closed and it softens the top and allows it to close fine
If you are not gonna use he old top why fight with the rain rail on removal? just cut the top off it with a stanly knife all around the edge and the rail that way it will not crack or break the rail on the frame removal. great video and thanks!
I don't blame you. It can be done, and I have faith in you that you could do it...but it is a definite headache that you could avoid by having someone else do it for you.
I’m also in the market for a new soft top for (now) my 1993 Miata. (As with you, I inherited my fathers cherished little sports car after his passing. I still look back and smile remembering all of the good times together with him planning the modifications and zipping around the countryside). My question is this. I’ve heard differing opinions on if the “zippered window” top can be safely folded down without having to unzip the window. Many people on the forums are saying that although the top manufacturer advises you can, doing so stresses the stitches to an extent that the top may become damaged. To my lovely wife and I, although it would be nice to be able to unzip the back glass for better air flow when it’s hot, it’s more important to be able to put the top down in one quick “drop” as with our 1999 Miata (yes, we now have two). Bye the way, great video and I don’t think it was too long, I think it was thorough. Tom
Thanks Tom. I haven't tested the zippered aspect of the top yet as it's been way too cold here in Chicago to drop the top. But I will say this, the top that I installed is for an NB Miata. Its design should be very similar to the factory top on your 99. I don't see why you shouldn't be able to use it the same way. Just make sure you have the carpet and padding installed on the shelf tray back there. I still have my interior removed as I'll be installing a roll bar when it warms up a bit. If I were to drop the top now, I would be concerned with the glass breaking as it hits the metal shelf area. I'll be testing this more as it warms up later this month.
Thank you very much for replying. The Miata I’m changing the top on is my deceased father’s 1993 NA. I also own a 1999 NB that we have had for many years. We also plan on putting a roll bar (Hard Dog “Fat Boy” as Flyin Miata calls it is the one currently on the top of the list) and I’m trying to factor that into this equation as well. Again, keep up the good work. I really appreciate the way you try to cover the details in a project that are oftentimes missed by the other RUclipsr’s out there.
I bought a 1990 Miata in ';96. The original owner flipped it. The 2nd owner was a flipper too. Lastly, I became the Miata's "flippee" and over the years, have done most remodel/repairs by myself. BM is not wrong at all about this project difficulty assessment value 8.5 out of 10. This job seems to me really more like an upholstery project rather than an mechanical one. Had it not been for BM's amazingly detailed video. mistakes would have been made. I purchased installed an offbrand zipperless top. The i"instructions" provided contained unusably dark photos, the written part lacking information..such as how important it is to clean out water drain holes In 2004, I had paid to have a name brand glass window soft top with zipper installed. Within 2 years, the the zipper fabric failed. While zipping up the top one day, a 36" long rip suddenly opened up along the zipper. The glass itself began to sag as it separated from the vinyl top. This time, I installed an offbrand zipperless top with glass myself with frame off the car, as BM suggests.. Although the "pros" replace tops without removing the frames, as a novice, I opted to take off the frame so I could more closely note the procedure and components, replaced a number of failing and or missing pieces. Note: Since I already own an air compressor for other tools, I invested in a $40 pneumatic riveting tool. Best $$ spent in a while! Since some rivet holes in the frame were oversized drilled in previous installations, iI was killing myself trying to squeeze my manual riveter on larger rivets..made the riveting job almost effortless by comparison! Thanks ever so much, BM! will watch future videos! Now to make the car run cooler..Miata engine runs hot in Georgia.
Thanks for watching and for the kind words. I'm glad to hear that this video is helping people out. When I was about to install the top, I searched online for videos with more details and couldn't find a lot. I set out to make the video that I wish was available for me. I know it wasn't perfect, but it should be enough to walk most people through it. Cheers!
Great video! I liked how you were really slow and took close up shots to go into detail. Much better than many other videos I have seen. I'm going to go with the Robbins plastic window top on my NB to avoid drilling those holes in the frame and save some time since I have a hardtop for the winter. Question though: what size rivets did you use for the sides of the frame? Did they come with the gun from Harbor freight? I might just buy that exact one. Thanks!
It's been a few years since I did the install, but I believe the rivets came with the Robbins top. I think I messed one or two up and used some from the gun kit to finish the job. Most rivet guns come with a few anyways, so you should be fine.
I've added links in the description above to where you can buy this same soft top, and also some of the tools that make the job easier. I hope this helps you guys out!
So why put an NB top on the NA? Are the tops made for NBs better?
