Hard top striker plate install and trim panel modification. 1990-2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

This video explains how to easily cut the oval holes in your side trims to accommodate hard top striker plates / side latches.
I also explain how to adjust the striker plates once they are installed.
The process is basically the same for 1990-2005 cars.
All factory side striker plates are compatible with 1990-2005 Miatas.

[@maxl.7803]

Jesus christ, this was the exact video I needed

[@soalersystem123]

t40

[@mysterytour5983]

You always explained things so well that i can do everything on my Miata! I am now a mechanic girl! lol

[@TomYoungster]

Great video, thank you. Not much information out there on side latches.

[@d.stiefel869]

Thanks for this video. Very nicely done!

[@MiataMan]

Glad you liked it!

[@unadoptedpuppy3535]

Hey thanks man, a buddy and I installed these in an hour no problem thanks to your help. Cheers!

[@SpiritDriven]

Glad I was able to watch this from the side of the car

[@user-zj3ig7uh5m]

Bravo! Simple, clear, helpful.

[@araarathisyomama787]

Exactly what I was looking for, great video!

[@zaintahir9038]

Great video thank you for the awesome explanation and handy tip with the hole saw

[@MiataMan]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@SeiPokGuy]

In hindsight we should have filmed this on my car when we put the hard top on!

[@MiataMan]

Couldn’t find a good hole saw that day though. Had to use the high powered Dewalt cut out tool. Way too much horsepower.

[@Garrett-gt4xn]

Just did this on my 95M! Easy with all the tools mentioned. Still the best tutorial for this.

[@MiataMan]

Thanks 😊

[@rubyrose_]

This is was awesome. Helped so much

[@oscarfunes8708]

Great explanation!

[@Ricky_H]

VERY helpful info. Thank you!

[@nevrlow]

Doing this rn on my nb. Thanks man

[@One-Cut]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@garydionne-music8252]

Thank you. Very helpful. G

[@danielsaudi9121]

Good video.. thanks….

[@1111guogang]

Thank you

[@ALIENwoods]

3:55 RIP :(

[@bradhorn7932]

Anyone know the part number of the side strikers or what the difference is in them and the front ones?

[@MiataMan]

I don’t know the part number, but they are angled differently from the fronts. I have seen someone use fronts as side strikers before and it seemed to work. I prefer to have to correct ones though.

[@oliversomers9942]

Are the bolt holes for the catches already there if it wasn’t factory fitted with a hard top

[@MiataMan]

Yes ✅ All Miatas have the receiving nuts welded on to the body from the factory 👍

[@alexcarrillo9771]

I’m a little confused on how tightening them will make them stay put after latching the top. Is there a frame in the back that I’m missing?

[@MiataMan]

Hi Alex, the bolts go in to threaded nuts that are welded to the body of the car. When you initially mount the side strikers, you need to leave them a bit loose. This allows them to find their correct alignment when you clamp the hard top on for the first time. After they are in their optional position, you need to tighten the bolts to maintain the position.

[@idarkboost]

Is it need to take seats out??

[@MiataMan]

No need to remove the seats.

[@8145dwerdna]

How come nobody has made a printable image that you just lay on the panel for where to cut?

[@paulregener8509]

Because of the outline already provided on the backside of the panel

[@8145dwerdna]

@@paulregener8509 yah, but you gotta remove the panel to see that. So much easier to align something on the outside and cut

[@paulregener8509]

@@8145dwerdna simple job don't be lazy

[@8145dwerdna]

@@paulregener8509 lol simple. Work smarter, not harder

[@nate_d376]

Do you have to remove the soft top when using a hard top?

[@MiataMan]

Nope. The soft top folds down and the hard top just goes right on top. 👍

[@Mobscure_]

This is such an annoying job I’ve been putting it off for ages now