Great clip and agree with your points, don't have a hard top and live in a terraced house so no garage. Also with the weather we get in the UK you could set off somewhere in the rain with the hard top on then the sun comes out but you're still in a hard top, I prefer the flexibility of the soft, coupled with the wonderful heater! Not worth the hassle of a hard top, but they do look good on the car.
Got to say the hard top saved my life when I crashed through a wall at 90 mph, it shattered as soon as the bricks went through it, but rather that than my head. RIP YL53NKT
I love my hardtop, drives better with the hardtop because the coachwork is more stable that way, i also feel very exposed with the softtop down, i know what your going to say"why did you buy a miata then?" wel i just love the look of the car, specialy with the hardtop on! thats why i want to buy a light year fastback roof.
a fast back roof on a miata that sounds disgusting i didn’t even know it was a thing. if it looks like what i think it does then you’re just ruining the body lines
@@John-pp6xy why don't you try to buy every miata on the planet than you can save every miata from gettin ruined. Or you can open your closed mind and let others enjoy their car the way they want it to. Cheers✌
I just had my mark 1 rear arches replaced along with a full respray. I picked up a nice hardtop for a good price while the car was being painted I just put it on 3 days ago. Day one/genuinely happy with the look and feel of the hardtop. Day two went for a long drive the sun came out, instant regret set in. All I wanted to do was put the roof down but obviously couldn't. I have no air con and the car got a bit warm inside. Day 3/ The heavens open, its started pissing real heavy flash flood, kind of rain. I ran outside and got in the 5 to check the hard top was doing its job keeping water out. No water coming in, it was a really satisfying feeling watching all that rain, run down the hardtop then straight off the car rather than into the rain rail then into my newly restored rear arches. So In my opinion If your lucky enough to have a garage and use of a 2nd car in winter you don't really need a hardtop. If like me your cars your daily and exposed to the UK winter and the dreaded road salt its worth getting one.
Hi there, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment. Back when I was pretty much using my MX-5 as a daily driver the hardtop was nice, but even then it was a bit of a faff as I'm one of those sad bastards that has the roof down pretty much all the time!
I’m really considering an mx5 for a first or second car. This video was really helpful for the choices. I prefer the look of the hardtop but it’s good to know the ups and downs of it!
Owned an NB MX-5 for two years, and drove it once without the hardtop. Even with a completely rebuilt suspension (shocks, springs, bushings, engine mounts, transmission mounts, diff mounts, etc.), the chassis felt like it was made of jelly. After the first and only top-down drive, I decided to completely remove the softtop assembly (it was crap anyway, the rain rail was torn and it smelled like shit) and bought the fixed hardtop bracket kit from Jass performance. Also bought all new the seals for the hardtop. The car handled like a peach after that, barely fogged up during winter. BRO TIP: If you decide to keep it as a hardtop only, seal the rain rail drain. I used a 3D printer to make a plug for the drains and sealed them from the bottom. It reduces the wind noise at higher speeds and reduces the fogging of the rear window.
Hi Ivan, thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your experience, although I'd say it's probably not worth having an MX-5 if you're never going to enjoy the open top experience.
@@CarObsession Everyone asked me why I bought a roadster since I never took the hardtop off, but honestly, I’ve never owned or driven a car that was so much fun (with the hardtop). The hardtop made the car better dynamically and really nice to daily drive (even more so when I retrofited the AC). Such a shame Mazda never made a LHD coupe.
@@CarObsession not worth having an mx-5 if you don't plan to drive top down? Please man, it is low weight (and 50:50 distribution), nimble, has double wishbone suspensions, fantastic steering and it's rwd, couldn't care less about it having a soft top
I've since sold my MX-5 many years ago, but it was the most fun car to drive that I've ever had. I had a 1989 1/2 (1990) model year. The very first batch. I did an N/A engine swap with a 1997 engine since my 1.6 grenaded. The 1.8 motor made 19 more H.P plus I put a long tube ceramic coated header and full titanium exhaust. Now with the extra horsepower and car weighing 177 pounds lighter from lack of increased sound deadening and design build. This added to better power to weight ratio. I loved my hard top and ran it the majority of the time, reason being. The car handled like a wet noodle without it. It reinforced the chassis and resulted in less chassis twist through hard turns
@@erickdominguez2704 I would say the best source would be craigslist since most likely it came from an actual Miata and is an OEM part. Sadly, these are like $1000 now. I've tried searching for aftermarket models online but they fall short in quality; thin unpainted shells, plastic plexiglass window, most not including the necessary hardware to attach it. Also the original usually came with the rear defroster which is a MUST. When I had mine I was able to drive it long into December before the snow came.