@@johnathanhallock4922 They aren't made any better, but the NB top gives you more options. For instance, a glass rear window with defroster lines. Also, the top allows for you to have enough room to install a roll bar with a glass rear window. This is the reason that I went with the NB top.
@@BecauseMiata ok cool! Thanks for the info. I have a roll bar too so I'll probably do the same.
Just to clarify, at 19:45 those clips holding the ends of the rain rail are the same clips used to retain the carpet.
If you break those, the part number for the carpet clips is G03268865a00
Used this video for my '01 miata in 2024. 100% could not have done it myself without this video. Thank you for the time and effort in showing the process.
About to do it on my 01 special edition
That’s how you make a “how to do” video. You can skip the irrelevant bits and use what you need and it’s in great depth.
Well done
bradfordandmirpur thanks for watching! Glad you found it useful 😎🤘
Too many garage videos are of the type where cool dudes get help from their equally cool bros and just skip the dirty gritty bits.
"First step to installing your ebay coilovers? Remove the old ones first"
Six seconds later, cut to guy holding a dusty shock absorber
"...and there you go!"
I REALLY appreciate you showing the WHOLE process.
Dude you saved my ass today.
Was a genuine struggle for most of the job. Took me like 10 hours start to finish but with your guidance and just knowing that you were able to get it done pulled me through it all.
I'm happy to help! When I was doing this job, there were no detailed videos on how to do it, so I set out to make the video that I wished was available for me to use. It's still not perfect, but I think it's more helpful than the ones I saw.
This video was an absolute resource when I was doing my install. I literally popped this video about 3 dozen times while installing. I’m incredibly thankful you made this video! And to iterate, those rain rail retainer pieces were an absolute pain to put in, and putting them in the right order is so important. I had to fudge the order to make mine work but all good! Probably one of the most challenging things to do on a Miata quite honesty. Anyway, good luck to anyone else attempting this!! And if anyone has any questions I’d love to help.
Thank you so much! Yeah before I made the video, I knew I needed to do this job, and there just wasn't a good video already out there that showed each step. So I made the video that I wish someone else would have made for me to watch. LOL
Did you buy the version with the glass window? I have another video installing the defroster on that, if you're interested. I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!
@@BecauseMiata I did watch that video a bit after watching the soft top install video! I also opted for the Robbin's top with the defroster as well and luckily it was just a quick wire harness transfer since I'm working on an NB and it's all set-up for it already. What I didn't luck out on was I had to reuse my rain rail since I opted for the soft top that didn't have one installed. So I had to go in and pop off the rivets on the old top and had to mount it on the new top. That also slowed down the rebuild a bit to be honest. Mostly because the rivets were speedy/compression rivets, and you had to line everything up just right using the small holes on the new top. You also had to fight with the soft top since it was so new. It was definitely challenging. But overall, I'm glad I was able to do it myself. Could've easily paid someone $200-$300 dollars to install it, but I wouldn't have learned what I did doing it myself. Plus, I love the car community! Anyway, thanks for making videos. I'm subscribed, and I hope to see more. Happy building!
I wish I have used this video for my install, it's better than anything else I have come across for my top with glass. Saved. Thank you for video
Thank you so much. I bought the exact top (have a 1997 sto mazda miata) and installed the top exactly how you installed it.
Every time i said "the installation cant get much worse/harder, it pretty much did LOL". The most difficult part of the installation was attaching the support strap in between the rain guard and the new hood and putting it on that screw sticking out the backend that the rainguard sits on. This video is the mother of all tutorials for miata top replacements.
I’m 24 and not mechanically inclined at all (just a DIY person) and this was definitely a challenge, doing by myself. I haven’t been driving though, so I’ve been able to work on it maybe once or twice every week. Just finished mine today, I agree the webbing strap was BY FAR the most difficult part. I ripped my fingers up on both hands just trying to get it to latch on, and stay in between the rain rail. For the part where you put the metal railing/stud seals. I was able to get it on much easier, by just tightening it up without anything. The idea was to at least flatten up the stud seals first, so I had more room to work with. Anyway yeah the webbing strap part was terrible. Glad it’s over.
@@Justin-xi6ue that strap was not fun. I trimmed the hole in the webbing so it fit over the bolt easier, temporarily put bolts on the rain rail to hold it in place, had the top open halfway, and propped the glass window up with a blanket. Then I had enough room to get the strap onto the bolt pretty easily. It took me some fighting to figure those tidbits out!
This was a extremely helpful video. The fact that you did this with little or no help was very impressive. I'm sure your Dad would be proud.
