closing the soft top

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2003
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commons

closing the soft top

Post by commons » Tue Jan 20, 2004 5:43 pm

Hi everyone
I've recently purchased my very first (pre-loved 91) Roadster and am brimming
with pride and self-satisfaction!

However, I have come across an alarming problem which I hoping that some of
you more experienced owners could help me sort out:

It is impossible for me to get my soft top closed and clamped by myself. This
was not the case for the first week after purchase, but happened quite
suddenly. Now it takes the brute strength of myself and the nearest willing
male helper. It seems extraordinarily tight and because of this tightness the
teeth of the window zip have, while being zipped up, occasionally pulled apart
too. Then, a screw from the bracket where the clamp holds onto (above the
windscreen) dropped straight out and onto my lap. Obviously this may be part
or all of the problem. Any wisdom to share?

Could Kapiti owners please tell me the best place for mx5 services, repairs,
bits and TLC?

Thank you for listening!
Jeani

nmr

closing the soft top

Post by nmr » Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:43 pm

It is impossible for me to get my soft top closed and clamped by
myself. This was not the case for the first week after purchase, but
happened quite suddenly.
Mine tightens or slackens according to the weather - one day it is
easy, the next it's not. I suspect that it becomes more pronounced
with age. My 91 is very overdue for a replacement roof; sounds
like yours might be too - ?

Nina

closing the soft top

Post by Nina » Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:53 pm

I go top down to work unless it's absolutely pouring down, and I find it
harder to close the top on a cold morning than a hot one. Obviously the top
stretches' easier in warm weather. I recall a good few 'fights' with my top
in the winter after having gone top down to work at 7am. Took a few
re-latches to get it on properly and it seems that the left latch is harder
than the right.
Mine's an '89 btw, real vintage, but runs like a dream hehe.

Nina

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's all fun and games until your rat explodes

Grant
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 175
Joined: Thu May 18, 2006 9:41 pm
Location: Sunny Blenheim

closing the soft top

Post by Grant » Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:57 pm

My 92 top is always easy to close, no matter what the weather. The only
difference I have noticed is that the vinyl is softer when warm (as you
would expect) so is slightly easier but even in winter I have no problems.
Mine doesn't leak either, so I assume it is adjusted somewhere near right.
It has to be easy for me as I don't have a lot of strength on some days due
to arthritis. I would suggest you look into getting the roof adjusted or
carefully inspect the mechanism as it seems as though something is catching
on it perhaps, especially as it happened quite suddenly.

Grant.
.
Red 2006 NC Tiptronic
FIX A PC

TJ
Hey. They are NOT Training wheels.
Hey.  They are NOT Training wheels.
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri May 19, 2006 9:35 am
Location: Waikanae

closing the soft top

Post by TJ » Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:36 pm

Jeani,
The local Mazda Dealer on the Kapiti Coast is Guy Weaver's Auto Village. They
help out by sponsoring the Kapiti Chapter of the MX5 Club. I have found them
helpful. Hope you will join us here in Kapiti.
Tony

Bill Rehm

closing the soft top

Post by Bill Rehm » Wed Jan 21, 2004 8:56 am

Another suggestion: I have found it is helpful to have your windows down
slightly when closing the top, especially in colder temperatures - less
pressure/stress on the top from the rubber sealing.

Chic & Morven

closing the soft top

Post by Chic & Morven » Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:10 pm

I think the weather does have an effect. My top is brand new and I get
this happening too. The whole top can be adjusted forward by a few
millimeters by slackening the bolts that hold it to the car just beside
the seat belt pillar. The latches can also be adjusted by lifting the
plastic clip and turning the hex bolt inside. If your roof was ok before
I wouldn't adjust it though.

I find that when the latches don't quite reach, it helps to lift the roof
up and forward.

Hope this helps..

Cheers

Chic

--

Chic & Morven, us@lynchz.com on 21/01/2004

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