@@erickdominguez2704 my friend own 4 miata and 2 have a hard top he would sell it not using it! Mine doesn't have it and I was curious to know the advantage but dont see any! It always in storage in winter and à convertible is made to drive top down! Also if you want to remove it alone is a pain!
I see your reasons, for me, who would never WANT to take it off, it is no problem. All I see, for my needs, is good things with the hard top and glad they have the option. Honestly, without a hardtop, I would not even consider buying one.
I ended up selling my last year as it was just becoming a pain and it was nice to have the money for it. I like to have the roof down as often as I can, and in recent times I had to take the hardtop off my by myself, which was just getting tedious. Thanks for watching.
@@76-UVB Don't get me wrong, the hardtop does have its pros, but for me they weren't enough to outweigh the cons, especially as I have the roof down at every opportunity. I sold it a few months ago and in all honesty I've not missed it.
Hardtops on the east coast are outrageous as well..... I just picked up a faded black one with a busted back glass for 700 and that was a good deal round here
I always wanted one just because I thought it looked better (still do), the thing that made me bite the bullet on one was when I would clear my drain holes a fair bit and was STILL getting water in the passengers footwell. I do believe the hardtop solved that so worthwhile for me as it removes the need for drain holes behind the seat belts which get clogged fairly easily. Oddly enough I found it added a bit of exhaust drone to the cabin, when you might think it makes things quieter, but it does reduce outside noise. Mine's also got the heated rear window which would be very handy if my 1992 actually came with any of the wiring needed (there's nothing to plug the relay into in the boot, no cable to plug the hardtop wire into behind the seat) as that wasn't a thing for my year sadly.
Mines always garaged so don't really need a hard top,and to me the mx5 spirit is a softtop so never really felt the need....even in the winter here in New Zealand I still go topless when I can, it's just bloody good fun... thanks for the cool content bro and hope 2019 is a goodn for ya... cheers 😀
I want one bad but here in Aus, you’ll pay $3000aud for a used one, thanks to wreckers and resellers jumping on MX5’s. I’d want one for the security of not having my soft top torn, road noise and for the sake of having one
Any problems with rain/water entering the interior ? I bought a dry soft top MX5 but after a down pour , driver side carpet was soaked. I unblocked the drainage holes but completely cover the hood when parked up now and watch the rain bounce off.
@@CarObsession you mention the hardtop rattles a bit more with the hardtop as well. Hopefully you already replaced the latches, because that was the concern with my Miata, too many sound problems with broken latches.
@@jg5001 I haven't got around to it yet, it's only really the one at the front driver's side that is the problem, but taking it out is going to be fun as 2 of the screws are pretty much stripped on the heads...
@@CarObsession If you open the latches, there's a plastic cover over a nut on the part of the latch that comes inward (the piece that attaches to the car when you close it). Open that up, and turn the nut tighter or looser depending on what you need. Push the plastic cover back, close the latch and tadaaaa
500 pound…. google says that’s 689 dollars. Quite amazing that they’re selling for 2k+ dollars right now in Florida. Just wild the price hike in such a short time.
I have heard that the hardtop of Mazda are made of fibreglass, and that should weigh under 10 kg, is yours made of metal? can you film the inside ceiling of your hardtop and demonstrate how to install and remove it? Thanks
Hello Goran, thanks for watching. Yes, they are made of fibreglass but from what I read online, they're more like 20kg, not 10. In regard to filming what you requested, that'll be tricky as I've just moved so things are hectic and I don't always have someone to help me remove/fit the hardtop.
@@thehowl1689 Hello the howl 1, thanks for watching, and thanks for the clarification - I've seen on forums that it's fibreglass, so it's good to get the correct information.
I am commenting from February 2023 - Hard tops are selling for $1500 to $2500 in the U.S. (and that will not guarantee a good one. If you have one, keep it - it is money in the bank. 1999 base - Highlight Silver Metallic/black top. (no hardtop) 2004 LS - Pure white/tan top (white hardtop). The hardtop is only on the vehicle during winter storage. GO MIATA
Hi Jim, thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting. I've still got mine, but it's becoming a bit more of an inconvenience as I don't have anyone to help me take it off anymore. I CAN take it off myself, but it is a bit of an effort. Also, since fitting my new bucket seat the side latch on the driver's side doesn't latch as the seat gets in the way and that causes the seatbelt to get snagged. Therefore, I may look to sell mine especially as I like to get the roof down wherever possible.
