Is A TCM Racing Top Streetable? Full Build Process [Project 2SJ Ep9]

[@coadylewis7739]

As long as my hair dryer doesn't get soaked in its spot behind my seat, it's streetable.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Exactly

[@jochem1986]

That's how I look at it as well. I have a pristine scissor collection behind the passenger seat that I want to keep from oxidizing. Wait, wait, are you mocking us?

[@OOICU812]

You're doing it all wrong. You're supposed to have the chick sit in the passenger seat, drop the top and grab some curves. Her hair will be dry before either of you realizes it.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Sup guys, there seems to be a bit of missing the main point of this video. It's not meant to say you should difinitively buy this top over an OEM top. It's simply offering another option that many people don't know about, or that many people have questions about. If you were considering this top in the past, now you have a full overview on how to build it and what all of the components look like in detail. I see countless people on parts pages claiming they can't hardtops for sale. This one ships to your front door. I see plenty of people with more track oriented builds that this would be suitable for (These tops are commonly used in Spec Miata). As stated in the video and on TCM's website, this is a racing part that has been adapted for street use. Keep in mind that the Lexan window is significantly thinner than the OEM glass, and also easy to scratch and prone to fading/clouding. Some kind of coating can potentially keep it in better shape. This video is to simply help you determine what option is best for you and your car. Cheers

[@jamesfcookjr]

Greg I agree especially when prices of the OEM hardtop are going through the roof gives other people an avenue to purchase a hard top that’s affordable 😊👍

[@mattteee2973]

indefinitely purchasing stuff is rarely a wise decision. Your wallet will thank you if you stick to just buying things once instead.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

@@mattteee2973 ******definitively******

[@Eddie76134]

@@TheCarPassionChannel do you think this too would work with a roll cage

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

@@Eddie76134 It will work with any roll cage or roll bar that a factory hard top works with.

[@TheGaldiatus]

Greg, miatas are the best for cold climates. They get up to temp extremely quickly and their heaters manage to keep the cabin hot with freezing colds and ripped soft top. Best winterbeater choice ever.

[@awesomecooly123]

It gets too hot in miata, have to turn heater off even if its just blowing on level 1

[@joshuacraven6206]

Agree. Daily drove mine with a hardtop through 3 winters in Ohio and the cabin was never uncomfortable in terms of temperature. In terms of pucker moments, on the other hand...

[@squidikka]

As a Texas miata owner, yeah, I never even turn the heater on during winter. Summers are absolute hell, though.

[@awesomecooly123]

@@squidikka Don't have AC?

[@dragonbrownies517]

Mimy 95 was pretty decent with this rash of extreme cold here in Kansas. From -10 to -30 degrees with windchill, the heater took some time to warm up as with all the other vehicles. But once warm, it was really warm. I had to keep switching from cabin air to fresh air because my breath kept freezing to the windows.

[@philbernal]

I used fender washers under the nuts to ensure none of the nuts could be pulled through

[@forsak3nang3l73]

If you want to keep the glass from discoloration I would suggest ceramic coating the glass. I have one on my 99 👍👍👍

[@TheBumbleBec]

Did you ceramic coat it before you installed it or afterward?

[@colossalbigfoot256]

Another tip is heat fiberglass before applying weatherstripping. Heating fiberglass will help adhesion.

[@21April853BC]

Since I started watching your channel I have spent $10k on my 04" NB. Most of the money has been spent on the MKturbo kit but I have also upgraded the radiator, fans, and did some cosmetic stuff like installing new seat covers on the nasty old seats. I also have purchased the Hard Dog roll bar, and done the regular maintenance. I drive my NB nearly everyday to work. I love my Miata.

[@Stranio34]

Many many thanks for the metric numbers next to the american freedom units ^^

[@nbmiata9507]

I recommend washers on the back of the bolts for the plexiglass window. That way it can disperse the tension of the bolts on the fiber glass less on the center to prevent cracking.

[@FDB77]

A 24 minute TCPC video?! Im getting the popcorn!

[@dil6969]

When I took a road trip to L.A. in my very clean NA, I visited my brother in the downtown area. I was so afraid of the car and/or top getting stolen I had him help me bring the top up to the 7th floor so I could put it in their living room. On top of that I removed the fuel pump relay. Thankfully nobody messed with it. I kind of miss the days when nice NAs weren't worth much and didn't get a lot of attention. I really feel bad for folks that get their tops stolen.

[@NippyMoto]

Aftermarket hardtops need more developing considering oem top prices are crazy.

