Not at all useless. I just finished my (successful) install and found the video very helpful. I understand it doesn't show everything but it showed a lot and most importantly gave me the confidence to go ahead. Thanks Mark!
Thanks for posting this, Mark. I followed this method to install the "XTreme" top from Moss Motors (that's their cheap top). Two steps were particularly difficult for me, which were apparently not so in this video: 1. Installing the curved central set plate that holds the rain rail to the rear sill. You have to push a fairly heavy unwieldy metal part against stiff plastic and get the nuts in with the other hand. I was forced to remove the seats (which is easy), and an assistant would have been handy (although I did manage to do it by myself after some struggling). 2. Closing the top. Either the vinyl on my cheap top is harder to stretch, or it's just poorly constructed, but it was essentially impossible to close the top by hand after I was done. I ended up using two ratcheting tie-down straps (rear roof bar to steering wheel on the driver's side and rear roof bar to seat bolt on the passenger side) to pull it shut. Hopefully it will stretch in time and I'll be able to close it by hand.
Great video on a top-install day. I replaced the soft top on the S2000 myself a couple months ago and both cars share very similar designs. What interested me the most was that the S2000 uses about 11 rivets to secure the soft top to the rain rail while it looks like the Miata's just bolts right back on without rivets; neat.
The replacement took about an hour or two; can't remember exactly how long. All the tools and parts were laid out before club members arrived. The installer is also an accomplished professional.
I found this video very informative, together with the installation instruction from my replacement robbins top, was pretty smooth sailing on the gen3 2005 mx5. Thanks a lot!!!
When trying to reprogram the rocker balancing reticule detector I sunk 4 pretripped screws in the 8 ream through the rain gutter . I had major worries with the side hoses making contact with the super large diameter cable connectors but a quick trip to Quartzsite revealed a whole new lode to locate.Well that's the top done. Off to the beach for an ice cream and a chat with Sir Beefheart Pickelodeous, damn straight.
No, the Miata also uses Rivets to connect the top to the rain rail. It just wasn't was shown very good in this video. That's one reason most people who have done the job themselves recommend getting a top with a rain rail already factory riveted to the top, that way you don't have to line those parts up..
I'm experiencing some leak along the front top rim along the window seal. With the top closed there is a bulge in the center area. It looks like the front of the soft top metal frame is bowed. It feels like it would take a lot of pressure to bend that front portion. Could I just have a bad seal? btw NICE demo on installing a soft top.
This is a good video, but it's a real bummer that you didn't spend some time on the b-pillar retainers installation. I had a really hard time with mine - 1st time DIY on the exact same Miata as in the video, and actually did rip the new top on the driver's side as mentioned by the installer. He did say that the b-pillars are the hardest part of the job, yet there was no footage of the actual install. Plenty of small-talk and wine drinking, though. :)
FYI, I just had softtop replaced on my 3rd Generation 2009 MX5 and I can verify that they improved the rainrail tremendously over 1st & 2nd gen Mazda Mx5's. No longer a worry or concern , remains in good shape over time.
Also, I have seen a video where someone used Flex Seal as a temporary fix on a soft top convertible and I was wondering if that is a wise choice until the top Im having ordered comes in?? The leaks are so bad I can't even drive it while it's raining or I get completely soaked. Right now Im just covering it with a tarp every chance I get when it rains. Thank you for taking time out to answer my questions if you can. I truly appreciate it!
Very, very informative! Thank you! Im about to attempt to replace my top as a stalker has slashed it in 3 different places and Im now getting mold in the seats and car due to the extreme amount of rain we get in Florida. This has shown me that it's not going to be as easy as I thought so I'll be searching for some professional help and Im now hooked on your channel lol! Thank you so much! Can you tell me if I should replace the seats as well just to be safe or if a shampoo and full detail will work??