I just paid $2300 for a brand new OEM hardtop from Mazda. Soft tops suck because the stray cats around my apartment have ripped so many holes in it. I was happy to pay the money
I wouldn't say that's a stupid question. I find car covers to be a bit debatable as to how effective they are. There are some say that they can cause more harm than good. Thankfully I have a garage - albeit, not a completely watertight one! - so I don't need to worry about that. Would I use a cover if I stored it outside? Yes, but I's make sure it's a fitted one designed for the car as opposed to a one-size-fits-all, and I'm make sure it's high quality. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
@@CarObsession cheers pal , just inherited a mk2 1998 one here in Ireland 🇮🇪 it has a hardtop which I like,but I don’t have storage so I was debating buying a cover aswell.
Yeah I bought my car with a hardtop but if it hadn't have come with a hardtop I don't think I would have bothered, especially as I now have a property with a garage - thanks for watching.
weather effects how paint comes out, if you shoot the same paint in a humid and dry climate they won't match, also UV damage could be why it's different if the hardtop is from a newer/older model year
Have you secured your rear latches? The back ones (the little silver ones that fit of the Frankenstein bolts). There are screws on the side of the plates that open the top plate and from there you can adjust and tighten the two inner bolts which I believe are 12mil bolts.
Hi there, thanks for watching. I've not checked to be honest, but they did feel pretty secure. I'll check again when I get the chance. Thanks for the advice.
Mines NC Miata (roadster here in Japan) also does a lot of rattle noises and squeaky as well any idea how to cure it or make it a little less annoying?! Maybe the rubber liner is worn out!?
So jealous how cheap hard tops are there in the UK. In Canada it's $1000 (610 pounds) for a beat up one with bad paint. That is the cheapest possible. For a good one with nice paint it's $1500 (920 pounds). :(
There is an amazing company in Florida called CCP Fabrication that makes lightweight racing hardtop. For about $1000 (more or less depending on shipping) you can pick up a brand new one. I just bought it, and it's being shipped as we speak. Hopeful it will be just what I need.
Depending what you are using the car for it’s ace! Track-no brainer and you can fit a roll bar under it compared to a glass mohair you have no chance! Road-saves your rain rails drain channels Negative can’t go roof Down easily & they get robbed Hard jass mounting plates are a must
I am going to buy a Miata but I don't love rag top so I want a hard top or add one. There is a supposed exact dimensionally match to OEM aftermarket carbon fiber which maybe weighs same as convertible top or at least not too much more?. (says less than half or OEM hard top) My question is about removing the entire convertible top.....this would save a little weight and I am assuming might add some storage room in back?? Or would it's removal create an aesthetic problem of some kind??
I'm not too sure, as it's not something I've ever seen done. I would imagine it would give you a bit of extra space and in regard to the aesthetic query, I suppose that's subjective. Thanks for watching.
Dougie Quick this is done all the time idk what this guy is talking about. you can take out the ragtop but only thing youll have holes in the carpeting but it’s not like you will be looking at them. imo do it i had a friend do it and he was all for the hard top so he didn’t mind losing the rag top. so as long as you don’t care about being able to take off the hard top and use the rag top then do it.me on the other hand i have a hard top but never took the rag top out just cause during the summer i like being able to be at a stop light and just drop the top.
Thanks for the video! I am a little skint at the moment but still have been looking at investing in a hard top for my mk1 import.... after this I think I'm going to wait and spend my money on a mk2 soft top with the heated glass window lol as I too am 'that top down at any opportunity guy' lol. I enjoy your videos, I sold my prelude and haven't looked back, love my eunos roadster! Thanks 👍
@@CarObsession no it’s not a limited edition. He told me he was selling for “9.5k”. But doesn’t want to go lower than that. Should I pass? What would be a good price for it?
@@CarObsession yeah it really is its also completely stock I feel like I’m getting ripped off. I just can’t seem to find one under 6k in good condition
Nice video. I agree with you mate - I drive with the top down at every opportunity no matter what the temperature is. The mohair roof, with glass window, on my mk1 Eunos does a pretty good job with noise insulation. Hey, I also notice that you have swapped the the wiper and indicator stalks over. Was this easy and could you tell me what you had to do? More MX5 videos please 8¬D
Hi Phil, thanks for watching. I didn't swap the stalks over, I always thought that was part of being an import - I may be wrong of course, though! In regards to more videos, they'll come in time , I've not driven it much at the moment, but I really need to start using it more. Even more so, now that the weather is starting to improve. I drove her for the first time in weeks last Sunday and it was like falling in love again.
@@CarObsession I've got an imported mk1 Eunos and the stalks are opposite to UK cars i.e. mine has the indicators on the right and wipers on the left. At least you can change gear and indicate at the same time!
Hi there, thanks for watching. Not sure whereabouts you're based in the world, but you can get one from MX-5 Parts which is actually on sale at the moment: www.mx5parts.co.uk/genuine-mazda-hardtop-mk3-35-p-1234.html - you can also try eBay.
