Protection of the Soft Top Rear Window.

‘99 and later models - You’ve got is made. Just a little window cleaner and you are set. No creases, no scratches just clear glass. So far we have heard of no problems that have developed, so just enjoy it.

‘97 and earlier models - The plastic that Mazda uses for the rear window on the soft top of early Miatas is some of the best available in the world. However - it is still plastic and needs extra care if you want to keep it looking new.

The following are some solutions to a few common problems.

Solution: Prevention - Sorry, but once it is brown or burnt looking it is too late.  To prevent this from happening in the first place ALWAYS keep your top and window covered when the top is down. If the window is exposed to direct sun light while in the down position a "green house effect" sets up and creates a great deal of heat, essentially cooking the plastic. This can happen in as little at 15 minutes. Once the damage is done - the only solution is to replace the window (see below).

Solution: A very cloudy looking window can be polished and cleaned up to look almost new by using #17 (Cleaner), Meguiar's #10 (Polish) and #18 (Spray - Cleaner/Polish). (There are other plastic polishes available, but this is what we use). Start with Meguiar's Cleaner #17 (to remove scratches). Apply it like a liquid wax. Let is dry (sort of) and remove. Do this a couple of times and finish up with one pass of Meguiar's Polish #10 (to restore clarity). Your window should look almost new. All but the deep scratches should be gone or almost gone. Every time you wash and wax your Miata, do this to you rear window and soon even most of the deep scratches will be all but gone. For just plain cleaning the windows use #18 to remove surface residue.

Solution:  If you buy a used Miata, chances are the window is creases. Most creases can be removed with the use of a heat gun. CAUTION - be VERY careful - too much heat can burn a hole right through the window. Heat the area to a maximum of 195F degrees or 90 C.

Using the heat gun - slowly heat up the crease. The heat will relax the plastic and the crease should slowly disappear. Very sharp/hard creases in the window will probably not be removed completely but may only be softened a bit.

Solution: Two ways to prevent creases from forming in the first place.

1) - Always unzip the rear window when lowering the soft top. While the windows is laying you the rear deck, you need to protect it in some manner. Sandwiching it between two pieces of cotton fabric.

2) - Team Miata offers the No-Zip window protector. This is a hard tube covered with a foam backed cotton cover. You simply place the tube on the outside of the window as you lower the soft top. The tube moves into the fold of the window preventing it from getting a hard crease. The plastic window just gently forms around the tube - thus preventing it from creasing.

Solution: Sometimes there is just no choice, the window needs replaced. You don't have to replace the entire top just because the windows has had it.

Robbin's Tops sells a replacement window that any good auto upholstery shop should be able to install for you, making your top as good as new.