[@chanmanthegreat1429]

the older miatas get, the less developing there will be for hard tops. its just the sad reality

[@abbyseipert3457]

@@chanmanthegreat1429 why is Mazda producing more OEM parts then?

[@chanmanthegreat1429]

@@abbyseipert3457 are they? I had no idea

[@lewismatthews1442]

@@abbyseipert3457 Where did you hear that?

[@pleasedrivefaster873]

how much are people wanting for tops?

[@jasonrobinson1877]

For the seals between the top and the body I would suggest throwing a coat of silicone grease there, good for the rubber and helps keep the water out.

[@lewismatthews1442]

Good suggestion, I've used the Shin-etsu silicone grease on my classic minis and my MX-5 (before the wife destroyed it) and I was amazed, it made so much difference.

[@JamieBainbridge]

Thanks for this. The window stop adjustment looks to be the magic trick to getting a factory hardtop from another car to fit. What would we do without you!

[@willvanhouten8998]

To represent the cold climate Miata owners: I drive my NA with an OEM hardtop in Michigan during the winter, and it's gotten down to single digits for several weeks this winter. The hardtop keeps the heat in fine without any insulation, and you can totally drive a Miata in cold weather, hardtop or soft top, and remain comfortable. I only switched to a hardtop for dryness and aesthetic purposes. Great video Greg, but ya misrepresented the snow Miatas!

[@ZeSneakyNinja]

I've been debating a TCM top for my NB2 for a while now, glad to see an in depth video on it. I've always wondered how it would affect overall sound and comfort in the cab if you sound deadened the inside of the top with something like Kilmat or Dynamat.

[@jayarnold8883]

I was wondering about truck bedliner or gravel guard.....

[@FDB77]

Who else just vibes to that intro every time

[@Dewree69]

🙋🏻‍♂️

[@EquiliMario]

One of few i don't fast forward

[@jannevot8515]

Every single time.

[@aidancloke4398]

I usually go back at the end of the video just to watch it again

[@Dewree69]

@@aidancloke4398 right? It’s a bigger banger than the Linus Tech Tips intro 😂

[@Nebbia_affaraccimiei]

I feel like TCM should offer these pre-assembled too, that was a lot of work!

[@0xGRIDRUNR]

at bare minimum, installing the window at least.

[@BigIsleJ]

If not pre-assembled, at least pre-drilled would be nice

[@GrindhouseJho]

I've bought stuff from TCM and spoken to them about the hardtops, from their end the issue becomes warranty and liability. It's even posted on their website that they wont assemble them and when you begin your assembly you assume all liability. From their end I guess they dont wanna deal with someone hassling them or trashing them, if say, the seals got damaged during shipping. Kinda sucks but I get where their coming from too.

[@0xGRIDRUNR]

@@GrindhouseJho bro that's a fancy way of them saying they're just lazy and have low quality control lmao

[@GrindhouseJho]

@@0xGRIDRUNR not gonna disagree with you on that one, but with hardtops being so expensive and them being one of the few outfits making a product they're willing to ship to you, we're all kinda up the creek. 🤷🏽‍♂️😂

[@taylorbynam1929]

I woulda liked to see a decibel measurement say at 70 mph vs the oem. That would be a good streetcar question. I think engine noise, road noise, wind could make the tcm too louder.

[@LanFear66]

Thanks for a great install video Greg! Just used their kit to replace a broken OEM hardtop window, and this install guide was really helpful!

[@yankymategarage]

Another thing I feel worth mentioning is lexan "glass" that the fiberglass top comes with will not last. It starts accumulating scratches the second you peel the protective film off and if left outdoors will last 3-4 years before you can barely see out of it, it gets a nasty brown haze and needs to be replaced. I have had lexan hatch and side windows and never recommend them for cars stored outside unless it's a race car and you need the weight savings. Regular glass that comes on the OEM top (that makes it heavier btw) will last forever and is impossible to scratch.

[@keithbusch4014]

My factory hard top has padding and a vinyl headliner from the factory. Also driving miatas in the show is the best, they have heatets.. Keep up the good content and thanks for your time.

[@Hunter-gc8ir]

Glad this video was made because I just got the TCM hardtop last Friday and had no idea what I was doing thanks for the vid!!

[@B0F]

i refreshed just in time

[@blacknyc22]

Had my eye on Treasure’s hardtop and... I’ll pay extra for OEM if I can find one.

[@danielmanzoni9134]

Oem is getting kinda ridiculous now though, got mine for like 1200 dollars in pretty beat up condition.

