Leafy

iTrader: (1)

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.

Sparetire

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.

Dunning Kruger Affect

To be fair, the ZZW30 with a hardtop is a fine looking machine.

Ryan_G

iTrader: (8)

I disagree wholeheartedly.

NiklasFalk

iTrader: (1)

A stiffer version of my bikini inspired flop top then?



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.

fooger03

iTrader: (2)

flannel and fiberglass resin, make a hard top out of your soft top frame.

Sparetire

That awesome bit of work he did inspire me. That was pretty great.

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

asmasm

iTrader: (1)

Sparetire, I don't really follow you. Can you draw it? From your description that sounds like it would be a lot more complicated to make since it has more parts that need to fit together well.

Mazduh

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.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

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.

Ryan_G

iTrader: (8)

I think they are both ugly. Its like an even worse looking gen1 boxster and that is a pretty low bar my friend.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

All i'm sayin' is that my car is a big ricey wing away from being set up about the same as that black Spyder, and there's no way in hell i'd put the Miata in the same solar system as that hot little number.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

This thread inspired me to do a little searching locally, since winter is approaching.

Found this gem: Mazda Miata Hard Top Red 1992

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

There's a red early OEM one locally for 1k looks decent its the lightest one legal for racing. Otherwise there's currently no other hard tops on craigslist in new england on cars or off.

Scrambles

iTrader: (7)

I'm going to have to agree here... that is a sensual MR2. Here's his build thread: LINK

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).

SchmoozerJoe

iTrader: (2)

Folks in the bay area are starting to ask 1300-1500 now for hardtops on Craigslist.

Kind of scary... especially if they are selling them for that.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

Not the same car, but that one is pretty cool, too!

DaveC

The thing about the OEM HT is that it has a fairly substantial STEEL frame. It's not just a skin of fiberglass for rain protection and aero. It's the best damn chassis brace you can put on an uncaged Miata. It's easily 3x as effective as a $400 butterfly.

asmasm

iTrader: (1)

I am not saying you are wrong but I have seen some busted up hardtops and no evidence of a steel frame.

good2go

iTrader: (2)

Yep, they are definitely trending up in the area. You can still find them here and there for less, but you have to be quick; like within the hour.

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