Soft Top Reassembly - Mazda MX5 Miata Soft Top Replacement Pt. 3

Hey folks! In today's video we will be replacing the soft top onto the top frame on our 2003 NB Mazda MX5 Miata. In the past couple videos we've removed the frame and removed the convertible top canvas. Today it's time to put the new top on! We're going with a canvas Factory style top from Robbins.
The first step with installing the soft top was securing the 2nd bow end caps in. Next we started riveting in the rear webbing straps to the number 4 bow. This allows the b pillar portions of the soft top to stretch out when the top is fully open. After the webbing straps were installed, we then started getting the listings set up for install. Based on the instructions the convertible top listings were secured by veclro strips, and we had to be sure to leave a 1/16 inch gap at the end of the listing after they were mated together. Once the listings were correct, we placed the soft top onto the frame and installed the mated listings into the #2 bow retainer. The key was to make sure the listings were center aligned perfectly once we finished. We clamped the retainer down to secure the listings to the frame.
With that step out of the way we then started installing the b-pillar sections of the soft top. We used our rivet gun to install 5/32nd rivets. Before setting the rivets however, the set plate underneath the B-pillar had to be installed. We accidentally made that mistake in the video and had to undo our riveting.
Once all the riveting around the b-pillar was complete, we focused on installing the top tension cables. We riveted the front of the cables to the number 1 bow, then we tied them to the pre-installed string to run them through the outboard runners in the soft top. Once we pulled the other ends of the cable out the other side of the runners, we then secured the cables to the tension springs on the other side. The tension springs hooked to an eyelet on the other end of the cable and then the springs were clamped shut so they couldn't come loose.
With the cables installed, everything riveted down, and the convertible top in place, we flipped the soft top and frame over to start reinstalling the window gaskets and retainers. Once those were back in we had to focus on the front bow. to get the front bow in, we first had to line up the soft top on the designated corners and secured it down with a 3m adhesive. We glued the front edges of the soft top with the 3m adhesive, making sure they were flush with the inside corner. After the edges were installed, The last few steps were installing the front bow retainer, and then finally installing the soft top latches. With that, our Miata convertible top replacement was complete.
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Disclaimer: All videos are intended for basic information. Underdog Garage is not liable or responsible for any damage caused as a result of information in the video above. If you choose to perform anything in the content above, you do so at your own risk. If you're unsure about performing this service, please consult with an automotive professional. This video is intended for mature audiences only.

[@harryholmes7106]

This is a really good video. This highlighted all areas I was confused on and made everything clear. Super helpful unlike many of the other instillation videos

[@starckmad1779]

Followed your instructions to a tee…including missing to install the set plates! No problem tho…there’s always more rivets!

[@rwthomasify]

Probably the best video on installing the soft top on an NA or NB Miata. Three main reasons; 1. Lighting and use of tripods. There's nothing worse than a guy using one hand to do the work while shaking the camera with the other towards a dimly lit subject. I appreciate knowing what I'm looking at. 2. For the most part, level of detail is great. ie; description of how the listing tuck into the bow gap. 3. Pretty complete coverage of most of the details within the scope, ie; attaching the top to the frame. I do have one suggestion. It would be nice to have establishing shots, before close ups. Some of the details require the viewer to figure out just where a given detail is on the frame. If the detail shot is preceded by an overall shot of the frame, with someone pointing to the location and orientation of the detail about to be shown in the close up, helps with understanding.

[@kCI251]

The NA has a slightly different setup but they can be interchanged.

[@gregor8589]

Quick question: what kind of ribbots do I need? As in what size?

[@alonzojohnson7563]

Good content

[@BuiltByKyle]

🙌🙌

[@imsethtwo]

idk what top i got with my car because i bought it off a shop that had it laying around and it had no holes precut or anything. 100x harder than any of these tutorial videos i’ve seen

[@edgarvazquez1613]

Hi Pete, I need your help. I had problems installing listing panel. Could you please share the installation manual. I bought a Robbins soft top but it only cames with a pictures but not an explanation of how to do it. I have a 2006 NC Miata and based on your video, I think the soft top is the same model, mine is (2968 model). Appreciate any help you can provide. Regards

[@nabblenacker7054]

Pete, love your videos but we need part 4 to decide if I want to tackle this. How soon or did you give up?