[@Patrick94GSR]

same here. Much prefer the fitment of OEM.

[@gkkillerr]

dont get one from them, they are horrible

[@lumbologo]

i keep saying that to myself but seeing OEM tops selling for 1500+ is really making me rethink that decision

[@BuddhaOfDarkness]

They're cheap in GB. Cheapest during the summer months.

[@Chrisonboost]

Had my treasure coast hardtop for a couple months now , im using the stock seals and rails and ran into the same problem that you did near the end of the vid . My seals leak like crazy on the side windows with the stock seals and ive tried everything. Definitely gonna try those 1 piece as they look like they seal almost 100% better

[@tomwalter8536]

Amazing content Greg. Love the detail. you answer so many questions that I've pondered. You also made me sweat reliving having to replace my soft top after a hail storm... so many hidden screws, rivets, glue, cable threading and nerve racking stretching of the new hood...

[@NoobProjectCar]

Thanks greg for convincing me to buy the treasure coast hardtop 👍

[@aygwm]

That hardtop doesn’t even have the window pre-drilled? That’s a PITA!

[@old_con]

Thank you Greg for making this video so we can all weigh up the pros and cons of this roof. For a track car where you want to lose as much weight as possible and your not too worried about fitment this is the way to go but for a daily or show car no way. 👍🏽😎

[@jesrex3596]

I needed this video 2 years ago 😭 Great video nonetheless!

[@robflanders7004]

Thank you so much for doing a review on these!!! I was unsure about these tops but now I want one! Thanks Greg!

[@tomjackson5657]

Exactly the content I was looking for. Well done!

[@chanmanthegreat1429]

Thanks for making this video. I had no idea these were even a thing! I have been craving a hard top for the cooler months (and they look sexy) Glad to know this is an option!

[@zzzzaaattt12321]

Hey Greg! I got an idea! For the NB why not get a black bird fab lexan spoiler! I’m sure people would LOVE the in-depth install video of it! It can be confusing lol

[@1knowsnothing1]

I made custom lexan windows for my fastback and you can buff scratches out with a dual action/random orbital buffer and cutting compound-just keep it moving so you don’t heat up one spot and melt the lexan. Also, I clean mine with ammonia-free glass cleaner like the “all natural” organic vinegar-based stuff or Sprayway brand you can buy at the auto parts store. Microfiber cloth only! Anything else will leave scratches.

[@paulkimble4548]

How about the fastback next 😉

[@JeremyHeinks]

Definitely going this route

[@mikegarbrandt]

Best channel...thank you for all the time you put into these videos keep at it!

[@koolerthanapolarbear]

looks like a nice product, but i think they missed the mark on pricing. oem hardtops go for about $1k around me. theres no way i'd pick this over oem if the difference is just $100 bucks

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

And that's exactly why I made this video, neither is "better", it all comes down to personal preference. Each have their pros and cons, I'd way rather have this top on a track driven car, but an OEM top is more suitable for a Miata in really good condition, or that you want to be nicer for street use. This is a racing part adapted for street use.

[@backseat.skeleton4030]

where the hell are you getting that cheap of a hardtop 😂 hardtops cost more than i paid for my entire miata nowadays

[@jaimelobo8194]

THANK YOU SO MUCH I WANTED A REVIEW FOR THIS HARDTOP AND FINALLY SOMEONE DID IT W THE SAME DISTRUBTOR THANK OYU MIATA DAD AHHHH

[@bakerXderek]

That's cleaaan

[@MichaelGallagher97]

You can check it out but it ain't for checking out

[@gustavrohde8557]

my new favorite car chanel

[@cmzangetsu1993]

to be fair you can get brand new hard tops from Mazda still thanks to the roadster refresh program in Japan. you get a glass window w/defrost in black gel coat with everything to install it including frankenbolts and the interior latch striker and replacement interior panel. ~$1800

[@86surge90]

I imagine some dynamat headliner could be applied to lower road noise and heat and to give it a bit of an oem look.

[@dschrock23]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the lack of frankenstein bolt mounting. Any additional vibrations and noise with those missing?