The two straps on the 4th bow of my 2005 miata are hanging loose. This causes the window to sag. How can I go about reattaching them to the appropriate areas?
took my car to the shop to see how much it would be to get it replaced. im a college kid with a near minimum wage job who likes the weekends. no way in hell was i gonna pay 1 grand to get it done. gotta study this vid
hey man, my convertible top is sagging back behind the passenger seat by the window..I'm stumped on how to fix it. Do you have any ideas on how to fix it?
so in thie video it looked like he didint attatch the top to the rain rail with rivets is doing so not necessary? ?? im doing my top this weekend and i got a seperate rain rail like in the video
I would definitely recommend riveting the top to the rainrail. It helps the shape of the top conform to the shape of the rear most section around the radius. Plus...it also helps keep the holes lined up for the bolt holes as they are next to the rivet holds. You'd sure hate to go through the process of skipping a dozen or so rivers just to latch the top and have a wrinkled mess along the back and have to pull it back out and redo it.... You could try it and post your results if ya' wanna pioneer it.... I'm not daring you by any means. I'm just trying to help ya'. 😎😁😇
+Jeffrey Potter already did it only the sides are slightly wrinkly but I haven't been able to close it yet did it yesterday it's out in the sun now. I'm about to go out and see what happens
Hello , I write from Argentina, I have a 62 impala convertible, I need to see how the top frame work , I not shure of have all parts. I restoratin it , but . I think are not all the necesary pieces. Habe you any help ? or video ? Thanks. Guillermo.
Next time record the work, not the personality. I can't see anything that's going on and the editing cuts away every time he starts to talk about particulars and trouble spots.
Jeffrey Potter I work at Lugo's upholstery in Anchorage Alaska and am wondering if there's a video for installation of a top on a 99 Porsche Carrera..I do most convertible tops here I'm Alaska but haven't done any Porsche tops..I have it on but having issues with some wrinkles along the quarters
Jeffrey Potter would you have any advice on a replacement for a 2005 Toyota Solara SE? Im about to attempt to do mine and this car is my baby and very sentimental to me since my dying grandfather bought it for me as a parting gift. Also, do you recommend putting Flex Seal on the tears as a temporary fix until the top I've ordered comes in? My stalker slashed it from side to side all the way through in 3 different places so it's pretty much like having the top down when it rains. And if you don't mind answering another question, since I now have mold in the seats, would you recommend replacing the seats as well, or would a really good shampoo and detail be sufficient? Thank you so much for taking time out to answer if you can!
It was probably a very informative class to attend, unfortunately it is difficult to discern much of anything helpful from the video. Just about the only thing that I learned as a novice looking into the feasibility of replacing my top myself, is to use spray adhesive. I'll look elsewhere for something actually informative.
altops Hi mate how are ya going? i gotta 96 MX5 and a new roof went with the glass as i have never seen one in plastic that is not going or gone opaque. If ya got a few moments whats ya best tips on doin them? the bloke doin the job was real good but the bloke filming the job was real bad. I kinda got left in the middle... we got tools and shit, shed, all that. Anyway hope ta hear back from ya. All the best.
This video isn't useless if you watch it after removing the old top... Just listen to the words coming out of his mouth and all the critical steps are shown here you just have to pay attention.
a lot of yaking. First you rivet the rain rail to the top However you need to apply a sealant between the rain rail and top. Also there are rubber washers that go on the studs before attaching the rain rail and top to the frame. These provide a cushion and space the rain rail out so it does do not bend backwards maybe causing it to slip out of the top of the rubber channel. I have a car right now that the neighbor bought that the previous top was put on without the tension cables no sealant between rain rail and top and no rubber spacer washers between rain rail and frame. Her fuel tank access cover half rusted completely away and the skirt cover behind the seats rusted due to water leaking in from the back . This is a result of ' those are really necessary" If they were not necessary the factory wound not put then on. Auto manufactures spend millions of dollars on research and field info improvements to solve existing problems and to prevent future problems. It is amazing how many geniuses we have out there that reached a conclusion that we don't need all that There are those mechanics that are professional and re-assemble the car the way it was designed and those who think they are professionals and are smarter than the engineers that designed the car. I often wonder if these we don't need that mechanics are so smart why are they not engineers pulling down 80 thousand dollars plus per year?
Well to be fair there are 6 critical rivets and the rest are so people on a production line can quickly and consistantly assemble the roof. My 91 NA had 0 rubber washers between the rain rail and frame and theres not a spec of rust on the parcel shelf with an original factory softtop. That being said, it doesnt take all that long to add the non critical rivets and use some glue, especially if you want to keep a softtop over 20+ years
If you read the description, this video was NEVER INTENDED to be a full description of installation details. It was intended primarily to show the activities of our club and provide a basic look at installation.
I understand. The problem is finding a video that presents a comprehensive and fully detailed account of everything that is needed to understand. I'm left to hunt through dozens of partially useful videos in hopes of finding how, for example, to attach the short straps on an NB on each side. There are several items like this. I think perhaps I might do such a video, but I'm going to have to figure out how to do it first!