My son-in-law Kevin recently gave me his Father's 1997 Miata M Edition with 33,005 miles on it. Kevin's Father and I were days within being the same age, but he unfortunately passed away and the car had been sitting for several years. Kevin loves the Miata and it has sentimental value to him, but he wanted it driven and enjoyed, and he has little time for it because of work and raising my 3 beautiful Grandkids together with my Daughter. I just now finished tightening the last bolt on a new Robbins top. I'd never have figured out the install without this video. Thank you so much for taking the time to create and post it. I watched a few others and your's was the best by far.
Thanks Larry! That was my goal...to make a video that I wish someone else had made before I started the project. There just weren't that many detailed videos out there. Mine is far from perfect, but I tried to get the main points in there. I love the story about how you got your Miata. If you watch my very first video on my channel, I tell a very similar story on how I got my '97. Thanks for watching!
Like so many others here, I could not have done this on my own without your video. I could almost write a book about my experience, the problems, the missing/broken parts, all the stupid little problems I had doing this on my own I mean everything in this process and I MEAN EVERYTHING fought me. Anyway your video is what I needed and I kept referring to it every step so thank you.
I think you suggested this to me as I viewed another one of your video's, I didn't look at good enough, now I'm back and see it's perfectly what I was looking for.
I'm replacing the soft top on my '99 for the first time ever. It's my first ever Miata much less first convertible. This video is a freaking god send, thank you so much. I looked everywhere for videos explaining this step by step and what rivets even are and how to drill them out.
I just watched it to the end...loved the air freshener!!! So cool you are keeping your Dads car going like you are. I recently got a 94 black and tan. I just turned 61 and have a son that will be 21 next week. Once I am finished with the car, I plan on giving it to him. Right now, its titles in my name for insurance reasons but I have TOD (transfer on death) on the title with his name on it.
Hoping long after I am gone, he keeps it going like you are and when he goes out, lights up, top down, a little piece of me will be with him
Thank you for this. Would have killed to have this when I replaced mine, I love how detailed this is. no skipping the challenges you face by cutting to the finished product.. instead, you work through them and show how you got it done. Love the videos man
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I'm happy to hear that you found the video to be useful.
I want to THANK YOU for this incredible video! I bought a Robbins Canvas top with glass window and rain rail attached. I was going to do it myself, a couple guys at the local car and coffee told me to just pay a club member to do it. I reached out and didn't hear back so yesterday, with the help of your video, I decided to do it myself. I could not have done it without this video! I watched others and yours is by far the best on the Web! One part I go lost at, your video at 52:20. Attaching the #2 and #4 listing, you didnt show that part much and the Robbins instructions are horrible! I finally found a picture on another site showing how you attach the long fabric to the short piece by #2 bow and then insert the plastic strip into the retainer. (By the way, the long piece is supposed to go under the #3 and #4 bows)
Im not quite finished, I am ready to mount it back in the car but first I need to replace 2 of the plastic clips at the front of the top, the 7 screws that hold the metal trim after you glue it down. 2 of the clips will not hold, keep pulling out of the frame....other than that, the install (so far) has been perfect because of this video. Next time I am in Chicago, ( I just got back from there Friday), deep dish pizza and beer on me if you are willing!! LOL
I watched a lot of videos prior to attempting my soft top replacement earlier this week, and out of all of them this video was the most helpful. Your good camera work and framing of each shot makes it easy to follow along and understand both the big picture and the details of what you are doing. Also, thank you for covering all the nuances.
I had to come on again and say thanks for making this. I got my son a 91 Smurf Blue for Xmas and the back window was hazy with a big brown streak in it. He unknowingly dropped the top on a cold January night to show a friend what it looked like top down and the back window cracked! I wasnt really looking forward to going through the hell and expense of replacing another top after doing mine last fall. Searching a couple weeks ago, I ran across a guy selling his NB top and frame for $300! He runs a hard top and took it off years ago to save weight. Since it was already on the frame, the total swap took less than 2 hours (using your video again as a guide!). Top looks brand new and has the NB glass window to boot!
Couldn't have done it without your video man. Thanks for taking to time to make it you absolute legend!
I just installed a Robbin's cloth top on a 1997 Miata, your video helped me get the straps installed. The new straps are very tight and make closing the top very hard. I had to use a tie down with a ratchet on it hooked to the "B" pillar and the top of the door hinge to get it closed. The "B" pillar is solid and there is no chance of bending the frame.
