What you need to do...
1. Purchase a Miata top. I recommend a Robbins top with a new rain rail from the following vendors:
*Make sure to get a top with a new rain rail. I do NOT reuse old rain rails. Also, I do not install tops made by JC Whitney or GHANN.
What's a rain rail?
The rain rail is basically a plastic and rubber gutter system that channels water from the base of your top and out of the car. It attaches to the back of your top and can’t readily been seen when the top is attached to the car. The rain rail is very fragile and requires replacing when you change your top as it does not "survive" being seperated from the old top. A vendor that recommends reusing your old rain rail is taking a short cut with your car.
Is there ever any additonal cost associated with a top install?
Yes there can be two.
1. If you have a 1990 Miata you have to update your top frame with binding guards. Mazda added these guards in 1991 & up Miatas to keep the top material from rubbing on the belt molding as the top was raised and lowered. Most top suppliers will not honor their warranty if these parts are not updated. Read more about this service bulletin (no. 007/90, issued 12/19/90 at Miata.net). A set of binding guards are $45.
2. Each top has two cables that run from the front header bow to the base of the B-Pillar. These cables provide tension down each side of the top. It is normal to reuse these cables, but in some cases I have found the cable broken or the mounting head cracked and can not be reused. A set of cables are $40.
How long does a top take to install
It takes about 4 hours to remove the old top and install the new one.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, I can accept credit cards through the online company PAYPAL. They have become well know for their use on eBay. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and you don’t even have to register with them if your total is less than $1,000.
