MR2 Hard Top Install

I've bought one finally, here's how I installed the MR2 hard top and fitting kit. My 100th Video!
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If you have any further questions on the fitting of the hard top let me know in the comments, as I say you will need a full hard top fitting kit,all in it took about an hour taking our time, I'd probably have done it in half an hour ish I'fe id have got a move on.
The clamps on the top do need adjusting, the are the same as the soft top and I'll cover that in another video.
Clamps Adjustment video: • MR2 Hard Top & Soft To...
My thanks to Matt if you're watching for the hard top and kit :)
All the best and thank you for you continued support. Let me know what you think of the audio on this one, used my new recorder for a voice over.
#DadDiaries #MR2 #mr2spyder #mr2hardtop
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Soldering Station: amzn.to/2Ce7hUc
Stanley Fatmax Impact Drill Driver: amzn.to/2zPYJlS
US PRO 14pc 1/4" Shallow Impact Socket set: amzn.to/2H3B45D
Sealey 16c 1/2" Deep impact socket set: amzn.to/2H6ZbQS
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15pc 3/8" Drive Deep Impact Sockets: amzn.to/2mSNd3L
Socket Trays 1/4", 3/8", 1/2": amzn.to/2mVeLpo
13pc 3/8" Drive Shallow Impact Sockets: amzn.to/2mSC4A8
3Pc 1/2" Drive Impact Extension bar set in tray: amzn.to/2mUBQcI
14pc 1/4" Drive Deep Impact Sockets: amzn.to/2DwluAp
9pc Scraper, Pick and Hook Set: amzn.to/2mQfGay

[@robertbarr6388]

Fantastic so you can keep the soft top on too! Ace.

[@DadDiaries]

Yup 😊

[@Pleksilasi]

All the kids buying turbos and carbon, meanwhile this absolute unit of a lad buys this is dadmod : a roof. 🤣🤣

[@alistairblum7648]

Based assessment of the situation is based.

[@standandeliver8376]

I really like your calm, clear voice over. Much better than most other DIY mechanic videos.

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks fella, appreciate the feed back 🙂👍

[@HarleyPebley]

Wow, I didn't know they had hard tops for this generation MR2. Looks great!

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks Harley 😀👍

[@MR2-Salt]

Even though this video is a few years ago, I will be following it to install my hard top in a few weeks. Just ordered one from Japan in silver. Easy to follow instructions. Great content.

[@DadDiaries]

Awesome glad it can help you :)

[@kumingo]

Where did you order?

[@cheyenneobregon184]

Where did you order it?

[@ezequielaguilar5604]

Just got my Spyder and your vids help a lot. Thanks man for uploading and describing everything so carefully

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks for the cool feedback, glad you enjoy them!

[@janetanderson422]

Thanks for the explanation and also the sizing at the end, super useful.

[@DadDiaries]

No probs...glad it was used to you :)

[@rafysmr291]

ONE WORD MARK- #INSPIRATIONAL!!! I just got my MrS 5 months ago and you just keep inspiring me to keep going! I got her 17's , AC control knobs, tints at 20%, did a complete car wrap in nardo gray and found a Trd roll bar for cheap just this week! That was a sweet find! I Cant find the correct body kit yet but definitely in the plans! Thnx for the spoiler link, definitely ordering it this week! Keep 'em videos coming! Awesome job!

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks buddy glad they are helping you out. Hit me up on Instagram if you have it so I can follow your progress!

[@rafysmr291]

Hey Matt! I just got myself a hardtop! There's just no stopping the endless mod possibilities huh?! 😅 Question: i have the side latches but them back braces, where can one find them things?

[@DadDiaries]

I think you can still buy the rear brackets from Toyota, they are fairly pricey though!

[@kcheng222]

Great video... can't wait to see more in the near future. I have a sliver mr2 as well. Keep up the good work. Subscribed!

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks Kenneth 👍

[@c.o.n.collectingofnostalgi889]

Looks brilliant mate 😁✌

[@DadDiaries]

Cheers, I'm really pleased with it and keeps the snow off lol!

[@JustNando503]

It definitely changes the car, looks awesome with the hardtop, Mid engine baby!!

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks :)

[@mrbigmel3]

just found you and subbed . had mine for 8 years been hardly used but mot and service every year then back in the garage ! intending to get a new hood this year and refurb the alloys

[@DadDiaries]

Nice! Thanks for the sub!