Used your instructions to I stall my Robbins top. Your video was super helpful and honestly a much better guide than the actual instructions. One thing that I did differently that was very helpful was when installing the rain rail, I initially compressed the rain rail on the stud with the nuts (before the retainer brackets).
Once i removed the nuts the rain rail stayed pressed compressed and gave me enough room to put the foam washer then the retainer without too much trouble). I did the side pieces first since they both had only 3 studs, then I did the center.
Hope that makes sense.
Anyways thanks a bunch for the video!
did the same today, made adding the retainer brackets simple
Finished the install, the NA looks fantastic with a tan cloth top and glass window! One tip for Robbins tops and the foam washers at the end of the video. As he said, damn near impossible to get on the front and back of the metal retainer. I put the back ones on and then metal retainer and tightened all the nuts down. Then, one by one, I removed the nuts, put the foam washer on the outside of the retainer, tightened the nut back down and then rinse, repeat with the other 12 studs. Then, once all of them were on, I loosened them all up and then retightened according to the diagram he references in the instructions. Only problem, after going through all that, when you tighten down the nuts the foam washers twist and tear, lol. I did a leak test all the way around the car, no water entered the car and instead, it came out from my previous clogged rain rail drains. The top is tight like a snare drum and looks awesome. Thanks again for the great video!
Really Nervous to do this soon but it's really needed for my miata, I'm just hoping to do it good and right! And that bit about your pops and the air freshener man my heart. So sad but sweet man sorry for your loss. Thank you for the video 🙏
Congrats. Just went through this. One of the most difficult things Ive ever done on a car by myself. Took 10+ hours.
wish i had seen this 3 days ago, searched for something like this for weeks... its just like you said they all tell you something but no body is showing the important things. thanks m8 now i know what i gotta do different to redo all my mistakes
Thank you for your attention to detail. I ordered my Robbins zipperless vinyl soft top with heated glass and used your video as the installation instructions. I used scotch tape to hold the rain rail gaskets in place while I pressed the retainers in place. It worked well.
Thanks so much for your video, the paper instructions were too vague. There were 2 things I did toward the end that made things easier. The top we have is similar to yours, Robbins, Glass, Defrost, but no zipper & support straps were a little different.
1. I used a couple 12” 2x4 scraps to hold the glass up which made it easier to get to the rear studs.
2. I only tightened the nuts to where just the tip of the stud was flush with the top of each nut. This gave me enough play to close the roof more easily. I then did final tightening of the 13 nuts in sequence as per instructions to do the final tensioning to already latched top, much easier!
Your video is perfect! Kept it open the whole time I replaced mine. All two weeks....only because I ordered those new "clips". Watched it many times and kept pace with you. So much better than the instructions! Thank you thank you! Now I'm back on the road!
This video was a life-saver. Robinson’s instructions were awful, and watching this video helped us through replacing the top in our NA. Thanks!
Your video was very helpful! I know this isn’t a new upload, but it’s a 93 Miata. So thankful for your tips and tricks!
I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching!
Piece of advice, those Philips head screws, probably aren't Philips head schrews. My best guess is that they are JIS screws, you need to be careful because it's easy to destroy them with a Philips driver.
Difference is JIS screws have straight flutes, while Philips has a taper (that is supposed to prevent overtightening)
So get a JIS driver, they aren't expensive and very worth it if you have a Japanese car or motorcycle
I have a hardtop for the real bad weather, and my soft top is in decent shape. That said, BIG kudos for making this video! I am sure I will need it someday. Love your added effects in your videos, makes me smile.
Absolutely the most comprehensive and useful soft top install video I've ever seen! You've demystified this for me. I'm going to order my soft top now, since I know I'll be able to install it with the help of your video. Thank you!
I literally took notes after watching this, going to do this with a buddy in the next few weeks. Great in depth video!
Currently installing my top. Using this as a step by step guide. Yes, it has helped people. Thank you!
Thanks for this video. I love the timestamps! I would think that you would've replaced it as soon as you couldn't see through it anymore. :) I have the opposite problem. My 2001 LS has the glass window, but the top itself has two 1-inch mirror-image slits that formed across from each other, on top of the frame. I put the tape specially made for that, and it stopped them from getting any bigger, and stopped the rain from getting in as well. But now I'm debating replacing it. It's super expensive to have it professionally installed, and my boyfriend is *not* a car guy. You're lucky you can do this stuff yourself and save a ton of money!
Great Video, my husband got a new top for our 2000 Miata and can now replace the old holey one.
Thanks my man! Video is still being used to this day! Super helpful and thank you for the chill approach!