Hi foxy126 PL, thanks for watching. There are some that say it does, but I don't know for certain so I wouldn't like to misadvise you. I would say it probably does to a degree, but I wouldn't have thought it's loads, however, I'm far from an expert on mechanics or engineering.
@@panchocoyote3608 Ah I see. I think they may more valuable where you live as in the UK you're looking at £500 and I've never known the threat of theft being higher because of a hardtop. Thanks for watching.
Try this on all the rubbers around the hardtop it is absolutely amazing stuff and should cure all the squeaks www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/honda-shop/genuine-honda-s2000-shin-etsu-silicone-grease-100g I've used it loads and can't recommend it enough
Overall i'm not a fan of one. They look kind of cool on but like you said you are committed to not having the top down at any opportunity. Also the added weigh is no good. I also see no real use for it. the soft top still protects you from elements so like what is the point?
The hardtop gives you better refinement, it protects the soft top from poor weather, plus it offers better visibility. So there are some benefits of having it, but yeah, it can be a pain. Thanks for watching 👍🏽.
It removes the chance of rear arch rust, doesnt deteriorate, looks nicer, keeps noise out, b pillar is about half the size, if you're a hairdresser that has the roof down at every opportunity then keep your soft top but any real car guy is going to remove the soft top and replace it with a hard top.
Well I recently bout a 1994 Miata for $300 and am fixing her up to factory spec as I go. I’m from the Cayman Island it’s hard to get one of those hard top here and there so expensive overseas. My advice is to is,care dearly for that hard top because it’s a gold mine here 🙏🏾
![An Update, And 2019 Plans [LWAMM Ep. 11]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qBgpqAvk52Q/mqdefault.jpg)
![Can You Take A Mazda MX-5 Hardtop Off By YOURSELF??? [LWAMM Ep. 26]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wnh2eiyzeZ8/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you agree with my thoughts? What's your experience of having a hardtop? Let me know in the comments section below.
Great clip and agree with your points, don't have a hard top and live in a terraced house so no garage. Also with the weather we get in the UK you could set off somewhere in the rain with the hard top on then the sun comes out but you're still in a hard top, I prefer the flexibility of the soft, coupled with the wonderful heater! Not worth the hassle of a hard top, but they do look good on the car.
@@stuartlloyd1746 Hi Stuart, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.
You helped me make a decision and not buy one, thanks for that! You were on point
@@onyren85 Hi Vasilis, thanks for watching, I'm glad you found video useful.
Got to say the hard top saved my life when I crashed through a wall at 90 mph, it shattered as soon as the bricks went through it, but rather that than my head. RIP YL53NKT
3:39 "Quite often i don't have anyone to help me" Relatable man, Relatable
Wow thanks for the heart
I love my hardtop, drives better with the hardtop because the coachwork is more stable that way, i also feel very exposed with the softtop down, i know what your going to say"why did you buy a miata then?" wel i just love the look of the car, specialy with the hardtop on! thats why i want to buy a light year fastback roof.
a fast back roof on a miata that sounds disgusting i didn’t even know it was a thing. if it looks like what i think it does then you’re just ruining the body lines
Kerrms respect everyone’s build... Rule number 1 of being a car enthusiast.
ICheeseIT _ it’s one thing to criticize a build, and it’s another to ruin a car
@@John-pp6xy why don't you try to buy every miata on the planet than you can save every miata from gettin ruined. Or you can open your closed mind and let others enjoy their car the way they want it to. Cheers✌
@@John-pp6xy you're a fucking idiot I'm guessing with no friends 😂
I just had my mark 1 rear arches replaced along with a full respray. I picked up a nice hardtop for a good price while the car was being painted I just put it on 3 days ago. Day one/genuinely happy with the look and feel of the hardtop. Day two went for a long drive the sun came out, instant regret set in. All I wanted to do was put the roof down but obviously couldn't. I have no air con and the car got a bit warm inside.
Day 3/ The heavens open, its started pissing real heavy flash flood, kind of rain. I ran outside and got in the 5 to check the hard top was doing its job keeping water out.
No water coming in, it was a really satisfying feeling watching all that rain, run down the hardtop then straight off the car rather than into the rain rail then into my newly restored rear arches.
So In my opinion If your lucky enough to have a garage and use of a 2nd car in winter you don't really need a hardtop. If like me your cars your daily and exposed to the UK winter and the dreaded road salt its worth getting one.
Hi there, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment. Back when I was pretty much using my MX-5 as a daily driver the hardtop was nice, but even then it was a bit of a faff as I'm one of those sad bastards that has the roof down pretty much all the time!
I’m really considering an mx5 for a first or second car. This video was really helpful for the choices. I prefer the look of the hardtop but it’s good to know the ups and downs of it!
