HOW TO REPLACE A NEW MIATA SOFT TOP FOR $195

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

I remembered something. That extra piece of material that was shaped like a window is a courtesy from the manufacturer. In case your top gets torn or cracked you can cut pieces of that off and use it to make patches. Use vinyl glue, Permatex brand, if the top is vinyl or leather glue if the top is made of canvas.

[@Funbgs2]

I thought that was so you can lay the top down and use those to protect the window from getting scratched.

[@shawnbissonnette613]

Don’t take your frame off, leave it on the car. These tops takes me 2 hours from start to finish to change (mind you I do this professionally) start at the back, and work your way forward. It will take 2 or 3 guys to close the first time then it will stretch and be fine after a week in the sun

[@lolsmol]

Would you recommend leaving the top out on a sunny day meanwhile working on removing the old top?

[@samfeldman1508]

Where are you and what do you charge?

[@caiusallen495]

just bought a new soft top and rain rail as my first real project to fix on my car can’t wait to fix this! thank you for the video

[@countvond233]

You're a Saint bro. Really. I know taking the extra time to film was a pain but those considering this job really appreciate you going above and beyond. Easy to follow and to the point. I'd encourage others to video and snap pix as you remove the top just to have a means of reference. Outstanding job. Wish I had you when my top's time comes! Blessings friend.

[@mrmohr2]

I've replaced that same top twice. The first time I took off the frame, the second time, I replaced it with the frame still on the car. I found it easier with the frame still on the car, because it stays fixed, and it's easier to stretch and fit. plus, I'm not kneeling on the ground. I've always purchased the rain rail. I loved your tip about using a fork to remove the plastic carpet plugs!

[@CARSONBOARD]

No problem I found the fork trick on the forums.

[@guthec]

Hi Mike, Is it really possible to make it with the frame on car ? :) It will be really helpful also for me, becouse I have to replace my roof...

[@BriceTooNice]

what steps would i have to change if i leave it on the car. my top is coming tomorrow. not looking forward to it.

[@BriceTooNice]

also did you have to put rivets back on it?

[@baratacus]

You Cant Skate some things you need for doing it on the car, 90degree angle Philips screw driver to get the brakets on the bottom of the frame. Second thing. Correct diameter drill bit and long length to reach all of the rivets. Third thing, washer-less rivets so that you don't have to hold in the back side. Other than that the install is fairly similar

[@Jessica-mq3mm]

just wanted to say thank you! we used this video to replace our 1999 miatas top. :D got a white acme vinyl one (we had to go get a riveter though) and its been a year and doing great!

[@markc4768]

Having recently done an NA top on a flip car I was looking to see if I was missing any shortcuts for the next one. Good job! For an extra $50 you can buy same top with a pre-attached rain rail that costs 95.00 on its own. Only tip I have to offer is remember to buy a #3 phillips bit before getting started....

[@planteatz9043]

Thanks for sharing this. I asked for a Quote at my Mazda Dealer John Hine in San Diego, and was quotes $6,750 USD to replace the softtop. My jaw dropped. Thanks to your video it's clear this can be a DIY thing. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@user-rx9mq7he1y]

$6,750 to change a soft top?!?!? Not worth it. Would rather just buy another car. Although miatas are quite fun to drive

[@wildoneofzuma]

I am in San Diego also. The upholstery shop I contacted quoted $1800. I knew I could get it for less. My car before this was a Mercury Capri XR2 (It's named -Mercury it has a Ford body and parts, and a Mazda engine ) and a new top installed was less that $300

[@MrHatchiFuto86]

Man that's one hell of a process I bought a NA miata and the owner gave me the same exact top as you but I swear I think I'd rather just hunt of a hard top rather than go threw this

[@fatninja987]

Snoopys MX5 bro I have been hunting for one for 2 years and haven’t found one for less than $900, and that’s one that’s missing all the latches, had no glass, 10 layers of different colors of paint, and cracks in the fiberglass all over. Good luck my friend

[@poncho828]

@@fatninja987 they usually sell for 1000-1500 where I live, i bought one in really good condition for 1200

[@fatninja987]

poncho828 I only ever see one pop up a few times a year and they are always beat to hell

[@robersniper]

Just bought a new top for 240 euros... If i spend 900 its gonna be for a mint hardtop lol

[@themonolithian]

love those wheels dude. just put poly bushings all around and the thing is on rails

[@elizabethmontague7150]

I’ve had the worst time trying to get the top onto the frame - wish you had shown the rest of the process 😭💔

[@thatcherwalls389]

how did you do it? i had trouble getting it to align to that front bar

[@BecauseMiata]

Thanks for sharing man. Every Miata owner needs to know how to do this!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Nope. People with PRHTs don't need to know.