This video is god sent I’ve been struggling on my soft top all day
We put a Robbins plastic-window top on our '95M a few years ago... Wow, this really brought back some repressed memories! Excellent video!
Yeah I'm glad this job is over. Thanks for watching!
A dude who might know a thing or two, maybe. You’re a smart dude. If I weren’t a RUclipsr wanting content for my channel, I would outsource too!
If I'd have known at the time, I might have outsourced the job as well... But, now that I've done it once, I'd do it again when the time comes.
Robin Newcomb I could probably do it blindfolded now. 😂
Thank you!! Today I changed my top and your video gave me the confidence and more than that the instructions to do this job by myself! Really helpful.
Greetings from Italy ;)
The goal of this video was to help out people like yourself, so I'm glad it worked! Enjoy your new top :)
Thanks! I'll be doing this with the Robbin's Bordeaux top, once it arrives in about a month or two. The only downside, is that it'll be in the middle of winter.
I’m installing a Sierra glass soft top when it’s below freezing out. Not fun. At all. I recommend a space heater in the car with the doors shut. I’m sweating up a storm but without it I couldn’t get it finished.
I'd like to give you a huge thank you for doing this video. You saved me $800 on the install at the upholstery shop.
Got this project comin up soon. Never worked with rivets in my life and it was infuriating watching other short videos explaining nothing. Thank you for understanding not everyone knows every tool.
You're welcome ;)
Thank you so much for this video. The robbins instructions were absolute utter crap. If it wasn’t for you video I probably would have broken my top.
thank you so much for this video!! I referenced it multiple times during my install - certainly was way more detailed than the paper instructions and other guides I've found, really helped me sort myself out when I got confused and overwhelmed. cannot thank you enough!
I can’t thank you enough! I just have the top on the frame and it’s in the car. Just gotta attach the rain rail portion to the car. I can see the light!
Thanks man. My top is cracked where the glass is bonded to the original top and the rain rail is cracked - so it's been letting water into the trunk. I also need to add a new fuel pump so I figure once the top is off and the carpet out I'll do that before I put it all back - should make life a lot easier.
Can't thank you enough for your detailed breakdown - I've had my new Robbins top for a year and have been putting it off. You've given me the confidence to give it a go :)
If you live in a warm climate, go ahead and start the project. If you live in a colder climate like I do, it may be better to put it off a little longer. The warmer weather allows the top to stretch a bit easier. Just follow my steps and you will be successful. You've got this!
Wow! I really appreciate the time you took to make this video. Your attention to detail is just amazing and makes me feel that I now have a resource to go to when I replace my top. My vinyl window split yesterday morning as I was lowering the top to enjoy a Fall morning drive to work. So now I have a problem. Your video made it look like something I would like to take on, if only to show I can still rise to a challenge. One of the best videos on RUclips!
Thank you for this! currently replacing my soft top on my MX-5 NB and your video covers a few holes in the extremely poor instructions that came with the Robbins top.
Hat off to you to pull off the job on your own and filmed it. Me and my buddy spent two days doing it
I have done it myself now for the third time. Just keep it clean and conditioned, it was too costly and a headache to install to just let it go. I don't know about 20 years, I think your doing good at 10-15 yrs.
Thanks so much for doing this we are halfway through and putting it all back tomorrow.
one thing i would say is get your Robins soft top with the rain rail installed cos its a cow.
we didnt have the correct tool to set the rapid rivets in the rain rail so make sure you have that it s 12 mm domed rapid rivet setting tool if you have the top and rain rail separate.
Where we live we cant get them easily so we had to use sealed pop rivets with a washer on the back so it pulls up tight.
I hope that decision doesn't bite us, I am going to flatten them out a bit with a punch i have.
Also leave your rain rail is the sun for a bit to soften, it made it a heck of a lot easier to handle.
Good advice. Thanks for sharing!
The only issue short term the pop rivets to hold the rain rail is that it seems to cause was them pull up so tight it buckles the rain rail and makes it hard to get the rear bracket rail thing in place. One thing we did do is initially just put the nuts on over night with the top down it made it easier next day to put the rails on. Just DONT try to shut the roof with only the nuts as I am pretty sure it will tear the nuts through the rain rail and no one wants that.
It all ended well and managed to shut the roof and it looks great although we managed to scratch the rear window. We forgot to put a towel over the rear parcel tray. So make sure you do that too.
Oh and make sure the rubber lip around the body of the car is in the correct position.
