Roof Stitching

[John]

Hi All,

The roof on our 5 has shrunk width ways! Meaning the roof no longer has
enough "eve" to stop the water entering the gap between the window
rubbers. An upholsterer recommended either sowing in a flap on either
side, or replacing the roof. Is there a less expensive method for
re-stretching the roof? I keep thinking of the "Spanish Inquisition!"

Any suggestions gladly received!


And many thanks to Mike for showing me how to replace the instrument
panel light, another job knocked off the list!


Cheers

John Field

[Ian]

Hi John...

I had exactly the same problem as you have!
My upholsterer pointed out that my roof wasalmostcertainly original (and thus
12 yrs old) and that taking a rof off to repair it and replace involved a
considerable labour cost for what is a 'patch up' job.And another problem
could be round the corner! He buys hoods in bulk from Robbins in the US, so
was able to convince me to lash out on a new hood - no regrets at all!
Good luck, Ian

[spyd]

Hi John ...
Ian is exactly right. There is little to no point in doing a minor repair to
the soft top - unless you are replacing the plastic window, or cracks by where
the doors close. To do any kind of sewing repair generally involves removing
the entire roof from the frame. This is NOT a 5 minute job!
I have replaced rear windows for several club members and fitted 4 new soft
tops and if you approached me I would steer you in the direction of a new roof
as well. It adds value to your car and having "add ons" to patch it up would
in my opinion be a waste of your time and money.
If you are in Auckland then feel free to contact me (4129838) and I will
gladly provide a no-obligation price for a fitted new roof to you.

Paul Bryant

From John.Field@carterobservatory.org Fri Apr 27 17:52:01 2007
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Subject: RE: Roof Stitching
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 13:19:19 +1200
Thread-Topic: Roof Stitching
Thread-Index: AcZSA4aOly+0LNEZTuGAdP8KJ/SoiwAAbiCw
From: "John Field" <John.Field@carterobservatory.org>
To: "MX5List" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
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Hi Paul/Ian,

Thanks for the info. We live in Wellington, unfortunately Paul, we can't
take up your offer.

Cheers

John

From vivienne.f@manchesterunity.org.nz Fri Apr 27 17:52:02 2007
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Subject: RE: Roof Stitching
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 14:08:31 +1200
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From: "Vivienne Field" <vivienne.f@manchesterunity.org.nz>
To: "MX5List" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Precedence: list
Message-ID: <31fqRB.A.9IH.aGZMGB@L733>

I would just like to add that the upholsterer that John took the car to thinks
the roof is about 12-18 months old. It's a bit soon to be having to replace
the &^%$$ thing.

Johns's Wife!!

From ashworth@orcon.net.nz Fri Apr 27 17:52:02 2007
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From: "Lloyd Ashworth" <ashworth@orcon.net.nz>
To: "'MX5List'" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: RE: Roof Stitching
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:07:13 +1200
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John

I have just this week had a claim approved for replacement of my soft
top through my insurance company. The plastic rear window shattered
while I was touring the south island (on one of those cold mornings).the
plastic literally cracked. It has been decided it was an accident rather
than wear and tear which would not have constituted a claim. However
interestingly enough, the insurance company concerned was prepared to
pay for new rear window (plastic) but not the total soft top. While
pricing up just window and zip they discovered that a total replacement
on whole soft top was indeed a better way to go. The Robbins imported
brand new one has been approved and is being done tomorrow. I will
however have to pay my excess of $250. But it does support the other
comments about doing 'whole job' rather than patch up repairs. Total
cost is $1,400 including GST and labour.
Lloyd

From ben.nakagawa@gmail.com Fri Apr 27 17:52:03 2007
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Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 17:11:16 +1200
From: "Ben Nakagawa" <ben.nakagawa@gmail.com>
To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Roof Stitching
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John,
It could be just a retaining wire that stretch the top at both sides is
broken or weak?
I've seen some article in Miate.net but can't remember where... May be in
forum and/or garage area.

I would go replace wire or whole thing rather than patching up. my2c
Ben

On 3/28/06, Lloyd Ashworth <ashworth@orcon.net.nz> wrote:
[...]

[Okibi]

If it is just the cables then I've found MX5 Parts to be one of the
cheapest suppliers.


Their administration and shipping is the up most professional and you'll be
surprised just how quickly items arrive in the mail.


http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info. ... cts_id/451


- Dave

From tonebeats@yahoo.co.nz Fri Apr 27 17:52:04 2007
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;
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 20:32:38 +1200 (NZST)
From: Tony Spellacey <tonebeats@yahoo.co.nz>
Subject: RE: Roof Stitching in Wellington
To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
In-Reply-To: <EE0116384CBBE148A66DE9A16A751A0B2C2C3F@unityex03.unity.int>
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John if you live in wellington give me a ph call on
9349660 i know a tame upholster who did a amazing job
on my roof when attacked by some idiots breaking in to
it before xmas he lives and works from home in
Johnsonvile hes done alot of mx5s in the past and
seems to be very good and reasonable when he quotes
for you Tony
--- Vivienne Field <vivienne.f@manchesterunity.org.nz>
wrote:

[...]

[EricW]

Hi all,

PURLEE should be back on the road by the weekend, I have been very jealous
seeing all of the MX5s going past in the last four weeks. She now has a new
roof, which was obtained from Mazda (a genuine Robbins) for $750 inc GST on
special and required fitting.

I think the experience we had in having it fitted bears out the need to use
someone who has done it before. The panelbeater sent it to the upholsterer
they normally use, and it took him three days to sort it out! Yes, he did a
great job and it looks amazing, but hey!

I think Paul will bear me out that it should take no more than about 3-4
hours, say $200 in labour, that seems to have been the going rate, so at the
"special price" you should be able to swap the lid for under a grand at the
moment

I will let you know, in fact I may hire a sky-writer, when PURLEE hits the
road again! (OOH B-gger, "Hits" might be an unfortunate turn of phrase)

Eric

[Bill Rehm]

Congrats on your "MX5 redemption"

Regards
Bill

From keyaccounts@waipunahotel.co.nz Fri Apr 27 17:52:06 2007
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Subject: Aiconditioning Repair Company Info Please
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:31:41 +1200
Thread-Topic: Aiconditioning Repair Company Info Please
Thread-Index: AcZTohQLjiPxf1iQRq6yprF6M1bUSg==
From: "Nicky Patchett" <keyaccounts@waipunahotel.co.nz>
To: "*MX5 Club List \(E-mail\)" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Precedence: list
Message-ID: <b6tQ_C.A.EJH.aGZMGB@L733>

Hi All,

I'm wondering if anyone can volunteer a contact company/person for
airconditioning repairs? My aircon was working fine until a couple of weeks
ago, now I just get unpleasant, muggy air (and steamy windows) :O(

I'm in the Auckland area and would appreciate any
suggestions/recommendations.

Thanks
Nix


Nicky Patchett
Convention Sales Manager
DDI (09) 526 3046
Fax (09) 570 0155
www.waipunahotel.co.nz