So the time has come for a new top! But there are so many choices! What's the best option for you?
Let's start with brands first. We have installed an untold number of soft tops over the years, and learned what our favorite brands are, and which brands we avoid.
Starting off, rather obviously, is Mazda OEM. Nothing wrong with getting another top from Mazda! While a bit pricey, they are obviously durable and a perfect fit!
For an aftermarket option, look no further than Robbins Auto Tops. They are a fantastic option, and the only brand other than OEM that we install at our shop. They offer OEM equivalent, and custom options for your Miata.
Material
First choice when selecting your top is the material. There's Vinyl (the OEM material for 1990-1997) and Cloth (Canvas) which was an option for 1999-2005.
The Vinyl is the cheaper option. It's a synthetic "leather" (We use that term extremely loosely) with the traditional elephant skin texture. It's durable, easy to clean, and lexx expensive.
The cloth option has the benefits of holding it's color longer. Is a deeper black color and looks and feels more expensive... which it is. Many would argue it's more durable, although takes a little more care to clean. It's less effected by heat/cold and remains easy to put the top up regardless of temperature. And it looks really nice!
Window
There's three options for the rear window. Plastic, glass, and defroster glass.
The plastic window is the cheapest, and the lightest. We recommend the plastic window to anyone doing motorsports (saves weight) and anyone who lives their life with the top down 90% of the time. The plastic window also has the advantage of being less likely to tear the top.
From our experience, we have seen way more ripped tops with glass window then plastic. This is because the glass is heavy! And that weight vibration up and down puts extra stress on the top- especially if it has a zipper.
Now, the benefit of a glass window is it will stay clear and clean forever! If we have a customer who lives life with the top up most of the time, we recommend a glass window.
The plastic window do fog up over time. for a daily driven car, the expected life before the plastic window gets hazy is about 10 years. Below is a picture of a 10 year old top, and the condition of the plastic window.
The Zipper
And finally, to zipper or not to zipper, that is the question!
The short answer is- it depends. the zipper allows the rear window to fold down, which is great for airflow! especially if your Miata doesn't have AC, it's great to be able to drop the back window!
However... the zipper is the cause of the vast majority of the top rips and failures. It also adds cost. So we generally recommend a non-zippered top, unless the customer specifically requests it.
Both plastic and glass window tops can be had without a zipper, and often this allows for a larger window.
Our Favorites
We have two tops that we prefer and use most often;
If you treat your top as an emergencies only item- it's just there for when you get caught out in the rain- For with a vinyl top, with a non-zippered plastic window. It's the cheapest option, the lightest, and the longest lasting.
If you live more of your life in the top-up configuration, re go with the Canvas, non-zippered glass window. it looks amazing, and stays clear and clean for years to come!
All of the top options, and all related hardware are available on our website! And if you have any questions, just ask!
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