This is not meant to be an instructional video. It is meant to give a.basic idea of what is involved in this process and demonstrate the kind of activities our club conducts. If you are looking for detailed instruction, you are better off elsewhere, such as in in-shop apprenticeship experience.
Mark Goldberg thank you for making them! Contrary to some others, there are many of us that appreciate it very much!!! I apologize for asking questions related to installing, I didn't realize you were the camera crew and not the installer, but either way Im more than grateful for your part! Please continue your work and your help despite ungrateful people 😄.
Not at all useless. I just finished my (successful) install and found the video very helpful. I understand it doesn't show everything but it showed a lot and most importantly gave me the confidence to go ahead. Thanks Mark!
Thanks for posting this, Mark. I followed this method to install the "XTreme" top from Moss Motors (that's their cheap top). Two steps were particularly difficult for me, which were apparently not so in this video:
1. Installing the curved central set plate that holds the rain rail to the rear sill. You have to push a fairly heavy unwieldy metal part against stiff plastic and get the nuts in with the other hand. I was forced to remove the seats (which is easy), and an assistant would have been handy (although I did manage to do it by myself after some struggling).
2. Closing the top. Either the vinyl on my cheap top is harder to stretch, or it's just poorly constructed, but it was essentially impossible to close the top by hand after I was done. I ended up using two ratcheting tie-down straps (rear roof bar to steering wheel on the driver's side and rear roof bar to seat bolt on the passenger side) to pull it shut. Hopefully it will stretch in time and I'll be able to close it by hand.
Great video on a top-install day. I replaced the soft top on the S2000 myself a couple months ago and both cars share very similar designs. What interested me the most was that the S2000 uses about 11 rivets to secure the soft top to the rain rail while it looks like the Miata's just bolts right back on without rivets; neat.
The Miata rain rail does get riveted to the top. They just didn't show that step along with many other steps.
The replacement took about an hour or two; can't remember exactly how long. All the tools and parts were laid out before club members arrived. The installer is also an accomplished professional.
I found this video very informative, together with the installation instruction from my replacement robbins top, was pretty smooth sailing on the gen3 2005 mx5. Thanks a lot!!!
When trying to reprogram the rocker balancing reticule detector I sunk 4 pretripped screws in the 8 ream through the rain gutter . I had major worries with the side hoses making contact with the super large diameter cable connectors but a quick trip to Quartzsite revealed a whole new lode to locate.Well that's the top done. Off to the beach for an ice cream and a chat with Sir Beefheart Pickelodeous, damn straight.
My flux capacitor is broken... How do I fix it?
Excellent session
Nice workmanship!
A very good instructional video. Thanks!
An excellent video! Very informative.
Nice video! I am attempting to educate myself on these NAs and would love one as my first car. Thanks for the info!
No, the Miata also uses Rivets to connect the top to the rain rail. It just wasn't was shown very good in this video. That's one reason most people who have done the job themselves recommend getting a top with a rain rail already factory riveted to the top, that way you don't have to line those parts up..
hate it when people show up to see how to fix something, and end up yacking away, and never learn anything.
23:00 for rain rail
I'm experiencing some leak along the front top rim along the window seal. With the top closed there is a bulge in the center area. It looks like the front of the soft top metal frame is bowed. It feels like it would take a lot of pressure to bend that front portion. Could I just have a bad seal? btw NICE demo on installing a soft top.
This is a good video, but it's a real bummer that you didn't spend some time on the b-pillar retainers installation. I had a really hard time with mine - 1st time DIY on the exact same Miata as in the video, and actually did rip the new top on the driver's side as mentioned by the installer. He did say that the b-pillars are the hardest part of the job, yet there was no footage of the actual install. Plenty of small-talk and wine drinking, though. :)
FYI, I just had softtop replaced on my 3rd Generation 2009 MX5 and I can verify that they improved the rainrail tremendously over 1st & 2nd gen Mazda Mx5's. No longer a worry or concern , remains in good shape over time.
Not very helpful video, but better than nothing. I did it. Turned out great ! If you are mechanically inclined shouldn't be a problem. Don't rush.
nice cars in the back.