[@arlenburgin2392]

Excellent informative video!

[@DadDiaries]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BestUserNameUK]

Car's looking good👍🏻

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks 👍

[@viseth89]

Gosh Darnnit.... I have to get a 3rd Gen MR2 now...

[@DadDiaries]

Hahaha you won't regret it

[@djmay-z2385]

You have that mr2 looking good now mate

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks...it's getting there for sure! 👍

[@DannyJacksteit]

Love the mr2

[@DadDiaries]

Cheers buddy :)

[@kolinmartz]

Dammit. It actually makes it look really good.

[@DadDiaries]

😂😂😂

[@sharky09000]

Nice looking motor 😉

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks buddy... getting there!

[@Truzo]

Very good. I have a black roadster with matching hard top. Much better on motorways as it reduces road noise.

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks....yep I noticed the noise reduction immediately.. Good times!

[@Zeriel00]

HAHA more people have watched this video than there are hard tops in the world. It's like finding a Unicorn.

[@DadDiaries]

Maybe I should sell mine then 🤣😂

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

It looks great with the hard top Mark! I'm tempted to hunt down one for my little Honda 😉

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks....Little Honda???....don't tease...what ya got?

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Teeny weeny baby .... It's a Honda Beat 😉 It's in storage because it's not very child friendly 😂 Some day I'll get it back on the road!

[@DadDiaries]

Holy crap you got a Kei car!!! I need to see some videos on that in the future... a walkaround etc would be awesome!

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

I don't have easy access to it at the moment. It was parked up in our office block for a while but there were many attempts to steal it. Roof was slashed, lock cylinders damaged... Sad really. I don't want to see it until the day I'm ready to take it home again and get it back on the road.

[@DadDiaries]

Let us hope that day is sooner than you expect!

[@MitchDore]

Great video my friend!

[@madworkxtrouble2274]

Hey 👋 The hard top looks great. Nice Video 👍. Greetings

[@DadDiaries]

Hi...and thanks :) 👍

[@namesPaul]

I love this video, I've always wondered how the hardtop would fit onto the MR2. Curious if thats just strictly an aftermarket piece or is it something that came from the factory like the honda s2000 where they had the mugen hardtop

[@DadDiaries]

Ahh thanks for the feedback. It was a factory option.

[@Anygodwilldo]

GREEN IS NOT A CREATIVE COLOUR

[@james94582]

It is indeed a factory option.... Not in the US unfortunately...

[@BruceLyeg]

Looks good Mark. I don't know if I prefer the black top or a body colored one...

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks 👍 I have the best of both worlds really as it's silver under the black vinyl wrap so.if I've had enough of the black I can just peel it off!

[@Ryukiii_]

hi @DadDiaries I really need to know what type of bolts goes on the side latches for the hardtop! can tou help me?

[@feral4mr2]

Making my own hard top for the Spyder project from a Mx5 copy. Will be 1/4 the weight of the oem one. Might even make a few different shape options too. :)

[@DadDiaries]

That sounds complicated...good luck!

[@feral4mr2]

@@DadDiaries it's actually prity close in shape. Just a mods to be made to fit well.

[@DadDiaries]

I'll keep that one quiet otherwise my mum will be trying to steal my hardtop for her MX5 😂😂😂

[@feral4mr2]

@@DadDiaries 😂

[@djmay-z2385]

I need to catch up now

[@DadDiaries]

Cool...have you got any pics or video online I can have a look at! What are your plans? Bare in mind though I've been building this car for three years now !! Slowest build ever lol

[@ybok7704]

I love the video. What's the name of the specific kit? I'm thinking of buying a VIS hardtop.

[@DadDiaries]

All of the fitting kit and hard top is Toyota original equipment 😁 👍

[@ybok7704]

@@DadDiaries Ah I see here in the states its pretty hard to find one. For nearly the price of the hardtop you can have 2 spyders.

[@christianadamson6828]

Hi! I’m really interested in getting an mr2 but have concerns regarding keeping it out on the drive with a soft top (ie bad and cold weather + vandalism), the hard top looks a great resolution to that. How has it been since installing it in terms of weather proofing? Also, can you just take off the hard top when the weather starts getting better and use the soft top again? Thanks, great video!