Ur vid was super helpful cuz my top didn’t come with detailed instructions.thanks to ur vid I was able to install my new top.looking forward to seeing newer content on ur channel
I thought my top was bad when it didn't close after the install. Im glad I wasn't the only one. I actually just left it outside after a busy day and came back to close it. Turns out the sun stretch it out.
Fantastic video. It showed everything that one would need to complete the project. Especially, for the novice. I followed the video and had no problems understanding what I needed to do. Step by step, it was brilliant. Thank you!
Jonathan Thorne thank you for watching! I’m so happy to hear that my video made your job easier. 😎
great vid man, my soft top recently cracked too and im going to order a glass window one. just better overall and longer lasting.
Looking to remove my NB soft top to have it recolored. This is the most detailed and hence the best instructional video on youtube I've seen. Thanks a lot!
I'm happy to hear that you found my video to be useful. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
dude you are a saint for making this video. super thorough
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful :)
i like this guy nice way to end it with the coconut air freshener. going to do mine soon wish me luck
It was a very helpful video. I'm not looking forward to ever doing this but if I need to on my NA Miata I'll re-watch before beginning the work!
Wolfenscheid The first time doing this is always the most difficult. I could do it in half the time now. I needed to replace my top, and there were only a few videos on how to do it. They missed a lot of details so I thought I would help out the Miata community by making a video with more details. Thanks for watching!
Thats how you do it! I am notorious for watching it for the first time as I do the work 🤦♂️
Great installation video, back to basics with every detail explained with good video. All top manufacturers should use the same format as it is not an easy or quick job to do. Highly recommended. What everyone should consider is that not all tops or rain rails are the same which can throw a curveball so be warned. Ask me how I know...🤬
That was a fuck ton of work but I could not have done it without this video so you have my eternal thanks
Thank you so much for your support and the video 🙌🏽💪🏽
You're awesome! Thanks very much! I'm waiting for my top, looking forward to accomplishing this tedious job!
Righteous Gal thank you so much for watching! Yes, take your time and give yourself a few days in a covered garage. Follow my video while you work on it, and everything else you should be able to figure out. Thanks again!
Omg thank you so so so so so much I’ve been stuggling all day to figure out why the rain rail wouldn’t fit into the brackets, i feel like an idiot now that i know they where up side down😂😂😂 mine didn’t come with instructions tho so that makes me feel a little better😂
Excellent video and very helpful. I just purchased a new top with glass it will be the second time replacing, the first was plastic window. (we wont do plastic again).
Great video! we are new into the "Miata craze" that started recently when we gave our son a 1995 miata as a present for his high school graduation. We've done some improvements to the car so far, but now we are planning to tackle the vinyl window that is cracked. After watching your video, we are planning to replace the soft top (due that the vinyl window can't be replaced) and the use of the glass window is really interesting. Would you be able to post how the glass window fits in the NA body once the top is lowered? We are looking at the way our current vinyl window folds and for sure the glass won't be able to do that. Kudos to you for sharing your experience.
I’ve been curious about how the glass that doesn’t zip out folds as well. I know these (and any glass) can be problematic with any stabilizer or roll bar. . I jut replaced my top with the zippered glass. Having the ability to fold the down the window down is really nice when you don’t want the full top dropped, but do want an amazing breeze.
Nice job! I like your middle console and think will buy one!
Good Job and it looks great! It really is a tough job and takes many man-hours; lots of aching muscles later, yes (me too); I just did my 01 NB with a ROBBINS - and the stretching is really something! I have a space heater in the car for the next few days, since it is cooler / colder weather now (January in the SouthEast); I am going to run a half-cover on this car from now on - to protect the top for the periods where I am not driving it daily; so, keep the half-cover (North American Custom Covers sells one) in mind if you want to extend the life of the soft-top; my first soft-top on my NA lasted about seventeen years, and I put a Robbins on it, and then replaced the rain-rail (again) about two years later; the 01 NB top is seventeen years as well, and it had no leaks, but the rain-rail cracked, so I just went ahead and did the whole thing; Not for the faint of heart, but the installation is well-documented by Robbins as well as elsewhere (online and on youtube); Anyway, wow, the new soft-top was really tight this time around - it took myself and my wife some muscle to pull it down and latch it ... and then started heating it for a few days; and will tighten the latches, one a a time, over the next week or two; Again: god job and it looks great! ROBBINS is the best!