Hi from portland.
he said it was an EZ-On, although most people seem to recommend Robbins.
nice rolls royce at 2:03
Also, I have seen a video where someone used Flex Seal as a temporary fix on a soft top convertible and I was wondering if that is a wise choice until the top Im having ordered comes in?? The leaks are so bad I can't even drive it while it's raining or I get completely soaked. Right now Im just covering it with a tarp every chance I get when it rains. Thank you for taking time out to answer my questions if you can. I truly appreciate it!
So the rain rail goes first then the top then the metal? I put the top first then rain rail. We’ll see what happens lol
Very, very informative! Thank you! Im about to attempt to replace my top as a stalker has slashed it in 3 different places and Im now getting mold in the seats and car due to the extreme amount of rain we get in Florida. This has shown me that it's not going to be as easy as I thought so I'll be searching for some professional help and Im now hooked on your channel lol! Thank you so much! Can you tell me if I should replace the seats as well just to be safe or if a shampoo and full detail will work??
i live near there how much do you charge to do a top?
Can you please give any advice on how to replace CONVERTIBLE HAND SLIDING ROOF END GATE 7164009 on MINI? Your reply will be highly appreciated!
Is it recommended to change the tack strips or can I use the old ones?
The two straps on the 4th bow of my 2005 miata are hanging loose. This causes the window to sag. How can I go about reattaching them to the appropriate areas?
Nice job very professional, can you do mine?
took my car to the shop to see how much it would be to get it replaced. im a college kid with a near minimum wage job who likes the weekends. no way in hell was i gonna pay 1 grand to get it done. gotta study this vid
This is more of an explanation than a demonstration.
hey man, my convertible top is sagging back behind the passenger seat by the window..I'm stumped on how to fix it. Do you have any ideas on how to fix it?
Straps?
i wonder if its the same for the first gen
30GB yes however the current gen is twice the skill and labor
so in thie video it looked like he didint attatch the top to the rain rail with rivets is doing so not necessary? ?? im doing my top this weekend and i got a seperate rain rail like in the video
I would definitely recommend riveting the top to the rainrail. It helps the shape of the top conform to the shape of the rear most section around the radius. Plus...it also helps keep the holes lined up for the bolt holes as they are next to the rivet holds. You'd sure hate to go through the process of skipping a dozen or so rivers just to latch the top and have a wrinkled mess along the back and have to pull it back out and redo it....
You could try it and post your results if ya' wanna pioneer it.... I'm not daring you by any means. I'm just trying to help ya'. 😎😁😇
+Jeffrey Potter already did it only the sides are slightly wrinkly but I haven't been able to close it yet did it yesterday it's out in the sun now. I'm about to go out and see what happens
Gotcha, thanks!
Hello , I write from Argentina, I have a 62 impala convertible, I need to see how the top frame work , I not shure of have all parts. I restoratin it , but . I think are not all the necesary pieces. Habe you any help ? or video ? Thanks. Guillermo.
Where you located
A room full huh?
Next time record the work, not the personality. I can't see anything that's going on and the editing cuts away every time he starts to talk about particulars and trouble spots.
amen
I know, why didn't he think about YOU more?
Yep. The videography/editing here did an excellent job of removing virtually anything of value for tips/tricks.
would anyone happen to know how to put somewhat new tension cables on the roof ??
what size of 5/32 rivets do you use?
What about replacing a 2001 camaro convertible top?
The frame is cutting my roof from the inside a sharp piece of metal How can i fix it
fyi all new tops may leak till new top tension slacks off ie break in period
Need help install CLK 63 convertible top.
Can someone get me in contact with someone who can install my 1991 mazda miata softop, possibly Mark info?
Jeff Potter 410 446 3386. I live in York, Pa.
Jeffrey Potter I work at Lugo's upholstery in Anchorage Alaska and am wondering if there's a video for installation of a top on a 99 Porsche Carrera..I do most convertible tops here I'm Alaska but haven't done any Porsche tops..I have it on but having issues with some wrinkles along the quarters
Jeffrey Potter would you have any advice on a replacement for a 2005 Toyota Solara SE? Im about to attempt to do mine and this car is my baby and very sentimental to me since my dying grandfather bought it for me as a parting gift. Also, do you recommend putting Flex Seal on the tears as a temporary fix until the top I've ordered comes in? My stalker slashed it from side to side all the way through in 3 different places so it's pretty much like having the top down when it rains. And if you don't mind answering another question, since I now have mold in the seats, would you recommend replacing the seats as well, or would a really good shampoo and detail be sufficient? Thank you so much for taking time out to answer if you can!