Hi there, thanks for watching, I'm really glad this video helped 👍🏽
Have you made up your mind which one will u get?
Owned an NB MX-5 for two years, and drove it once without the hardtop. Even with a completely rebuilt suspension (shocks, springs, bushings, engine mounts, transmission mounts, diff mounts, etc.), the chassis felt like it was made of jelly. After the first and only top-down drive, I decided to completely remove the softtop assembly (it was crap anyway, the rain rail was torn and it smelled like shit) and bought the fixed hardtop bracket kit from Jass performance. Also bought all new the seals for the hardtop. The car handled like a peach after that, barely fogged up during winter.
BRO TIP: If you decide to keep it as a hardtop only, seal the rain rail drain. I used a 3D printer to make a plug for the drains and sealed them from the bottom. It reduces the wind noise at higher speeds and reduces the fogging of the rear window.
Hi Ivan, thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your experience, although I'd say it's probably not worth having an MX-5 if you're never going to enjoy the open top experience.
@@CarObsession Everyone asked me why I bought a roadster since I never took the hardtop off, but honestly, I’ve never owned or driven a car that was so much fun (with the hardtop). The hardtop made the car better dynamically and really nice to daily drive (even more so when I retrofited the AC). Such a shame Mazda never made a LHD coupe.
@@CarObsession not worth having an mx-5 if you don't plan to drive top down? Please man, it is low weight (and 50:50 distribution), nimble, has double wishbone suspensions, fantastic steering and it's rwd, couldn't care less about it having a soft top
I've since sold my MX-5 many years ago, but it was the most fun car to drive that I've ever had. I had a 1989 1/2 (1990) model year. The very first batch. I did an N/A engine swap with a 1997 engine since my 1.6 grenaded. The 1.8 motor made 19 more H.P plus I put a long tube ceramic coated header and full titanium exhaust. Now with the extra horsepower and car weighing 177 pounds lighter from lack of increased sound deadening and design build. This added to better power to weight ratio. I loved my hard top and ran it the majority of the time, reason being. The car handled like a wet noodle without it. It reinforced the chassis and resulted in less chassis twist through hard turns
I miss my hardtop. Sold it to pay for a bit of our wedding. I looked so good on the car. I need a new one.
Well at least the money went to good use! Thanks for watching Andrew.
Ur never gonna be able to spend money on the car after being married 😂😂(jokes)
Where can I find a good hardtop?
@@erickdominguez2704 I would say the best source would be craigslist since most likely it came from an actual Miata and is an OEM part. Sadly, these are like $1000 now. I've tried searching for aftermarket models online but they fall short in quality; thin unpainted shells, plastic plexiglass window, most not including the necessary hardware to attach it. Also the original usually came with the rear defroster which is a MUST. When I had mine I was able to drive it long into December before the snow came.
@@erickdominguez2704 my friend own 4 miata and 2 have a hard top he would sell it not using it! Mine doesn't have it and I was curious to know the advantage but dont see any! It always in storage in winter and à convertible is made to drive top down! Also if you want to remove it alone is a pain!
I see your reasons, for me, who would never WANT to take it off, it is no problem. All I see, for my needs, is good things with the hard top and glad they have the option. Honestly, without a hardtop, I would not even consider buying one.
I ended up selling my last year as it was just becoming a pain and it was nice to have the money for it. I like to have the roof down as often as I can, and in recent times I had to take the hardtop off my by myself, which was just getting tedious.
Thanks for watching.
You are right about the storage question,it takes up quite a bit of space when removed from the car.
Yeah, I ended up selling mine as it was starting to become a bit inconvenient. Thanks for watching.
@@76-UVB Don't get me wrong, the hardtop does have its pros, but for me they weren't enough to outweigh the cons, especially as I have the roof down at every opportunity. I sold it a few months ago and in all honesty I've not missed it.
a mint hardtop in the US will cost $1500! 500 pounds is INSANE!
Wowzers! Thanks for watching Jay.
Hardtops on the east coast are outrageous as well..... I just picked up a faded black one with a busted back glass for 700 and that was a good deal round here
Hahahaha try owning an nc and finding one used!! It's practically a mythical creature 😂
@@AnthonyChukreyev Yeah, I bet! Thanks for watching!
I saw one on eBay for THREE thousand plus! WTF? supply ND demand? or the seller was dreaming?
In my case (mark 1) no rattles but fierce wind noise. Like driving in a hurricane past 50 mph. Love your video.
I always wanted one just because I thought it looked better (still do), the thing that made me bite the bullet on one was when I would clear my drain holes a fair bit and was STILL getting water in the passengers footwell. I do believe the hardtop solved that so worthwhile for me as it removes the need for drain holes behind the seat belts which get clogged fairly easily. Oddly enough I found it added a bit of exhaust drone to the cabin, when you might think it makes things quieter, but it does reduce outside noise. Mine's also got the heated rear window which would be very handy if my 1992 actually came with any of the wiring needed (there's nothing to plug the relay into in the boot, no cable to plug the hardtop wire into behind the seat) as that wasn't a thing for my year sadly.
