So after thinking aobut it i went the easy/lazy way out and just did this:
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1340812392

I am still missing the pull strap which i will probablu do today other than that really liking the lack of arm rest!

but hey anyone else find themselves hitting their knee on the window handle now?

Well... I've already found the weak link with the hardboard, which I kind of already suspected. Moisture has caused it to swell a bit, and now between each screw, the board bows out about 1/4". Only really noticeable if you trace the line along the bottom of the door with your eyes and you can see a bit of a rollercoaster. Enough that it bothers me knowing it's there though. So I guess I'll eventually find some ABS and redo it properly. For now, these are fine. I'm having a hard time justifying much money on this car at the moment though. I've been back and forth on this thing for years now. Maybe, maybe not. I'd like something newer and more comfortable anyway. Maybe I'll just keep it and rag it out beyond where it is ragged to now.