[@DadDiaries]

So don't think you need a hard top....you don't and prices for them even in the UK have become crazy. The only thing you need to be aware of is not dropping and raising the vinyl roof under 7 degrees Celsius and it states this in the manual. I only reason i bought a hard top was because it came up in an amazing deal with the fitting kit cheap. Often they can be more aggro taking them on and off and that's only because it's so easy to drop the vuinyl roof in seconds. The hard top come on and off easily anf through summer I'll take it off and replace around October time but of course you need somewhere to store it. The hard top provides the best weather sealing but many very experienced people after having a hard top for a while say they wouldn't necessarily bother buying one again. I bought mine with fitting kit for £300 a few years ago....they are well over £1000 now. The MR2 is a great fun car that is most certainly a driver's car but is in no way practical although many people daily them. Thanks for your comment and watching...have a great day 🙂

[@christianadamson6828]

@@DadDiaries Thanks a lot for the reply, so much useful information! I have had a look at the prices for the hard tops and they are really expensive as you say so its good to hear that they aren't that necessary. I may be required to get a 2nd car next year and would love to get a small sporty convertible, a few options available but nothing like the MR2 (just have to sacrifice practicality)! Again thanks for your reply, enjoy the rest of the good weather we have here this week!

[@paulthompson9294]

Hi Mark. Two tone looks sweet👍😎 I have a sable grey car with a silver roof at the moment but will be painting it candy red in the summer😉 Let me know what you think of any differences in the way the car drives with the hardtop on😉 mine squeaks on the drivers side rear, tried loosening and tightening everything up again but it’s still there😡 Now I just turn the radio up👍

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks Paul! Yeah I'm really liking the two tone, I was going to peel the black vinyl wrap off as it's actually silver underneath but I'm going to leave it now. No squeaks on mine, have you adjusted the side clamps? I read something a while ago about putting aquarium tank air tube under somewhere to prevent squeaks....Might have been the UK group on facebook. Red looks great with sable, I missed out on a sable before this one.... if I replace the vinyl roof at jack smiths I'll get a deep red rood to replace!

[@paulthompson9294]

Mine has some rubber tubing in the clamps already. The squeaking is coming from near the rear chrome fittings. Mine is the red edition sable car with a red mohair roof. Got mine fitted on my drive by soft top shop. It's nice but cost £980😮 I want my hardtop the same colour as spyderLee's car so it contrasts the grey. Silver is the perfect base for candy paint☺

[@DadDiaries]

Ahh ok... hmm not sure on that one then. Wow that's pricey but I bet it's nice, yes silver is a good base for candy apple red which is something I've thought about but also I do like Mclaren volcano orange... one day maybe. Lee's colour is good, I really like it whe it's dull,so deep!

[@vizualmrs]

This is the exact video I've been asking for. By any chance where did you buy or find that hardtop?

[@DadDiaries]

I bought it privately from a guy on the MR2 roadster owners forum in the UK. Glad you like the vid 👍

[@zoltanl8056]

great video! btw, only me think that the car look a lot more manly with that hard top?

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks 😀 I would agree but it is fun with the roof down :)

[@Braxtonhawkins]

Hey I’ve got a question, can you take the soft top out aswell? Does it give you more space to work with??

[@DadDiaries]

You can take the soft top out which gives some space, imagine the roof up with the shelf under it gone and that's the spaces you get. Most people do this for the weight saving aspects. If adding a hard top and tracking the car. Personally I want the best of both worlds...especially in the UK where the weather isn't always great 😂😂😂

[@officialpennsyjoe]

Do the American models of the MR2 have the same access points to put the clamps on there like the UK models?

[@DadDiaries]

Do you mean do they fit in the same way? Then yes they do. The only thing differently you may have to do is trim the plastics to provide a recess for bracket. Mine had a hard top from factory that someone had removed with the fitting kit before I bought the car so the plastics were correct for install already.

[@realhonest5805]

Oversteer snap

[@flinty2006]

Whats the song at the end? :) Also do you actually dare leave the hard top at home and take the car out without a roof? Im considering getting an MR2 and would like the roof off but wouldn't be brave in British weather

[@flinty2006]

Managed to find the song via ok google! Hollah by Disfigure if anyone else wondering

[@DadDiaries]

Hi Simon. For nearly three years my MR2 has been sat in the rain, snow, wind etc on my driveway without issue. The stock vinyl roofs are pretty tough. I don't have a garage so it's on the driveway 24/7. The hard top came up cheeeep with fitting kitting so couldn't pass it up, my car came with one originally from the factory but the previous owner sold it before he sold the car. Its certainly going to provide a level of protection over future winters. I'll be taking it off in a couple of weeks I reckon to be able to enjoy top down motoring again. I've never been worried about the vinyl roof out and about :) Thanks for watching 👍

[@ozerinx]

Very late to the video but was wonderi g how much of a difference did hardtop make in cabin noise and comfort? I had an nb Miata with hardtop and soft top and thought the noise reduction was very minor which is why I ended up selling. Long drives loud equal major headaches

[@DadDiaries]

The hard top on the MR2 really cuts out the noise. I didn't think it would make that much of a difference but it does. Also it make the frequency response of the stereo better as you aren't leaking sound everywhere.