I need a Expert to install a brand new soft top for my Excalibur. Please contact me. Tanks. Marc
wish u had a good camera man so I could see the critical stuff. ):
I saw very little useful information in this video. Hard to gather what the actual point was.
It was probably a very informative class to attend, unfortunately it is difficult to discern much of anything helpful from the video. Just about the only thing that I learned as a novice looking into the feasibility of replacing my top myself, is to use spray adhesive. I'll look elsewhere for something actually informative.
Its an outrage it costs so much to put on a top on. Try anything else... its designed to be dependant on the DEALER for service.......
carol tenge Yes- even changing the fracking oil is a PITA.
carol tenge it's the smallest top to put on lol
Too many people,chatting,and getting in the way,its difficult to pay attention to the guy who is showing way to do it all...
i never take out that carpet no reason.
altops Hi mate how are ya going? i gotta 96 MX5 and a new roof went with the glass as i have never seen one in plastic that is not going or gone opaque. If ya got a few moments whats ya best tips on doin them? the bloke doin the job was real good but the bloke filming the job was real bad. I kinda got left in the middle... we got tools and shit, shed, all that. Anyway hope ta hear back from ya. All the best.
This video isn't useless if you watch it after removing the old top... Just listen to the words coming out of his mouth and all the critical steps are shown here you just have to pay attention.
a lot of yaking. First you rivet the rain rail to the top However you need to apply a sealant between the rain rail and top. Also there are rubber washers that go on the studs before attaching the rain rail and top to the frame. These provide a cushion and space the rain rail out so it does do not bend backwards maybe causing it to slip out of the top of the rubber channel. I have a car right now that the neighbor bought that the previous top was put on without the tension cables no sealant between rain rail and top and no rubber spacer washers between rain rail and frame. Her fuel tank access cover half rusted completely away and the skirt cover behind the seats rusted due to water leaking in from the back . This is a result of ' those are really necessary" If they were not necessary the factory wound not put then on. Auto manufactures spend millions of dollars on research and field info improvements to solve existing problems and to prevent future problems. It is amazing how many geniuses we have out there that reached a conclusion that we don't need all that There are those mechanics that are professional and re-assemble the car the way it was designed and those who think they are professionals and are smarter than the engineers that designed the car. I often wonder if these we don't need that mechanics are so smart why are they not engineers pulling down 80 thousand dollars plus per year?
Well to be fair there are 6 critical rivets and the rest are so people on a production line can quickly and consistantly assemble the roof. My 91 NA had 0 rubber washers between the rain rail and frame and theres not a spec of rust on the parcel shelf with an original factory softtop. That being said, it doesnt take all that long to add the non critical rivets and use some glue, especially if you want to keep a softtop over 20+ years
That one dudes chin beard is just appallingly bad
I need to talk joker group script
Gotta love the anti Dallas Cowboys sign in the background. Redskins are so sad in the past 20+ years.
none
he wants to be smart so bad
Why is every guy in this video wearing glasses?? Do u think they all came from the same family or maybe its something in the water wear they live
Who, Neil Ailstock?? He looks like willie nelson.....I bet 9/10 he smoked right before this film
He's the owner of Seatco since 1976.
wrong car, sorry
one of the worst and most frustrating videos I have ever watched !
that's about a useless video
Terrible !!!!!
Next time record the work, not the personality!!!!!!!!!
Sir give your telegram link
The video was made in Arlington, VA.
If you read the description, this video was NEVER INTENDED to be a full description of installation details. It was intended primarily to show the activities of our club and provide a basic look at installation.
I understand. The problem is finding a video that presents a comprehensive and fully detailed account of everything that is needed to understand. I'm left to hunt through dozens of partially useful videos in hopes of finding how, for example, to attach the short straps on an NB on each side. There are several items like this. I think perhaps I might do such a video, but I'm going to have to figure out how to do it first!
This is not meant to be an instructional video. It is meant to give a.basic idea of what is involved in this process and demonstrate the kind of activities our club conducts. If you are looking for detailed instruction, you are better off elsewhere, such as in in-shop apprenticeship experience.
Reminder: I make videos but I don't install tops.
Mark Goldberg thank you for making them! Contrary to some others, there are many of us that appreciate it very much!!! I apologize for asking questions related to installing, I didn't realize you were the camera crew and not the installer, but either way Im more than grateful for your part! Please continue your work and your help despite ungrateful people 😄.