[@shxkn]

How has this top held up years down the road?

[@SeriusSim]

This is my dream car, I hope I'll be able to afford a used third gen in the future.

[@adoyaben]

you could also use a claw hammer (standard hammer) to remove the carpet pins

[@100percentJeff]

It sounded like you said it took about 1.5 hours to take the top off. Was it just another 1.5 to reinstall everything? Do you have an idea of total project time? I think I bought the same top you have a few months ago and have been waiting for warm weather to install it (i live in CT). It looks like you had to fish the tension cables through with copper wire or tubing. I've read other tops come with strings to help this process. Just wanted to confirm that this top does NOT come with the helpful strings. Video was super helpful man, more than the picture walk-throughs and stuff. I'm excited to try this install in another month or so!

[@CARSONBOARD]

+100percentJeff The most frustrating part was the string. My advise is to have a extra pair of hands. My cousin help just to take it off not the installation part that made it really hard. We me filming took me 4 or 5 hours. If I didn't film maybe a 3 or 4 hour job.

[@kyle__4363]

What did you do about putting the rivets back in the top did you just not use them ???

[@nasbet1575]

superbly excellent video thank you for your patience your humbleness kindness honesty best video of watched in 8 years thank you God bless

[@cameronhall6623]

sorry this might be late and you might not see this comment but i want a new top for my miata but i was wondering with the plastic window if you need to unzip the window each time you take the top down or if you can just undo the top ones and pull it back with no unzipping

[@keiferdaniels3816]

Cameron Hall You can just flip the top back with the window in... just make sure the window folds flat so it doesn't eventually get a fold in it.

[@cameronhall6623]

Keifer Daniels do you have the same exact top ?

[@pushhrodd01]

I just took the whole soft top assembly out and bought a hardtop for $750 and sold the whole soft top for $150. I love the hardtop!

[@CARSONBOARD]

$750 for a miata hard top is a super good deal. Where did you buy it? please don't say CA I'll be jealous lol

[@pushhrodd01]

Sadly I bought it across Cali all the way in North Carolina where I live haha. I found it on craigslist some dude has a miata specialty shop and had a wrecked miata with a hardtop and he just wanted to get rid of it. You just have to be lucky sometimes. I spent about a year constantly looking online for one that was a decent price.

[@dannymoore1530]

Thanks for the post! I will follow your advice to make my installation!

[@100percentJeff]

When you're putting stuff back together, you have to put new rivets in to get the rain rail on the new top, right? Do you remember what size rivets you used? We're getting some nice weather this weekend and I may try to tackle it on Sunday!

[@CARSONBOARD]

We didn't use rivets

[@100percentJeff]

CARS ONBOARD did the install today, took two of us about 4 hours total maybe? we didnt rivet the rain rail back on either. totally didnt seem necessary. your video helped a lot, thanks man!

[@rickanthony8259]

I took the rail off the car but I think I'll go ahead and remove the old then replace the rail and then put the new on. I do have a question for anybody when he cut out the rivets what did he replace the rivets with?

[@lynnperry5610]

Thank you! This is going to be my new project. From the looks of things, I will have my work cut out for me! Also, the tip at the end of the video is especially helpful!

[@SuperJsToysChannel]

Hi buddy. thanks for your video. Your video saved my money for a rain rail and wires with rivet on each side. Best video for this job so far I've seen.

[@Frankredline]

did u have to drill out rivets and install new one on the frame rail?

[@CARSONBOARD]

herrera2525 I drilled them out and never installed new rivets

[@OhYeahAboutThat]

I did the same top on my same car. I think I paid $169.00 on eBay plus a new rain rail. It was a frustrating experience, so I'm glad it's over! I have a video on my channel. Nothing makes the car look nicer, tho.

[@CARSONBOARD]

Damn I wish I saw your video before I did mine good tips. I thought I watched every Miata soft top replacement video. Nice GTR is it yours?

