mx5 hardtop patents?

Psycho_Dad · Post by **Psycho_Dad** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 9:21 pm

Im wondering if mx5 hardtops are a patented item... i mean why don't people clone them considering they are in high demand and are so damn expensive?

does anyone know if these are patented? or copyrighted or something that stops poeple from making them?

i really want one but i dont think forking out another 30% of the cost of my car is practical

cheers
Psycho_Dad

petercristina · Post by **petercristina** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 9:35 pm

Hi, I don't know about the patent, but you can buy several different makes and styles in the US.

Bazza · Post by **Bazza** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:59 pm

They are a mixed blessing. My car came with one and my wife loves it in winter. I personally wouldn't go out of my way to buy one....but "horses for courses ?"

Psycho_Dad · Post by **Psycho_Dad** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:56 am

true well i just bought one that im picking up friday, ill give it a good road test and see if its for me too

i use my car as a daily driver so it would be a blessing for me, damn it that soft top gets noisy as speed

id like more opinions on this though, cheers bazza

PEace
PSycho_Dad

agent99 · Post by **agent99** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 9:24 am

Hi, I would suspect that the cost of replicating the top would mount quick when you start buying the rubber, and fittings. If you look closely there is quite a bit to the tops. As a diy project then the glassing would be cheap but the window and fittings will give you a beating. I found a nice targa top on on ebay in USA but haven't been able to find it's origin. The targa top stowed in the trunk and it was on a MK1. Unbeleavably my pal bought one off trademe for $385. recently. We went cash in hand ready to tell them where to get off but can away with a top in reasonable contition. If you want the pics of the targa top e-mail me at, timeshop@xtra.co.nz Have too much trouble trying to up load here. Cheers