Need info or advice about my soft top dilemma

Enth · Post by **Enth** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 12:06 am

So I've made a bit of a balls up by putting down my soft top for the first time ever and I done it with out unzipping the back window. I didn't realize you had to do that.

When I folded it down I heard a little pop of sorts and didn't think much of it until I put the top back up only to find out I cracked the plastic back window!

Now I'm wondering if this can be replaced and if so would it be very easy? Or can it be plastic welded?

I really have no clue about convertibles so any information would be much appreciated. Thanks.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:01 am

Mine did the same but i dont use the soft top and i believe you can take out just the zipped window part & fit a new one or have it repaired.

tomtikki · Post by **tomtikki** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:08 am

You won't be able to plastic weld the window, well, you kinda could but you won't see thru it afterwards - quick fix would be clear 3M tape.
But I'm told that under NZ conditions your window will only last about 5yrs anyway, your roof about 10yrs - depending on how well it's looked after.
You could always try a boat upholsterer as they work with that type of plastic window stuff but it might just be worth replacing your whole roof as a repair job may not hav much of a watertight guarantee ... (pun intended)
A group buy option:
http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/viewtopic.php?p=54430#54430

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:19 pm

A newish window doesnt have to be unzipped, but old ones may crack. Any boat upholsterer should be able to put in a new window. But. Have a look at the top because if its more than ten years old it will need replacing soon.
What part of the country are you in? We may be able to point you to a good repairer.

Enth · Post by **Enth** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:23 pm

The top is in good condition. One small repair job that needs a little attention above the drivers door. No leaks as yet and we've had some rough weather in Auckland lately. I'm hoping a boat repair place can sort me out or I might look in to a hard top.

Enth · Post by **Enth** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:34 pm

I'm in Auckland.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:39 pm

The only guy i knew who could possibly re-sew in a new window is now in Nelson.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:40 pm

Have a read here....

http://www.miata.net/garage/rear_window/index.html

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 2:11 pm

If its already been patched then its on its last legs. They start to fail at the edges where it folds and at the front lower edge by the door handle. Spending money getting it fixed and then doing more patches is good money after bad IMHO. The auckland guys will be able to recomend someone.replacing the top is just one of those 10 year jobs that you have to factor in when owning a convertable. A bit like getting a cambelt changed.

tomtikki · Post by **tomtikki** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 2:54 pm

WideOpenThrottle wrote:Have a read here....

http://www.miata.net/garage/rear_window/index.html

That's pretty slick, I wonder how long it would last under NZ conditions?
Hell, even if it's a couple of years that's damm good value for money. I'll be saving that link for when I need to do mine!
Since I can't fold my window flat it maybe sooner rather than later...
- WOT, where do you find all this stuff?

tomtikki · Post by **tomtikki** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 3:01 pm

Enth I forgot to say if your wanting a new soft top in black (with zip out window), PM me.
I've got a spare one -long story...

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:42 pm

Tomtiki wrote

WOT, where do you find all this stuff?

In my favorites folder!

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:44 pm

Right here in the garage section!

http://www.miata.net/

Need info or advice about my soft top dilemma

Need info or advice about my soft top dilemma

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