Hi Lee, thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting.
Mines always garaged so don't really need a hard top,and to me the mx5 spirit is a softtop so never really felt the need....even in the winter here in New Zealand I still go topless when I can, it's just bloody good fun... thanks for the cool content bro and hope 2019 is a goodn for ya... cheers 😀
I want one bad but here in Aus, you’ll pay $3000aud for a used one, thanks to wreckers and resellers jumping on MX5’s.
I’d want one for the security of not having my soft top torn, road noise and for the sake of having one
Any problems with rain/water entering the interior ? I bought a dry soft top MX5 but after a down pour , driver side carpet was soaked. I unblocked the drainage holes but completely cover the hood when parked up now and watch the rain bounce off.
Nope, I've had no issues like that Rod 👍🏽. Thanks for watching
You can adjust the latches to tighten up the Hardtop.
Can you? I didn't know that, how do you do that?
@@CarObsession you mention the hardtop rattles a bit more with the hardtop as well. Hopefully you already replaced the latches, because that was the concern with my Miata, too many sound problems with broken latches.
@@jg5001 I haven't got around to it yet, it's only really the one at the front driver's side that is the problem, but taking it out is going to be fun as 2 of the screws are pretty much stripped on the heads...
@@CarObsession If you open the latches, there's a plastic cover over a nut on the part of the latch that comes inward (the piece that attaches to the car when you close it). Open that up, and turn the nut tighter or looser depending on what you need. Push the plastic cover back, close the latch and tadaaaa
@@MrCow579 Thanks for the advice!
500 pound…. google says that’s 689 dollars. Quite amazing that they’re selling for 2k+ dollars right now in Florida. Just wild the price hike in such a short time.
Yeah, I've heard they can be very expensive in other countries, we've got it lucky in the UK. Thanks for watching.
@@CarObsession They probably sold more hard tops in the UK with the notorious poor weather - supply vs demand
I have heard that the hardtop of Mazda are made of fibreglass, and that should weigh under 10 kg, is yours made of metal? can you film the inside ceiling of your hardtop and demonstrate how to install and remove it? Thanks
Hello Goran, thanks for watching. Yes, they are made of fibreglass but from what I read online, they're more like 20kg, not 10. In regard to filming what you requested, that'll be tricky as I've just moved so things are hectic and I don't always have someone to help me remove/fit the hardtop.
@@CarObsession they're made out of smc but have a thin metal layer in between. That weigh 45 pounds. No fiberglass.
@@thehowl1689 Hello the howl 1, thanks for watching, and thanks for the clarification - I've seen on forums that it's fibreglass, so it's good to get the correct information.
I am commenting from February 2023 - Hard tops are selling for $1500 to $2500 in the U.S. (and that will not guarantee a good one.
If you have one, keep it - it is money in the bank.
1999 base - Highlight Silver Metallic/black top. (no hardtop)
2004 LS - Pure white/tan top (white hardtop). The hardtop is only on the vehicle during winter storage.
GO MIATA
Hi Jim, thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting. I've still got mine, but it's becoming a bit more of an inconvenience as I don't have anyone to help me take it off anymore. I CAN take it off myself, but it is a bit of an effort.
Also, since fitting my new bucket seat the side latch on the driver's side doesn't latch as the seat gets in the way and that causes the seatbelt to get snagged. Therefore, I may look to sell mine especially as I like to get the roof down wherever possible.
Isn't the undiagnosed rattle one of the mounting points for the hardtop? Seeing that it gets worse when the top is on.
I just paid $2300 for a brand new OEM hardtop from Mazda. Soft tops suck because the stray cats around my apartment have ripped so many holes in it. I was happy to pay the money
Stupid question do people with hardtops on in the winter still use a cover
I wouldn't say that's a stupid question. I find car covers to be a bit debatable as to how effective they are. There are some say that they can cause more harm than good.
Thankfully I have a garage - albeit, not a completely watertight one! - so I don't need to worry about that. Would I use a cover if I stored it outside? Yes, but I's make sure it's a fitted one designed for the car as opposed to a one-size-fits-all, and I'm make sure it's high quality.
I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
@@CarObsession cheers pal , just inherited a mk2 1998 one here in Ireland 🇮🇪 it has a hardtop which I like,but I don’t have storage so I was debating buying a cover aswell.
Bought a 96 mx5 a few months back with full intentions of getting a hardtop, all it took to change my mind was driving with no roof for the 1st time.
