Yes - you can put a hard top on a Miata. In many cases little of no additional
hardware is needed.
All factory Mazda Miata hard tops fit on all years of Miatas, but in 1990-91
they did NOT have defrosters. So these tops usually cost less on the secondary
market. On tops with defrosters, the wiring connections are not all the same.
The years '92 to '97 has one type on connector and from '99 on there is a
different type. They can be easily changed with parts from a Mazda parts dept,
if necessary.
Near the trunk there are two chrome plates (hard top striker plates). On most Miatas made before '95,
these plates had the hard top mounting knobs (often referred to as 'Frankenstein
bolts') already in place. If they are not present, these must be installed in
order to attach the rear of the hard top.
There are also mounting brackets on the inside near each seat belt
pillar.
If you attach the top and the defroster doesn't work, you'll probably need to
add a fuse block. In the trunk behind the battery and below the antenna is a
plug in the wiring harness. If your Miata has a factory electric antenna, the
fuse block that holds fuse for both the antenna and the defroster will already
be there. If not, you have to get one and plug it in.
A company by the name of SnugTop use to make an aftermarket top for
the Miata. It was made of fiberglass and the cost was a few hundred dollars less then the Mazda
OEM top. While they
stopped making it a few years back you may see them available as used.
The easiest (and most expensive) place to find a hard top for your Miata is
at a Mazda dealer. Over the years the cost has risen for around $1,600 to
currently around $2,300.
You can also check the local papers. If you have an "Auto
Dealer" weekly ad flyer, it's probably the best place to start.
You can always find used ones on ebay. Shipping across country will run
around $200 to $400. You'll also probably need to have it professionally crated.
For Instance - If you are looking for a Miata Hard Top, here are the ones
currently being listed on ebay.
Sometimes listings will show up that include "hard top" like
someone selling a used Miata that include a "hard top" so don't freak
out if you see a listing for $10,000. It is probably for a Miata with a hard
top. OYou can always find used ones on ebay. Shipping across country will run
around $200 to $400. You'll also probably need to have it professionally crated.
For Instance - If you are looking for a Miata Hard Top or hard top
accessories, here are the ones
currently being listed on ebay.
When looking for a hard top don't be afraid to think outside the box.
There is no law that says you have to put a black hard top on a black Miata or a
white hard top on a white Miata. For instance, a red top would look pretty cool
on a black Miata. And for that matter a black hard top would look pretty good on
just about any color Miata. Here are some other suggestions: Red Top/White
Miata; White Top/Red Miata, BRG top/Yellow Miata (sort of a Lotus look). Of
course you can always have your new top repainted.
Also look on the Team Miata Resources page for the listing of Miata Clubs
around the country. Find one in your area and contact them. Often club members
will have a top they are willing to part with.
