13 replies to this topic

[exitspeed]

I'm removing the soft top and frame assembly from my 1990 in anticipation of installing a hardtop. Do I need to retain the rain (drip) rail for the hardtop? Just wondering what I need to keep for the hardtop. Thanks.

[Ron Alan]

I'm sure you are aware you don't need to remove the soft top to run a hardtop. That said, nothing from the soft top needs to remain. The 3 metal bars that hold the rain rail you will need to reinstall to attach your carpet to

[LarryKing]

If you're racing in SM and want to be compliant, then yes you do have the remove the soft top.

 

9.1.7.e.: Convertible tops and attaching hardware shall be completely removed. Cars may compete with the Mazda factory detach-able hard top in place (latches shall be replaced with positive fasteners), but it is not mandatory. When no top is used, driver shall wear arm restraints, and the cage will meet the helmet clearance rule. It is allowed to attach the hard top to the upper windshield bar of the roll cage.

[exitspeed]

Yes, I am converting the car to a SM and wasn't sure what I need to hold on to for the hardtop installation. Thanks for the help.

[LarryKing]

These will make your build much easier.

 

http://www.saferacer...ardtop-brackets

[Ron Alan]

Sometimes i forget I'm on the race forum 

[exitspeed]

Thanks for the link. Given the hardtop installation for a SM (brackets), what did you do with the drip rail studs?

Attached Files

•  driprail_studs.jpg   91.4KB   5 downloads

[LarryKing]

I'm pretty sure I left them as is on my car. I suppose one could knock'em off with a grinder.

[Brian129]

I'm pretty sure I left them as is on my car. I suppose one could knock'em off with a grinder.

Um if it doesn't say you can then you can't???

[exitspeed]

Um if it doesn't say you can then you can't???

 

Good point - that's why I'm asking.  If they can't be removed I'll just cap them

[LarryKing]

You are however required to seal the package tray and I've seen some pretty fancy sheet metal fabrication. If you remove them to install a safety system my guess is it's OK.

 

In the real world no one would protest this either way.

[steveracer]

Good point - that's why I'm asking.  If they can't be removed I'll just cap them

If it makes you feel better, but it's wasted effort.

 

With a cage and hard top, it's not real easy to get back there.

[exitspeed]

Thanks for the help. One last question regarding the change from soft to hardtop:

 

There are three set plates (what the manual calls them) - the three curved metal bars that go on the studs and hold the drip (rain) rail and back of the top in place. Is there any reason to hold on to these given I'm going hardtop on a spec Miata?  Thanks again.

[Ron Alan]

No!