Yeah I bought my car with a hardtop but if it hadn't have come with a hardtop I don't think I would have bothered, especially as I now have a property with a garage - thanks for watching.
weather effects how paint comes out, if you shoot the same paint in a humid and dry climate they won't match, also UV damage could be why it's different if the hardtop is from a newer/older model year
Have you secured your rear latches? The back ones (the little silver ones that fit of the Frankenstein bolts). There are screws on the side of the plates that open the top plate and from there you can adjust and tighten the two inner bolts which I believe are 12mil bolts.
Hi there, thanks for watching. I've not checked to be honest, but they did feel pretty secure. I'll check again when I get the chance. Thanks for the advice.
Car Obsession NP. Many people do not know about the little screw that will let you open the outside back latch near the striker plate. Lol
Mines NC Miata (roadster here in Japan) also does a lot of rattle noises and squeaky as well any idea how to cure it or make it a little less annoying?! Maybe the rubber liner is worn out!?
I like the hardtop for rollover protection
A roll bar is even better, though 👍 Thanks for watching.
its frp it wont do anything but break in a rollover
@@johngorgis Yup, which is why a roll bar is much better - I'll be getting mine fitted soon 👍 Thanks for watching.
So jealous how cheap hard tops are there in the UK. In Canada it's $1000 (610 pounds) for a beat up one with bad paint. That is the cheapest possible. For a good one with nice paint it's $1500 (920 pounds). :(
Wow, that's crazy money! Thanks for watching.
There is an amazing company in Florida called CCP Fabrication that makes lightweight racing hardtop. For about $1000 (more or less depending on shipping) you can pick up a brand new one.
I just bought it, and it's being shipped as we speak. Hopeful it will be just what I need.
Depending what you are using the car for it’s ace!
Track-no brainer and you can fit a roll bar under it compared to a glass mohair you have no chance!
Road-saves your rain rails drain channels
Negative can’t go roof Down easily & they get robbed
Hard jass mounting plates are a must
Hello Chris, thanks for watching. My car has a Mohair with glass roof and a roll bar fits under it.
A very informative video and fun. Thanks. Jay
Thanks mate!
I am going to buy a Miata but I don't love rag top so I want a hard top or add one. There is a supposed exact dimensionally match to OEM aftermarket carbon fiber which maybe weighs same as convertible top or at least not too much more?. (says less than half or OEM hard top) My question is about removing the entire convertible top.....this would save a little weight and I am assuming might add some storage room in back?? Or would it's removal create an aesthetic problem of some kind??
I'm not too sure, as it's not something I've ever seen done. I would imagine it would give you a bit of extra space and in regard to the aesthetic query, I suppose that's subjective. Thanks for watching.
Gingium has done this with his turbo miata, and it does look like you gain some storage space back there
Dougie Quick this is done all the time idk what this guy is talking about. you can take out the ragtop but only thing youll have holes in the carpeting but it’s not like you will be looking at them. imo do it i had a friend do it and he was all for the hard top so he didn’t mind losing the rag top. so as long as you don’t care about being able to take off the hard top and use the rag top then do it.me on the other hand i have a hard top but never took the rag top out just cause during the summer i like being able to be at a stop light and just drop the top.
meanwhile here in america, hardtops selling for 1.5k+ on the REGULAR.
The latches probably need adjustment there there are turnbuckles under the plastic covers and you can tighten them down to grab the car better
Thanks for the heads up Logan!
Thanks for the video! I am a little skint at the moment but still have been looking at investing in a hard top for my mk1 import.... after this I think I'm going to wait and spend my money on a mk2 soft top with the heated glass window lol as I too am 'that top down at any opportunity guy' lol. I enjoy your videos, I sold my prelude and haven't looked back, love my eunos roadster! Thanks 👍
Hi Stef, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.
Is a 1991 mazda na 1.6 hardtop with 98k miles in mint condition no rust worth buying for 8k?
Seems a bit steep to me, but to be fair, I haven't properly checked the market for sometime.
Is it a limited edition model? If not, that does sound expensive, not unless it's only got delivery miles 🤣
@@CarObsession no it’s not a limited edition. He told me he was selling for “9.5k”. But doesn’t want to go lower than that. Should I pass? What would be a good price for it?
@@rubielesteban529 That sounds like a lot of money to me... I'd pass. Not unless you know something I don't about the car.
