Hard top removal

[71notout]

Woo hoo! Picked my new car up at lunch time.

When I get home tonight, I want to remove the hard top - is there a special procedure for doing this at all?

What about putting the soft top up - do I just pull it forward and clip or will I have to fasten the rear on or something?

Complete novice at this soft top malarky!

[JQ]

Wind the windows down
undo the 4 catches - 2 above head, 2 behind seats
disconnect cable behind passenger seat, on parcel shelf (if you have a heated rear window)
Gently slide whole roof backwards, towards the boot, without lifting
That then enables you to lift off roof from Frankenstein Bolts (under the Chrome plates attached to the rear of the hardtop)
Place hardtop somewhere safe
Lift softtop up from the middle handle and close 2 latches above your head
Reconnect cable for heated rear window (if you have one)

Now put softtop back down and drive it how it's meant to be driven. If you drive fast enough you won't get wet.

Enjoy!

[JQ]

Forgot to mention, removing the hardtop is a 2 man job - don't try to do it on your own, it's likely to end in disaster.

[J-Tuner]

The hardtop has 4 latches securing it to the car, 2 at the top of the windscreen and 2 just behind the passenger and drivers seats. unlatch them all.

If it has a heated screen disconnect the cable inside the car.

At the rear its held on with two bolts that externally will be shown as silver/chrome blocks poking out the back of the rear of the hardtop. These need to slide backwards (without lifting/angling the roof up or down)around the same time and then the hard top will lift off.

You might need to give the hardtop a horizontal thump on the vertical edge of the hardtop to get it going, doing each side a bit at a time until it comes loose. Take care not to let the metalwork of the hardtop scratch the boot paintwork if it comes away unexpectedly ! Easier with two people involved to work the roof loose and then remove/lift from car.

The softop will just lift up and latch onto the windscreen, then you zip up the rear window (if it has a zip that is). You may find if its not been used for a while the catched may need adjustment so they engage nicely and pull tight.

Its easier than it sounds - just take your time with the hardtop else you will mark the paint up

Edited by J-Tuner on Thursday 29th April 15:50

[A2Z]

Undo the 2 clips by the sun visors. Undo the 2 similar looking clips by the top of each seat belt. With side windows down or doors open (so you can get a grip) and slide the roof back so that the silver covers at the base of the hard top under the back screen slide off the bolts underneath. Just give the roof a bit of a wiggle and it will come off. The roof is not heavy but it is bulky so will probably be a 2 man job. Also, remove/retract the aerial as it will get in the way when removing.

Soft top. Just pull the front up and over toward the front windscreen (there is a small handle)you may want to be a little gentle this first time depending upon how long it has been stowed. Attach clips to lugs by the front sun visors. Depending upon your roof, you may need to zip the rear screen back in. Dead easy.

Edited by A2Z on Thursday 29th April 15:53

[Munter]

JQ said:

Forgot to mention, removing the hardtop is a 2 man job - don't try to do it on your own, it's likely to end in disaster.

This bit. And if you have to force anything stop. You're about the brake an expensive item.

[Risotto]

Don't worry if you can't find the two clips by the upper seatbelt anchor points - they've been missing on every 5 I had. Technically I suppose they should be used if you have a hardtop but a lot of cars rely on just 2 catches and the frankenstein bolts.

[snotrag]

Munter said:

JQ said:

Forgot to mention, removing the hardtop is a 2 man job - don't try to do it on your own, it's likely to end in disaster.

This bit. And if you have to force anything stop. You're about the brake an expensive item.

Really? You think the hardtop is 'definitely' a two-man job?

Are you all 4ft tall weaklings?


One thing to note - when putting the soft top back up (from inside the car usually) it makes it easier for the catches to catch if you roll both windows down a bit - otherwise the rubber door seal on the roof sticks and makes it hard to pull the roof taught.

[Herman Toothrot]

Those clips are an option that should have come with cars that have hardtops, they are essential if you want the hardtop to sit correctly, they lever it down hard on to the rear deck.

[J-Tuner]

snotrag said:

Really? You think the hardtop is 'definitely' a two-man job?

Are you all 4ft tall weaklings?

Its not definitely but i'd sooner ask someone to help than risking putting my back out or dropping the hardtop - its not the easiest shape to lift from the car on your own - and the weights all at the back which makes it even more awkward

Edited by J-Tuner on Thursday 29th April 16:31

[JQ]

snotrag said:

Munter said:

JQ said:

Forgot to mention, removing the hardtop is a 2 man job - don't try to do it on your own, it's likely to end in disaster.

This bit. And if you have to force anything stop. You're about the brake an expensive item.

Really? You think the hardtop is 'definitely' a two-man job?

Are you all 4ft tall weaklings?


One thing to note - when putting the soft top back up (from inside the car usually) it makes it easier for the catches to catch if you roll both windows down a bit - otherwise the rubber door seal on the roof sticks and makes it hard to pull the roof taught.

When doing it for the first time, yes.

[71notout]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

[tuttle]

JQ said:

Forgot to mention, removing the hardtop is a 2 man job - don't try to do it on your own, it's likely to end in disaster.

Tip for 1 man removal of hard tops. Saw this on Nutz or somewhere. Get one of those suction grip handle thingies, the sort for carrying glass panes with (paid a fiver from homebase). After undoing the clips etc, secure this to the roof just above the rear window. Gives you enough leverage & secure grip, job done. Chuck it in the boot when your done.

[71notout]

Next question...

Got the roof off fine, thanks! Now, how are you lot storing yours?

I want to hang it on the wall inside the garage so I can get the car in as well - any ideas/tips?

[Planet Claire]

Lots of people have fabricated their own bags and hangers, or of course you can go and purchase one from Mazda, MX5Parts, ebay etc.

I bought a stand from Mazda which also came with a cover:


It folds away with not much effort (think you just need to take an allen key to it) when not in use. Again, other places sell similar items, check out ebay.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I've also seen hangers that allow you to hang it from the garage ceiling

[Munter]

While I just stand mine on the "silver blocks" by the rear window and lean it against the side of the shed (painted side away)....not in the best condition mine though...

[Farmboy UK]

When I first got the MX5 I took the hard top off by myself. I did it fine, no damage caused to me or the roof however I would still ask for help next time. I did feel like it would be too easy to knock a corner or scrape it across the paintwork causing damage etc.

If you can get assistance I advise you use it.

[JQ]

MX-5 Lazza said:

I've also seen hangers that allow you to hang it from the garage ceiling

Yep, I've got those - they were a Mazda product that came with the car. Two long steel plates attached to the front and rear of the top and they allow you to hang it on the wall - very handy indeed.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I was thinking more of one of these:

Moss Website said:

This hoist allows you to store your top out of the way above your car. To install, simply lower and attach.