Miata Hardtop Pricing Bubble
#21
I just saw a NA6 OEM hard top, the one with less insulation and no defrost sell for $1500. But that was among racers where OEM is required. I need to find an OEM hard top for my car since a bolted on OEM top would let the car run a couple different classes easily. My plan is to just wait for a $2000 POS to come on craigslist with a top on it and pull the top then hold the car till spring and sell it for the same money.
#22
I am seriously looking hard at welding some nice DOM tube from my ghetto roll bar to the windshield pillars, then running a piece of DOM down to the trunk area somehow to make a structure for a fast back. From there I might just ghetto it up even more and just rivet aluminum sheets to that and put in a flat lexan window. I got my car for 2200, screw paying half that for a HT.
#23
They are pretty expensive, but as far as hard tops go they are cheap. When I wanted one for my MR2 they were like $2500, and had to be imported from the UK. Luckily there are enough miata hard tops floating around that they are selling for at least attainable prices. I'm pretty sure an S2K hardtop is more expensive too.
Last edited by Dunning Kruger Affect; 08-14-2014 at 10:43 AM. Reason: stupid google images clickbait bullshit
#25
I am seriously looking hard at welding some nice DOM tube from my ghetto roll bar to the windshield pillars, then running a piece of DOM down to the trunk area somehow to make a structure for a fast back. From there I might just ghetto it up even more and just rivet aluminum sheets to that and put in a flat lexan window. I got my car for 2200, screw paying half that for a HT.
But if you want real inspiration, find the Fastback made by LightYear.
Forming the shape from plastic sheets can probably be done, but good fitment around the door windows requires some mad fab skills.
#27
I doubt I will come anywhere close to that nice a product, but then that's OK because DILLIGAF.
I wanted a really nice looking car I would have bought an NB.
Your solution there is pretty epic.
RANT/
I guess I just don't understand why someone could not make a roll bar with some brackets on it. These in turn anchor one side of a very simple rectangular fiberglass T-Top, with the other side of this T-Top using stock latches to the windshield support. The back portion of the top is similarly attached to brackets on the bar and anchored with some stock-ish hardware ahead of the truck lid. Optional is a hinged setup (which could still easily be affixed to the same brackets on the central roll bar) that allows for ditching the truck lid and running a fastback. Have some narrow modules for the sides and top and done.
The T-Top would need a slight curvature downward on the sides to locate window seals well. The side modules would have a slight curvature to look right and provide the side seals for the windows. The top module is a simply arc more or less. Let the side modules come up to it since they already have the curves for the windows. The top might even be doable as a pure rectangle. The back is the only really complex shape. It could even be shipped windowless and have people source lexan themselves. A square window fastback would still look pretty nice.
My point is that a modular deal that used a roll bar might be a sight easier to make, to ship, and even to get fitted right, and it would not be all that heavy. Basically a OEM weight plus extra brackets and seals. Lexan window might make up for a lot of it. Certainly not a big deal for street cars anyway.
/RANT
#29
I searched for a solid month about and managed to find a decent oem top with defrost for $700. It needs a nice sanding and paint but there were no chips in it other than a few scratches and the latches were in decent condition. I called insurance and they wanted about an extra $200 on my 6 month premium to insure the top on the car. Raising my full overage payment from $120 a month to $155.
#30
You are so soooooo wrong, my friend.
And just in case you think it's the rest of the car that makes it...
FOR SALE: 2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER, 5sp, 55K -- with OEM Hardtop
10/10, would bang.
In fact, i'm currently trying to dump my Miata to get into one of those machines.
#31
You are so soooooo wrong, my friend.
And just in case you think it's the rest of the car that makes it...
FOR SALE: 2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER, 5sp, 55K -- with OEM Hardtop
10/10, would bang.
In fact, i'm currently trying to dump my Miata to get into one of those machines.
#33
Boost Pope
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,052
Total Cats: 6,615
This thread inspired me to do a little searching locally, since winter is approaching.
Found this gem: Mazda Miata Hard Top Red 1992
Found this gem: Mazda Miata Hard Top Red 1992
Mazda Miata Hard Top Red 1992 - $2000 (Farmingdale)
Mazda Miata Hard Top Red 1992
This hard top has been repainted and the glass has been put back in. LOOKS PERFECT!
Looks Brand New!
Please call or text 516-972-9264
Mazda Miata Hard Top Red 1992
This hard top has been repainted and the glass has been put back in. LOOKS PERFECT!
Looks Brand New!
Please call or text 516-972-9264
#35
Which contains several track pictures and this:
In the midwest I was able to score a color matched top with defrost for $1000. I had to drive 3 hours to get it, it's covered in scratches and some light gouges, no cracks. Had to clean a ton of plasti-dip off, and use neigh-on a gallon of touch up around the edges. I probably would not have done it if it wasn't the right color; but you're looking at $700 for a nice repaint.
It was worth it. Putting the soft-top in the basement was very satisfying. Rennen brackets work nicely after figuring out some spacers. Shade plus 1/4 window vents and I don't miss having the top down (that much).
#40
My guess is that you could get this guy to part with his for a lot less than that:
2002 Mazda Miata MX-5
or this one:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/pts/4564476952.html