[@OhYeahAboutThat]

CARS ONBOARD yeah, I think it's been a few months since I did the top. Yup, the GTR is mine. I have a weird collection of vehicles! Lol

[@CARSONBOARD]

Have you done any videos on your GTR?

[@Alurtoll]

doesnt matter how much money you have a miata is still a miata ;)

[@thatcherwalls389]

I feel like i’m doing something wrong. I’m immediately having fitment problems. The front bar on the top doesn’t align and not much else aligns. I don’t know where to start and honestly a little overwhelmed. What should I do?

[@CARSONBOARD]

I’m sorry it’s been so long put it back together the why it came off. Reverse engineer it.

[@thatcherwalls389]

do you have any follow up videos on how to install it?

[@caiptanjack]

Thank you! I spent all my savings on a monster miata so I'm relying on cheap fixes like this. Keep it up!

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Rain rails do crack. But the Gorrilla tape will hold. I just went ahead and got a top made by Robbins with a factory installed Rain Rail. It cam out PERFECT.

[@Texaz71113]

is that a nc? what yr? I'm asking because I have a 2007 with 17 inch rims and I like your setup- are those 15's?

[@Daisuki0u]

Dude you are the best, i changed my soft top with your help and i wanted to thank you for that ;)

[@ethanpeter151]

Only good Miata top install on KZbin, we had the same top as you, man it was a pain.

[@IrishKream]

Can someone explain how to get the little soft top flaps that wrap around the brace on? Mine just flaps in the wind.

[@CARSONBOARD]

It goes tucked in the metal bar.

[@herryrico5741]

hey man i have a issue after installing the new top where my driver side windows is interfering with the edge of the top when fully rolled up, i cant open or close the door unless i roll down the window a bit. any solutions to that?

[@CARSONBOARD]

Try adjusting the 2 tension latch’s at the top of the window.

[@herryrico5741]

@@CARSONBOARDi loosened the tensioner as much as i can sadly it still interferes with the window, there is just too much materials on the edge

[@nknasi]

saving this for later, i know i will have to do this sometime. btw those rear bars (which dont do much honestly) came standard on the M edition NAs. I have one on my 94 M.

[@showerwithpatty]

unbelievably helpful thank you!

[@jackrippah]

Very interesting video, nice job. - I wonder if you have had trouble keeping the rain out after the replacement and if you did how your dealt with it. Thanks; Jack

[@thesummerland6165]

How different would it be to replace the soft top on my 2006 miata?? the soft top costs 395 on ebay, is that more difficult or would it be similiar to do, thanks for the video...people are quoting me $1500!!!! here in m orthern california just to install new top!

[@justenn9949]

that little piece inside is so the plastic window doesnt get scratched. Some miatas owners have one for the zipper windows when they put the top down.

[@nvrlift-xj3dp]

Hey I think the bar you put on is from a na miata a 1.8 came with that chassis stiffening bar

[@mikeyjay1970]

Hey, thanks for making this video, I'm going to replace my soft top in a month and tour video is going to help me out. Keep up the good work!

[@caden7577]

Get a robbins top thats what I got for mine, more expensive but its not going to break in a month

[@mikeyjay1970]

Yup, have it already with the rain rail. I figure for the price the instructions could have been better, it looks like a bad photocopy

[@caden7577]

Mike Wilson yeah it's hard to know with soft tops what you will get, regardless it will look great as long as it's cared for, cheaper it is the more careful you need to be

[@CARSONBOARD]

+Mike Wilson yeah no problem. I'm glad it's helping you. If you want to ask questions follows us on IG and send me a DM and I can help you if you run in to any problems

[@CARSONBOARD]

I've own my soft top for 3 months now with no problems.

[@wyattearp190]

You know auto parts stores sell all those little plastic fasteners that break when you pull them off. They are used throughout your car. They have hundreds of styles and purposes sold in bags. Also small such tiny parts you would think are impossible to find.

[@Frankredline]

great vid man i just bought the same soft top and came in today im going to try installing it tomorrow. so did u find out what was the extra black cover looking piece is for

[@CARSONBOARD]

herrera2525 not really but I would tape it to the soft top on the outside to cover the clear plastic when installing because I scratched mine

[@xtitox805]

nice video!! I like the Honda bike you have in the background! Is that an S90?

[@CARSONBOARD]

+xtitox805 yeah I s90 1967 I think

[@gtsixxgts9513]

Your miata videos are awesome! Found this channel about a week ago and the content is very helpful. Keep it up!