[@ozerinx]

@@DadDiaries thats good to hear. I been hesistant on pulling a trigger on a spyder bc of noise since it will most likely be my daily and I drive about 25 miles each way per day.

[@tomaszgrobelny4797]

Hi Mark, could you tell me when we can buy this body side strikers clambs complet ?

[@DadDiaries]

Ebay or an MR2 forum marketplace section are your best bet :)

[@teologia3598]

I am trying to install my hardtop to my mr2 spyder 2002. I have problems with the ears on the back of the hood (the motor hood collides with the ears of the hardtop. In your case you can open the motor hood and it does not collide? any advice ?

[@DadDiaries]

Hi, the motor hood? in the UK all the hoods were manual, they weren't power operated. The 'ears' of the hood should fold in when its folded down by a strap between the outer and inner part of the hood, its fastened by a popper so see if its come off its fixing and reattach.

[@antonisxenodochidis]

on my hardtop the hooks are brooken from the side of hardtop. Are they sold anywhere separatly? thnx in advance

[@DadDiaries]

If you are lucky you may be able to get them from a dealer if they have old stock, if not it'll be Ebay / second selling sites

[@shanebeaudrot777]

Curious as to how the sound is inside during the drive. Is there less wind noise but a I crease in engine noise? Is there anything that can be done to reduce engine and wind noise? I just bought a MR2/01 and just curious if anything can be done to reduce the noise.

[@DadDiaries]

There is less wind noise and noise generally. You can hear birds etc tweeting as you drive along with the soft top up...with the hard top you don't. It's not as noise insulated as a standard car roof but it is better and the material lining soaks up sounds. It does also improve the sound of the in car entertainment.

[@shanebeaudrot777]

@@DadDiaries I really appreciate you writing me back. I'm 54, going through a midlife crisis, lol 🤣 In highschool, class of '85 I drove a TR7. Being young I thought I had to have a new car so I traded it in. Later in life I realized it was the love of my life. Today, I can't afford a nice TR here in Florida. I just bought a '01 MR2 Spyder as a project car. Your videos really get me motivated. Yours and your buddy's cars are the nicest I've ever seen anywhere. I subscribed to your channel and I look forward to more awesome content.

[@DadDiaries]

@@shanebeaudrot777 awesome I'm glad you find them useful...yep lots more content coming but moving house at the moment so it's taking up all my time. I loved the TR7s. I was going to get a MK1 MR2 but they are just too much for a decent one!

[@shanebeaudrot777]

@@DadDiaries good luck with you move. I own a small moving business here in Florida so I know what you have a head of you. It's 110°f here today and though I could always use the money, I'm glad I'm not moving anyone today 👍

[@DadDiaries]

110f 😖

[@thecaraddictt8697]

Hey bro I have a 02 mr2 and my passenger window stopped working does anyone know how to fix this?

[@DadDiaries]

Sorry for the late reply, only just seen this message in YT Studio, are you sure you haven't accidently switched on the passenger window switch which is on the dashboard? Its a stupid thing toyota added for who only knows why and its also purpose is to stop the window switch from working. I'll bet that switch has been turned on. Hope thats your fix :)

[@mikebrennan7045]

Can you remove the brackets that are required to keep convertibles grounded after the install? Well I mean safely, it is it still a aerodynamic risk? I'd love to have the hard top and those brackets are heavy so I'd imagine you could save at least 100lbs if they can be removed...

[@DadDiaries]

Hey buddy...what brackets do you mean?

