[MSCW list] 1st Gen Miata Top Replacement

[Jack McCombs]

First of all, I'm replying to the site/lists rather than only to John B. on this, as this may be of some interest to others.

RE: Replacement top:  My wife and I have two 1st gen Miatas, and I have had both tops replaced with later 2nd gen OEM tops with the glass rear window.  These 2nd gen tops are an exact fit for the 1st gen tops/cars; no modification is necessary.  This way you have a glass rear window (no plastic deterioration), and it's a trivial task to wire up a circuit to utilize the integral electric window defroster in the glass rear window.  The only drawback is of course the increased cost of the glass window top.  I don't recall what a new 2nd gen top costs, but around $1500 would not surprise me.  (Dismay me, yes, but not surprise me.)  Shop around on this.

If you're handy you can install it yourself.  (Disclaimer:  No, I've never installed a top myself.  I want to be able to blame the leaks on someone else.)  As for shops, I'd check with PBC just south of Dulles Airport, if they're at all convenient to you.  

I have no particular thoughts RE: Your wheels, but there are shops/businesses around that handle the restoration of wheels.  Maybe someone else has some specific recommendations.

--Jack & Anne McCombs, '90 Mariner Blue & '92 Sunburst Yellow Miatae--

PS:  How did you get 27 years out of that original top????

> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2017 15:58:53 -0400
> From: John Baione <jbaione748 at gmail.com>
> To: mscw at lists.mscw1.com
> Subject: [MSCW list] New Top and Wheels Recommendation
> Message-ID:
>    <CAHZCXHpUB14wENf10Wt88ua0b2h94hg_GX2W7HV8PXrsTfqxew at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
> 
> I'm looking for recommendations regarding the following:
> 
> - I need to replace the original soft top on my '90 Miata B.  What type of
> top (brand, etc.) should I consider and a recommended installer?
> Approximate cost?
> - The original wheels are pitted with brake dust, etc.  Can they be
> cleaned, restored, or do they need to be replaced?  Recommendations on
> which alternative to consider?  Service providers?
> 
> Thank you
> John