Hey thanks for watching! Yeah, the stretching can be a challenge, but what saved me are the ratchet straps! Use the ratchet straps as I did in the video, and you'll have NO PROBLEMS closing it up and latching it shut. Before I tried the straps, I also let mine sit in the garage with space heaters on, and I also put weights on the roof to help stretch it down...nothing worked great...until I discovered the ratchet straps. I had it stretched out and closed within 30 seconds. I couldn't believe how much time I had wasted on this. As you've seen first hand when you replace a top...also replace the rain rails. It's much easier to do them both at once than have to take it back apart 2 years later. You have some great ideas about the custom covers! Thanks again!
Thanks so much @@BecauseMiata; I agree with the rachet straps - good idea!
We did get it latched and letting it just sit in the ambient 55F ... with a space heater inside the car set for about 70F; (the seats are still removed); and I turn it off before I go to bed - face it, heater in carpeted car is a real hazard; anyway, yeah, the straps are a better idea - and then a drive to Miami would be safer than the space heater; I am thinking to re-cover each of the seats now that I have them out (much more fun repair than the soft-top); the new soft-top will restore a new-ness to any Miata - so it is a good investment. I have driven these cars for 25 years now, and they offer such a high-return-on-investment - so that repairs and restorations are both satisfying and financially-sound decisions; these are great father-daughter (or son) projects too! Caring for these cars can be a passion, really - and it can be done on a budget - anyone with a job can own and restore a Miata and learn and have fun with it, and share that time with a family member - so very worthwhile!
same story with mine, my top was 19 and i just changed it but the rain rail was all cracked and i didn't order one with my top, oh well, ill put it on in a few months... its 110 degrees right now, wont rain for probably another 8 months lol.
Excellent video. Not certain if you inspired me to take this on or dissuaded me. Either way, I feel informed.
very nice video. thank you for doing such a wonderful job. I will hopefully be installing my new top next weekend. thank you again.
Thank you so much for posting this. It was absolutely essential and incredibly detailed. I would not have been able to do it as well as I did without this video.
Really nice that you took the time and effort to explain it all. I still don't think I have the patience though LOL (I've had one done by a local shop that's been perfection for like 7 years now, and my BRG done by a guy I found on CL when I wanted it changed to tan w/ glass - been maybe 10 years on that one and I need to kinda position the bows & straps by hand when raising it, plus it's still super tight so that money saving venture mighta been a bad idea :(
that coconut story was really funny and cute
Great video. Helped a ton! New top looks amazing. Its been on for a few days and has loosened up. Hope it loosens up more ✌
My story is very similar. My father also gave me his Mazda miata a week before he passed away
This is the most helpful video I’ve seen well explained
Sometimes you can create enough slack at the adjustment bolt in the middle of the latches. I've been able to open them up and get it to hook the top, then close the latch. And finally, use a 10mm wrench and spin the latch adjuster and start closing the gap. Doing it like this you might not be able to close the gap at the first attempt and might need to just let it sit for an hour to start stretching. Then come back and tighten the adjuster again. Good luck roadsterers!
I'm so glad you went to the detail that you did. I have to do the same thing to my NA miata. Trying to decide if I should install the roll bar first or soft top first.
I chose top first. I do have a roll bar already, and just waiting for the weather to cooperate before I install it. I don't think there is a correct order between the top and bar. I could see pros and cons for each argument.
Just did this over the weekend and man was your video so helpful! Thanks for the great tips!
Excellently detailed video! 👌
I do install on a lot of miata soft top , I really like your video , learn something new everyday. One thing that I want to say , cheap tops will be harder for installation because they don't fit as good as the Robbin's top. Anyways, good job on the video .
Thanks for sharing! I would also imagine that a glass window top is harder than a vinyl window top too. Vinyl window is less weight and no fear of it cracking during the install, no need for support straps, etc...
I would say they are about the same, it's just that Robbin's top has some extra accessory, making the install slightly harder.
Right of passage for every na/nb owner..just done mine tricky but not to hard.....
if the hood is tight initially, put the cabin heaters on max heat and leave it for 30 mins or so with doors closed and it softens the top and allows it to close fine
Great tip! Thanks!
If you are not gonna use he old top why fight with the rain rail on removal? just cut the top off it with a stanly knife all around the edge and the rail that way it will not crack or break the rail on the frame removal. great video and thanks!
Love this story and instal
That seems like a really hard job. I think I'll pay to do it. Thanks.
Same
I don't blame you. It can be done, and I have faith in you that you could do it...but it is a definite headache that you could avoid by having someone else do it for you.
Thank you for such detailed video! Couldn’t have do it with you
Take pictures/photos on your phone of the fiddly bits so you can remember the exact positions on replacement.