[@mikebrennan7045]

@@DadDiaries reinforcing brackets. By law every convertible has to be equipped with them to make up for the down force lost by not having a roof. but since this has a hard top does it make up for the lost aerodynamics and allow you to drive safely without the brackets? With the easy well known basic weight reduction methods plus loosing the brackets you could get it under 2,000 lbs. Just barely but maybe 1,990 lbs

[@thedude4795]

no removal of the vinyl roof? just extra weight = slower

[@DadDiaries]

It's not built as a race car, it's a car to enjoy and I need the flexibility... In the UK it can be sunny at one point and then twenty minutes later lashing down with rain... I defo need the option to have the hood available if the hard top isn't

[@5marios5]

How much did it cost for the car? Without any upgrade you have done.

[@DadDiaries]

Car was originally £1600 and needed work

[@5marios5]

Dad Diaries did it had the problem which it burns oil and basically needs an engine rebuild? Cause here in Greece I a trying to find a decent mr2 spyder but they are all more than 4K and I can’t find anything decent under that...

[@DadDiaries]

No the engine is fine. It needed a new radiator, O2 sensors and other bits and bobs. The hard top and original red interior had been taken and sold with an old black one having been put in. Old 15 wheels put on. ...that sort of thing

[@screamatyournan9887]

Where did you get the hard top

[@DadDiaries]

Bought off someone in the UK MR2 community who sold their car but not with the hard top :)

[@WatermelonCookieLord]

Where can I get a hardtop like this?

[@DadDiaries]

Probably going to be from places like eBay and second hand selling sites, owner forums /Facebook groups.

[@layslekker]

hello I would like to order this hardtop for my MR2 Mk3 can I have the links for the company please

[@DadDiaries]

Mine is an original Toyota hard top and fitting kit which you'll only pick up secondhand now. Try owner forums, eBay etc. 👍

[@audiwu9902]

Where did you buy the hardtop?

[@DadDiaries]

Private sale from an MR2 owner who sold the car and kept the hard top and fitting kit

[@felixhorberg2305]

Can you lift the Hard top? So make it to a Cabrio?

[@DadDiaries]

Yes it just unclips and removes from the car. The soft top stays in place all times just retracted while the hard top is fitted

[@felixhorberg2305]

@@DadDiaries Okay nice bought you the top in the internet? Im from germany and i hope my Englisch isnt Bad at all (;

[@DadDiaries]

Ha your English is fine! Wayyy better than my German would be!! I bought it in the UK from another MR2 owner. If you are looking to import a hard top have a word with Dick Sloan at MR2 Roadster Recycling (on Facebook) who I know has exported this sort of thing before and is a super helpful chap

[@felixhorberg2305]

@@DadDiaries thank you! Nice!

[@emmanuellampaya5314]

Where did u get the hardtop?

[@DadDiaries]

Private sale from another MR2 owner who's car was written off

[@gajiraanorimaki]

in past i had a Silvia and driven Alfa Romeo GTV-spider : surprised for his very good handling (multilinks at rear suspensions)

[@DadDiaries]

The handling is good 😁

[@gajiraanorimaki]

@@DadDiaries which one you refer to

[@benmassey6656]

Anybody know were to buy a hardtop?

[@DadDiaries]

eBay / MR2 forums / MR2 Roadster Recycling (Facebook) Facebook MR2 groups 👍😁

[@isaiahlopez8958]

What body kit is that

[@DadDiaries]

It's a toyota racing development kit :)

[@77thomaslim]

hey can you sell me your soft top? mine broke and I'll love to still get a soft top. btw what brand is your hard top?

[@DadDiaries]

I'm afraid I'm keeping the soft top for rain emergencies. The hard top is genuine Toyota. Get in touch with Dick Sloan on Facebook (MR2 Roadster Recycling) he'll certainly be able to hook you up if he has one and he gets cars on all the time.

[@77thomaslim]

@@DadDiaries Thank you! I couldn't find the FB page though. Could you send me a link? Many thanks!

[@DadDiaries]

facebook.com/Mr2RoadsterRecycling/

[@nelsonguerra4177]

Where can i get this part??

[@DadDiaries]

The hard top? Where about's are you in the world?

[@nelsonguerra4177]

@@DadDiaries im in houton tx

[@DadDiaries]

Get in touch with Dick Sloan (Facebook as MR2 Roadster Recycling). I'm pretty sure he's exported hard tops to the US. They are super pricey over there but sell with fitting kits in the UK for around £600.

[@THUMBSUPBITCHify]

Seriously. Can you do this for me if I paid you?

[@DadDiaries]

Well the UK is in lockdown at the moment so nothing is going to happen...where abouts are you buddy?

[@andriusfink]

Looks mean

[@DadDiaries]

Thanks 👍Certainly transformed from stock!