@@CarObsession yeah it really is its also completely stock I feel like I’m getting ripped off. I just can’t seem to find one under 6k in good condition
Nice video. I agree with you mate - I drive with the top down at every opportunity no matter what the temperature is. The mohair roof, with glass window, on my mk1 Eunos does a pretty good job with noise insulation. Hey, I also notice that you have swapped the the wiper and indicator stalks over. Was this easy and could you tell me what you had to do? More MX5 videos please 8¬D
Hi Phil, thanks for watching. I didn't swap the stalks over, I always thought that was part of being an import - I may be wrong of course, though! In regards to more videos, they'll come in time , I've not driven it much at the moment, but I really need to start using it more. Even more so, now that the weather is starting to improve. I drove her for the first time in weeks last Sunday and it was like falling in love again.
@@CarObsession I've got an imported mk1 Eunos and the stalks are opposite to UK cars i.e. mine has the indicators on the right and wipers on the left. At least you can change gear and indicate at the same time!
Yes, I think the car looks better with the hardtop as well, but this car is all about having the top down 👍. Thanks for watching.
500 pounds? Thats like 600 USD, theyre 2000 dollars on average here. Although I guess this was before the car market problems.
Nice video :) I also drive a NA with hardtop during the winter and mine rattles also ^^ so dont worry
(Mine is an aftermaket tho)
OEM Hardtops are great, worth more than the car!
I'm not so sure on that one LOL.
I got a hardtop with the car (and a softtop) when I bought it. I absolutely love it when driving in colder or rainy conditions
Where can I get a hardtop for an 08 NC have been looking everywhere.
Hi there, thanks for watching. Not sure whereabouts you're based in the world, but you can get one from MX-5 Parts which is actually on sale at the moment: www.mx5parts.co.uk/genuine-mazda-hardtop-mk3-35-p-1234.html - you can also try eBay.
Does the hardtop adds body stiffnes?
Hi foxy126 PL, thanks for watching. There are some that say it does, but I don't know for certain so I wouldn't like to misadvise you. I would say it probably does to a degree, but I wouldn't have thought it's loads, however, I'm far from an expert on mechanics or engineering.
@@CarObsession ok, thanks for the anwser
It's about 1000€ here in France.
Sacre bleu!
Hard top all day imo . MX 5 is just the cheapest rear wheel driven car that hasn't been smacked w the drift tax 😂😂
I always believe that the MX5 looks hideous with the hard top...it just doesn't look right!
That's fair enough, horses for courses. I think it looks good with a hardtop personally, but having one can be inconvenient. Thanks for watching.
Another problem with a hardtop is that it increases the chances your car to get stolen.
In what way?
@@CarObsession Because the hardtop is so expensive. $1500-$2000 is the going price.
@@panchocoyote3608 Ah I see. I think they may more valuable where you live as in the UK you're looking at £500 and I've never known the threat of theft being higher because of a hardtop. Thanks for watching.
Try this on all the rubbers around the hardtop it is absolutely amazing stuff and should cure all the squeaks www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/honda-shop/genuine-honda-s2000-shin-etsu-silicone-grease-100g I've used it loads and can't recommend it enough
Cheers buddy!
Overall i'm not a fan of one. They look kind of cool on but like you said you are committed to not having the top down at any opportunity. Also the added weigh is no good. I also see no real use for it. the soft top still protects you from elements so like what is the point?
The hardtop gives you better refinement, it protects the soft top from poor weather, plus it offers better visibility. So there are some benefits of having it, but yeah, it can be a pain. Thanks for watching 👍🏽.
It removes the chance of rear arch rust, doesnt deteriorate, looks nicer, keeps noise out, b pillar is about half the size, if you're a hairdresser that has the roof down at every opportunity then keep your soft top but any real car guy is going to remove the soft top and replace it with a hard top.
Anybody wanna buy my hardtop?
How is your wife doing?
Good thank you, Tony - she came out of hospital today.
@@CarObsession Happy to hear it man! Best of health to you both :)
Giggidy :)
No
🤣
Well if u want to donate it to me I’ll be happy 😃 to take it off your hands based on all your complains
Of course Michael - there's just the small matter of a £500 delivery fee :P
Well I recently bout a 1994 Miata for $300 and am fixing her up to factory spec as I go. I’m from the Cayman Island it’s hard to get one of those hard top here and there so expensive overseas. My advice is to is,care dearly for that hard top because it’s a gold mine here 🙏🏾
@@michaelwilliams3164 $300!? My God I'm so jealous. I'm looking at 25-30k AUD for an NA, 1.6 or 1.8.
Just touchup the scuff marks.
Hi mate, thanks for the tip.
uuuuuuuuhm uuuuuuuuughhh
???
Yep.. Boring
Hello konijnenkop, thanks for watching. Boring in what way? I'm not sure what sort of content you were expecting from this video.
If I could do it all over again I would only buy 1 with a hard top . why ? Convertibles are a big pain in the ass
Big pain in the ass how?
The rear window is shit, you definitely need a hard top
@alexandergennaro8596 Have you got the plastic rear window or glass?