[@GrindhouseJho]

Thanks homie was really thinking about doing this test but I have neither a TCM or OEM hardtop... 😂😂😂 Keep it up! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@Stranio34]

It was minus 10 degrees C (that is 14 degrees F) in the netherlands last week . Miata is the daily, and even without all the isolation you speak of it is not bad at all. the first 15 minutes you stay warm enough and then just put on the heater :) Which if it brakes you have a very nice video for on how to fix that ghehe luckily havent needed that one yet.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Miata hardtop looks CLEAN as hell. I cant come together on it though, as the open top is one of the main party pieces of the car. I thought it was a stiff platform. Does a top add rigidity? I get the benefit of not having your head cut off in a rollover, mind you....but i think if i buy a miata that's what im signing up for. For basic aesthetics, I also understand it looks faster, cleaner. I also dont track cars BUT i have a significant amount of respect for and appreciate the guys that do because it results in more thoughtfulness in car engineering. Im not sure if im weird or normal, but I would take a sporty car and enjoy it driving corners fast and the good performance at regular speeds...just better than a minivan or a mom car, and the looks are more iconic and artful.

[@byronspencer539]

I have literally been considering buying one because of the price of used oem hardtop. Owned a miata for 8 years and I still haven't bought a hard top. 🤦‍♂️ thanks for this video Bro

[@bobos245]

13:30, I had those treasure coast seals on my snugtop, they're trash and the adhesive dries out pretty quick. Buying the oem hard top rails and gaskets is fairly expensive but definitely a better solution.

[@LoLreality1]

I think I’m sold . Thanks .

[@jesse5222]

awesome and super helpful video, thanks for posting

[@_Slaab_]

I have a racing hard top on my NB I bought it from some random guy and it has solid mounts. I can’t figure out the brand to this day it has a glass window with a defroster. It’s a pain in the ass to take on and off on nice days but I will note the difference in stiffness from the soft top when cornering and going over bumps.

[@awgie]

Would you say you have to really crank those turnbuckles? When I tightened mine the fiberglass was making some very angry noises 😂

[@frogsshadow4189]

For poking the holes in the weather stripping, just poke them from the inside so you don't need the lines

[@tedstriker754]

That top isn't bad. But the inside is rough looking. I'd peel ply that after finding out what kind of resin it was made from. Either polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy. That would give it a smooth finish. Then paint it back on the inside. and I'd look for some of that 1/4" thick sheet black foam with adhesive on one side like the OEM tops have on them. It's too bad they don't have the chrome blocks that go over the Frankenstein bolts. It looks like that's missing on the racing top and needs to be there. The attachment brackets look exactly like the Garage star brackets I got for my OEM top for theft deterrence.

[@BigIsleJ]

Thanks for covering this. I was curious how much of a job it was to prep the TCM top with the street kit :)

[@daddyone82]

Yay. Miata Daddy waking me up

[@asentientkyle-3932]

What do you guys think of the fastback hard tops for na and nb miatas?

[@mmavcanuck]

$$

[@elwindewitte]

Really freaking awesome! But kind of sad that they look so stuck on. Especially because it needs to clear the filler cap.

[@christianzinn7636]

Thanks for another great video! I think I'd go with a white fiberglass to for the red car. Not only would it give contrast, but believe this OG when I say it Will be Much Cooler (temp wise) inside the car and you could prove that with a thermometer (before & after). If you are going to change the trunk why not the hood as well? Isn't it More important to lower the weight in the middle and front of the car, then the rear? I would think the last thing to do for handling is lighten the rear, not the first. Just Sayin' Best Always, Chris Zinn

[@Juan-hz4io]

You should make to soon junior into a spec Miata one day.

[@mikerecords5530]

I drove my na miata in a foot of snow and it was a beast, and warm.

[@lukeagajanian5815]

Interested in seeing the fiberglass trunk lid. I'm planning on ponying up the money on a CarbonMiata ducktail style lid. I use the trunk rather frequently, so I'm worried the fiberglass might deteriorate around the mounting points.

[@ch_chone]

This video is mega helpful, thanks for making it. As a point of comparison, do you have any experience with the OE-replica tops from VIS or CarbonMiata?

[@ericmarts2467]

Carbon miata ones are nice, or at least I like mine.and alot less Assembly.

[@24blackspiderman]

Finally saw this video 7 months ago kinda perfect when my rear glass window fell off my soft top

[@JeremyHeinks]

Thanks!

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Dude, thank you so much!!!

[@aafmirq777]

The transformers thing really got me lmaooo😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EdwinHernandez-wd4vv]

Good work my dude...

[@TheJohnb35711]

I think the red one has earned itself a carbonmiata duck bill trunk lid :)

[@JenniferKeane]

Thanks for telling us about the rivet that holds the back part of the weather stripping on... BUT HOW DO YOU GET IT OUT??!!

[@HenzPowell]

Learnt stuff. As always!!

[@Grumpini]

11:11 JIS head, not philips?