[@CARSONBOARD]

+Gtsixx Gts thanks for the support. I'm glad it's helping you.

[@chanyuth6656]

I have rust on my Miata rocker panels/ rear fender. Can you make a video on how to replace it? Thanks

[@CARSONBOARD]

This sounds like a job for B IS FOR BIULD go check out his channel good stuff like this you ask. My miata is from CA so I don't have rust problems so no future plans on replacing the rocker panels. Thanks for the support.

[@dizzycyclist]

you lucky lucky person. No rust =heaven.

[@3012401472]

Videos such as this one are always a great competency check reminding me of the song The Gambler....For this install I’m running.

[@raymondsantosjr.1312]

Great video thanks for doing videos like this 👍

[@jacquesborg2767]

I need to replace my soft top, thinking of doing what you did, but i still prefer the mk2 soft top which is leather... it should fit on the mk1 like a glove, no?

[@CARSONBOARD]

Wow really leather I've never seen that

[@melody3741]

Jacques Borg its not actually leather its fake vinyl leather. i would go with the canvas one but the vinyl is cheaper.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I did this 25 yrs ago, pre-KZbin. I don't remember having to remove the soft top frame from the car when we did it. Next time, use a long piece of stiff wire (coat hanger?) and pull the cable through with it. Never push the cable through. One wrong move and you can puncture your top. Next Miata I buy will be an NC with the retractable hardtop.

[@gordonriley5277]

really appreciate your videos... great job!

[@CARSONBOARD]

No problem. I happy the video helped

[@nicholasetoon]

Nice video. Thanks for the insight.

[@marilynrose4941]

Thankyou for the time and effort. You did a great job. I think I have the confidence to do this now, maybe lol :)

[@ChrisKennethJones]

What are the wheels you have? Also what size are the wheels and tires? Thx

[@julian1108]

your one of the best car youtubers ever, quality is great keep up the good ass work

[@N-JOEI]

Dam, I got stuck at the cable part on my miata. I didn't know what to do lol. This video helped me so much tho, props to you man 🙏

[@offroadingdonegal]

Collecting my new softtop on Fridayz so thanks very much for doing this video! Coll be using it as a guide!

[@juniorcruz960]

Miata will look good soon as I get mine and install it

[@nateG562]

Dayum, how do you keep track of what bolts and screws go where

[@CARSONBOARD]

From what I remember there was one 1 set of screws and 1 set of nut and 2 sets of bolts. Just put them in zip lock bags right on the bag what the bolts are for.

[@ZFerfer]

I want the bike in the background 👍

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

You did a great job bro. Like factory fitment. Tight and balanced. I professional told me that he could never have done his first ones on a Miata without his boss training him. But you took a low cost top and did a tight and very fine fit.

[@paintucation]

Hey man! Thanks for the videos! They help bigtime. KT

[@juniorcruz960]

Thank you for sharing this with us much appreciated it

[@therealcarterhansen]

Awesome video brotha! Super Helpful!!!

[@nia6849]

what tool did you use to install the rivot after you removed them?

[@lisahyden1534]

There is a tool that you can buy at a hardware store that will install new rivets. They should sell new rivets also (take one of the old ones with you to be sure you get the right length/diameter of rivet).

[@pchris]

Hows your top holding up after so many years?

[@thepilotmaster777]

What steering wheel is that? i have been looking for one and that looks nice!

[@CARSONBOARD]

The PilotMaster Nardi Classic

[@thepilotmaster777]

Thanks! btw the vid helped lots!

[@carloshonduras9603]

Good video thanks for the teaching bleesing .!!!

[@AlfDagg]

How does it open? You did not show if it works as it should.

[@iLovethemToo]

Does anyone have a unzippered plastic window and wanna put the top down without breaking the window?

[@chaniem.5422]

Still don't know how to salvage the rain rail without a rivet gun

[@TeunS133N]

looks dope, thanks for sharing!

[@CARSONBOARD]

No problem thanks for the support

[@thesteve9698]

The back of a hammer also works to remove the pins

[@Thee_Sinner]

Is it possible to put a hard top on a factory soft top with no modifications?

[@CARSONBOARD]

+Uriah Siner yes

[@dfnyc]

Usually you need to add two extra latches that go on each side behind the seats for a hardtop. The hardtop needs four latches instead of only two for the soft top.