[@n.o.b.s.8458]

I’m on my second installation of my Miata’s soft top. This video shows the hardest part of the process, because you want to be very careful about getting the order correct and not damaging the new top. The last steps are essentially the reverse of the first (reinstalling the top and associated trim pieces). Replacing your top isn’t the easiest thing ever, but if you give it time and follow instructions carefully, I’m confident most people can do it in a weekend.

[@luisluisbd]

What size rivets do you recommend for this job?

[@travismorgan3252]

I notice you show installing the webbing straps. I thought this should only be necessary on NA's. All NB's should have come with the webbing straps from the factory. Did yours not?

[@harjitroopra6992]

Weldon's 👍

[@checkupcharter]

Where did you buy the new top from? I am interested in getting a good canvas top. Thanks for you videos and content!

[@UnderdogGarage]

Hi Checkup. Thanks for watching! I got my soft top from Moss Miata - mossmiata.com/1999-2005-miata/tops The manufacturer was Robbins. You might be able to order direct from manufacturer.

[@luisgarcia9311]

What cement/glue/adhesive did you use on the top? (looked like black tar in the video)

[@UnderdogGarage]

Hey Luis! We used 3m black super weatherstrip adhesive for the front edge of the soft top. www.amazon.com/3M-08008-Black-Weatherstrip-Adhesive/dp/B00063X38M/ref=asc_df_B00063X38M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312181776237&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=370015532784011243&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008128&hvtargid=pla-627402842112&psc=1

[@38tech]

Nice vid. Wheres the finished product? Looks like a nonzip window?

[@squawkback]

Is there a part 4 video? I'm having a problem reconnecting the frame to the body. Can't figure out whether the frame should be open or shut to do that, and whether it matters. Bolt holes won't line up.

[@UnderdogGarage]

Hey Bill. Part 4 is still in the works currently. We kept the top and frame closed when installing into the body. One important thing to note is there a hook on the mounting plate of the top frame on each side. That hook needs to loop around a stud in the body on each side. That may be causing the issue with the bolt holes not lining up. Feel free to send us an email at [e-mail] and I'll send some screenshots to try and help.

[@jmacslu]

Is there a part 4?

[@lubomirgajdos8145]

What type of adhesive glue do you use please?

[@UnderdogGarage]

Hi Lubomir. We used a 3m weatherstrip adhesive for the front of the soft top. Here's a link for reference: www.amazon.com/3M-08008-Black-Weatherstrip-Adhesive/dp/B00063X38M/ref=asc_df_B00063X38M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312181776237&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7679887133208690264&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1022653&hvtargid=pla-627402842112&psc=1

[@cinnamon159]

What did you do with the two black straps you riveted in before you put the top on the frame?

[@UnderdogGarage]

Those two webbing straps we just had hanging down over the bow they're riveted to. They wrap towards the back of the frame and straight down and the top canvas just sat on top of them. Eventually the other ends of those straps will connect to the back of the car body behind the rain rail retainer.

[@Kendkend]

@@UnderdogGarage are those straps only used with the glass window top. I have a robbins plastic window and did not get those. I also got these foam stud seals. that goes, 1 before the rain rail and 1 after according to the diagram. so 26 total should be used but I got 28 in a bag with a diagram. did you get these as well and did you end up using them.

[@UnderdogGarage]

Hey @Kanwal Singh. The kit should come with straps regardless of window type I think. You might check Robbins site to confirm or call them. The straps help pull back center bow when opening the top. For the seals I think Robbins provided a couple extra in case you lost or damaged one or two. They did the same for the rivets in the kit. I hope this helps.

[@Kendkend]

@@UnderdogGarage thanks for the quick reply. Called robbins, their tech just got covid and is on leave:(. So I got the zippered plastic window top and downloaded their instructions, and on page 7 it says "straps not needed for 2904/2905 tops" which is the plastic window. So it only comes with the glass window. Makes sense as its heavier and it allows the 4th bow to move against the 3rd bow when collapsing the top. Whewww, now I can continue getting the old glue off, cleaning, and putting on the double sided 3m tape and put the top back in. Can't wait.

[@UnderdogGarage]

@Kanwal Singh Awesome! So glad to hear there weren't any missing parts. Sorry, I thought it came with all soft tops. My mistake. Good luck with your top replacement. I hope it goes well!

[@kCI251]

The B pilar retainer seems too flimsy to make much difference. It's a pain to install.

[@UnderdogGarage]

It definitely was tricky to reinstall with having to stretch the canvas back in place.

[@marting5130]

this is impossible this is why hardtops are so expensive