[@TheAwkwardBanana]

Definitely.

[@revlimiternet]

More than meets the eye.

[@BADDTIMES]

i own a corolla but i still watched this with unbreaking attention

[@bumbaclot77782]

Hey Greg, when installing the one piece window seal what side of the car does the tapered end go? does it wrap around the front of the top like the factory seal?

[@plantedrabbit3]

gonna have to fight you on that end bit real quick, na miata is a phenomenal winter car (source, i daily drove mine in upstate ny last winter)

[@urkoarriazu126]

Love that outro!

[@sarammika]

soft tops are the only way for mx5/miata/roadster.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Ughh I can't stand them. Hard top only, and I never take them off!

[@jearbearhoodlum]

came out legit!

[@mitchellclarke5966]

Top MX5 content on the web :)

[@TimotoRacing]

You definitely should use some washers. Outside with rubber, inside normal ones.

[@setra23]

The price of hardtops in the UK makes up for the higher rate that the mx5s rust at here. I've seen hardtop sell for $1500 when a good one in the uk is about £250-300. One suggestion for the painting, I'd say peeling the middle bit of the protective plastic before the paint has fully dried would be a better idea. Less likely to pull any of the paint up, as the paint will still be soft.

[@zepic9093]

At least its getting closer to spring so more hardtops are coming for sale in the UK and their prices are dropping slowly too

[@yossi126]

Check again. Prices are climbing for the past two years and are now at £500 for an average nice example. Still cheaper than the US though.

[@setra23]

@@yossi126 First two I've saw on a an mx5 buy and sell page are both £350.

[@lc___________]

Loved this creg

[@DILLYBAR31869]

Dude you should go with the Fast Back for the NB! It's super sexy

[@Krishuzey]

Another great video! 8:10 ‐ what is that window trim stuff called? 🤔 can't seem to find it anywhere!

[@vamazeyXD]

It’s nice but I wish it wasn’t exposed fiberglass on the inside, like you have your nice interior then u look up and see that. Maybe some filler primer and paint would give it a nice finish.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Racing part is a racing part 🤷‍♂️ no frills

[@xxYFKxx]

One question, did you take your soft top off or did you keep them on? I’m only asking because I want to know if there’s any issues with how solid the hardtop holds with the soft top on since it isn’t really bolted up. Thanks.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

I did remove the soft top from mine, but you can leave it in place.

[@wookie_yata4625]

I got a dumb question but the window comes with the hardtop right, or do u have to buy the street kit also??? To get the window???

[@raviolitrail]

10lbs off your rotational mass would be more effective. For $1000 you could get light ass wheels, pullies and a flywheel. Great video either way. I wish it had a defrost option?

[@bmxbarn15]

what about an OEM hardtop with plastic window

[@Octaviodeiques]

TCM offers the Lexan window for OEM tops as well

[@roadsterguy79]

Love this video Miata Dad! Lol 😂 Question for ya ? I live in FL and have been considering one of these because it might be easier removing and replacing on a whim with FL crazy weather than an oem top . Aside from the hardware, do you think the weight helps significantly with mounting it on the car by yourself?

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

An OEM top with latches will be faster to remove than this top. Weight of the OEM top isn't really an issue in my opinion, kind of why I put that 2 second clip in the end of pulling the OEM top off by myself

[@RafaelJOrtiz]

I wonder if it would be possible to use the soft top latches at least for the front to make it easier to remove.

[@panchocoyote3608]

This should come with the holes predrilled on both the window and fiberglass. It's really stupid that it doesn't.

[@drewstermalloy]

It looks good, but it seems like it's actually more expensive than an OEM top, and those come pre-assembled...

[@PedalMafiaM]

lol maybe some piece of crap that looks like a dog chewed on it for two years

[@drewstermalloy]

@@PedalMafiaM idk, I paid $1000 for mine last summer and it basically looks brand new. I realize now how much they've gone up in price though. I saw one on ebay the other day for $2500 that barely had paint on it. 😂

[@Patrick94GSR]

What about the 1-piece OEM hard top seals? After struggling greatly with new ILM soft top seals, I'm wondering if the OEM 1-piece hard top seals would work on that TCM top?

[@Caterisma]

97 M editions have insulation like probably the only miata with any

[@anythinggoesc33j4y]

great top option !!!

[@sublimegabe]

That same rare San Diego storm put 2 inches of water in my NB driver foot well :-(.

[@jojonoshie5185]

It would be really cool of you were to do a whole weight reduction video. Just like the dyno marathon, but getting rid of excess weight.