Fantastic video....thanks for posting this.
I'm keeping the link to this video. It will surely be useful at some point. And hell, I just like your vids man...😉
Robin Forrest thank you so much for watching. I hope you do find it useful.
Just wanted to say thanks! This video helped a lot on my install.
I’m also in the market for a new soft top for (now) my 1993 Miata. (As with you, I inherited my fathers cherished little sports car after his passing. I still look back and smile remembering all of the good times together with him planning the modifications and zipping around the countryside).
My question is this. I’ve heard differing opinions on if the “zippered window” top can be safely folded down without having to unzip the window. Many people on the forums are saying that although the top manufacturer advises you can, doing so stresses the stitches to an extent that the top may become damaged. To my lovely wife and I, although it would be nice to be able to unzip the back glass for better air flow when it’s hot, it’s more important to be able to put the top down in one quick “drop” as with our 1999 Miata (yes, we now have two).
Bye the way, great video and I don’t think it was too long, I think it was thorough.
Tom
Thanks Tom. I haven't tested the zippered aspect of the top yet as it's been way too cold here in Chicago to drop the top. But I will say this, the top that I installed is for an NB Miata. Its design should be very similar to the factory top on your 99. I don't see why you shouldn't be able to use it the same way. Just make sure you have the carpet and padding installed on the shelf tray back there. I still have my interior removed as I'll be installing a roll bar when it warms up a bit. If I were to drop the top now, I would be concerned with the glass breaking as it hits the metal shelf area. I'll be testing this more as it warms up later this month.
Thank you very much for replying. The Miata I’m changing the top on is my deceased father’s 1993 NA. I also own a 1999 NB that we have had for many years. We also plan on putting a roll bar (Hard Dog “Fat Boy” as Flyin Miata calls it is the one currently on the top of the list) and I’m trying to factor that into this equation as well.
Again, keep up the good work. I really appreciate the way you try to cover the details in a project that are oftentimes missed by the other RUclipsr’s out there.
What a great how to!
EXCELLENT Tutorial!
I bought a 1990 Miata in ';96. The original owner flipped it. The 2nd owner was a flipper too. Lastly, I became the Miata's "flippee" and over the years, have done most remodel/repairs by myself. BM is not wrong at all about this project difficulty assessment value 8.5 out of 10.
This job seems to me really more like an upholstery project rather than an mechanical one.
Had it not been for BM's amazingly detailed video. mistakes would have been made. I purchased installed an offbrand zipperless top. The i"instructions" provided contained unusably dark photos, the written part lacking information..such as how important it is to clean out water drain holes
In 2004, I had paid to have a name brand glass window soft top with zipper installed. Within 2 years, the the zipper fabric failed. While zipping up the top one day, a 36" long rip suddenly opened up along the zipper. The glass itself began to sag as it separated from the vinyl top.
This time, I installed an offbrand zipperless top with glass myself with frame off the car, as BM suggests.. Although the "pros" replace tops without removing the frames, as a novice, I opted to take off the frame so I could more closely note the procedure and components, replaced a number of failing and or missing pieces.
Note: Since I already own an air compressor for other tools, I invested in a $40 pneumatic riveting tool. Best $$ spent in a while! Since some rivet holes in the frame were oversized drilled in previous installations, iI was killing myself trying to squeeze my manual riveter on larger rivets..made the riveting job almost effortless by comparison!
Thanks ever so much, BM! will watch future videos! Now to make the car run cooler..Miata engine runs hot in Georgia.
Thanks for watching and for the kind words. I'm glad to hear that this video is helping people out. When I was about to install the top, I searched online for videos with more details and couldn't find a lot. I set out to make the video that I wish was available for me. I know it wasn't perfect, but it should be enough to walk most people through it. Cheers!
Ngl, I am not looking forward to this. But that’s my tomorrow job 😮💨
Man, i got rust where the rain gutter screw was, the one where you had a hard time taking out.
Great video! I liked how you were really slow and took close up shots to go into detail. Much better than many other videos I have seen. I'm going to go with the Robbins plastic window top on my NB to avoid drilling those holes in the frame and save some time since I have a hardtop for the winter.
Question though: what size rivets did you use for the sides of the frame? Did they come with the gun from Harbor freight? I might just buy that exact one. Thanks!
It's been a few years since I did the install, but I believe the rivets came with the Robbins top. I think I messed one or two up and used some from the gun kit to finish the job. Most rivet guns come with a few anyways, so you should be fine.