[@Not.Ferrnnzz]

That harness bar came stock In my 96 Miata!

[@mudkipper1]

does the window fog bag in winter?

[@300zxdriver]

Those wheels and tires look badass ! But they stick out and probably rub and throw stuff everywhere

[@CARSONBOARD]

300zxdriver I running new shocks with Tein S-tech springs the car had minimal rubbing issues

[@melody3741]

300zxdriver whats their specs?

[@melody3741]

300zxdriver never mind hahaha i saw the video on it in "related"

[@RodriMagic512]

How did the soft top perform? Is there any leak?

[@CARSONBOARD]

It leaked all soft top leak. I LOVED IT

[@abymondesir23]

Great video and much respect 4 tackling this ima have to do the same 4 my mustang sn95 nooooooo

[@johnnycee5179]

$195? What kind of quality and rear window?

[@matanchen8300]

Guys just try to avoid buying the eBay tops. do your self a favor and invest $100 more on the good brand. I just bought 2 month ago Miata top from eBay store -"Diamond mall" (you can find them on the internet with two more names - "D.D accessories" and "AutoBerry.com"). The product arrived with defects and just because I opened the box more than 30 days after I bought it (Didn't have time to do it), the seller don't want to give me the money back or exchange it. So now I have a bad quality top, the rain will get in to my car in the next storm and I spent almost $200 for the top and $350 for Professional installer. looks like I will never see this money again.

[@CARSONBOARD]

That sucks!

[@robschannel5930]

Why would you buy something you weren't going to open for more than 30 days? Almost any company out there has some sort of time policy on returns or exchanges. You have to be realistic.

[@Spec187OnA]

You should have definitely checked it within in the return policy time but in saying that any decent company should be willing to work with you on that.

[@1marcelfilms]

Will this work on my geo Metro

[@mr.2gr33dy7]

Is a Miata a good staring car:P

[@nathanfrase9687]

scumbag supreme Probably too late on replying but hell yea brother

[@alium9438]

One of the best man. Like a go kart on steroids. Just bought a NA from 1990. Amazing. Most fun iv ever had for 2k

[@ramirobarajas6383]

oh yeah

[@baderchoucair7466]

what kind of wheels are those?

[@wolfs_Hobby]

you explained how to do this the best online thanks for uploading!

[@CARSONBOARD]

I watched all the videos on youtube and I tried to produce a video with more info than those videos. I'm happy you think it's more informative than the other videos

[@andyscott0]

great bid man, best guide I've seen, going to do my own mk2 10ae in next couple of weeks

[@brokentougers8252]

I am about to purchase one that needs new top ... Was that exactly as shown on video so I will be able to do it myself or will I have problem ?

[@seansmile]

you fixed the hood ??

[@CARSONBOARD]

Good catch this video in August 2016 and filmed the last part 1 week ago so yeah I picked up a hood and headlight cover from somebody and brought it back to life video coming out soon

[@seansmile]

Swweeeet man that looks way better yeah I try to pay attention to detail

[@billvu2619]

Can you do my Miata bro? I'm also in So Cal

[@93mlo]

one question , why are soft tops so expensive, in miatas?

[@CARSONBOARD]

+Miguel Lopez $195 is not that bad for a soft top it's like 20% what a hard top would coast you in CA

[@MrHatchiFuto86]

When u compare soft top prices to hard top yeah soft tops are cheap asf

[@koriyuhboi436]

That is the same top I just got that I'm going to replace on my car

[@LateNightRituals]

Holyshit this guy made such a Great vid

[@SuperNarion123]

Did you ha e to rivet ?

[@raffyv8460]

sick channel man !

[@CARSONBOARD]

Thanks Raffy

[@kojohn7501]

1:51 What a big fork lol

[@ethanpeter151]

Thanks so much man!

[@nbfelipe1662]

i like how you broke the plastic cover at 8 min by riping it off

[@donaldwhitlock171]

Took me…7…Fucking..hours 😂😂😂

[@josh5758]

I need to do this

[@robbie2294]

what rims are those

[@gtsixxgts9513]

Robbie Weekes rota grids, he's got a video on them, check it out bud.

[@CARSONBOARD]

+Robbie Weekes rota grid V

[@robbie2294]

thanks keep up the vids bro