Hey guys. Like most modded Miata owners I know, I try to not drive when it's going to rain. When it does, I make sure the top is up, etc etc. Well, my zipper has decided it hates life and hops the rail and doesn't zip large sections unless I try over and over again, and the rear window is a nice shade of copper. I've been debating this for a long time, but today when I went to zip it up during my lunch (thunderstorm appeared out of nowhere, really..) it took 15 minutes to get the zipper to resemble being done. I would use safety pins and leave it attached at all times to save some cash, but the window is so brittle it cracks when bent (and thus, is covered in duct tape..)

I am utterly fed up with it, I want a nice, quick and easy cloth top that can be zipped in one go, with a glass rear window that is compatible with a hard dog roll bar. I'm going to order both at the same time, hopefully getting them installed sooner then later. I've heard robbins tops have zipper issues with glass windows, I would like to avoid those. If the roll bar supports a hard top as well, excellent.

Suggestions? Preferably from someone with experience with these

 

I'm in the process of replacing my rear window with a piece of Duraplex (lexan like stuff). That would be kinda like glass, and there are many write ups done on the subject.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=127351

http://www.jimmypribble.com/blog/200...-on-the-cheap/

 

^ I have some plastic I was going to glue in, but my zipper is completely shot. It's coming undone at the starting point, both the glue and the stitches. I spent two hours hand stitching it back in place, but it's not helping enough. If I don't hold it by the zipper section (not the little handle on it, the actual runner that 'zips') it wont go straight and will result in an unzipped top. It's quite annoying.

 

You could always just take to to an upholstery shop and have them do it for you, I'd cost of course but I'd be less of a pain in the ***

 

This story sounds familiar. I was tired of the leaks, etc. I think you've got a couple of options.

1. Get a new top, Robbins or some other
2. Get a 99 top/frame in good condition to swap in

I've read of lots of people swapping tops onto NAs from NBs. Now, I'm not sure how that works with fitting a Hard Dog bar. It might be best to give Tom a call at Bethania-Garage and see what he's seen/heard of that works? He's always been good at telling me what he thinks will fit and what won't. Good luck, soft tops can be such a PITA!

David

 

I will be installing a miatatopsource.com cloth/glass (no zip) top in the near future. It's in my office. the box says "KEE AUTO TOP" on it.

so far they've been very responsive with my questions.

 

The kees tops are good quality. A boss frog makes a bar that works with the glass IIRC.

 

still loving my robbins zippered glass canvas

 

<<< Has installed three Kee economy no-zip tops, glass and plastic windows, and all have gone flawlessly.

 

If you're on your third one, they must not last very long....