The final episode of the $500 Hardtop build is here! Sorry it took me so long to upload this. Life got busy and my painter was slow on getting my car back to me. Hope you enjoy!
Just found your channel today. The final product looks fantastic. I won't be doing this to my current Miata as it's an SE and I want to keep it stock. My wife won't ride in it with the top down so I may sell it and buy another to do this. 2 things: I too would like to know how the trunk works, I'll look at some of your past videos to see if it's explained there. Also, I would have made paper templates of the rear and side windows so you can easily replace them if/when they get scratched or broken.
Check out the previous part 2 video for more info on the trunk. I also have a video on my slider trunk design that I did a while back. I’ll upload a more detailed video about the trunk soon. I like your idea about the windows!
Is there any way that you can make a video going deeper into detail on making the trunk work? In your videos before I recall you said you used sliders but I wasn't sure if you came up with another way to keep the working trunk
Ill do a more detailed video on the trunk. On my previous version I used the sliders and stock hinges but on this version I’ve just kept it disconnected from the hinges and I remove the trunk entirely when I need access to the trunk.
This build is fantastic. Makes me want to print off a hardtop for a friend's NB. Not sure if it's needed, but did you consider sandwiching a washer on the backside of the rivnut to spread out the load and prevent damage?
Thanks! No I didn't do that because several of the holes were blind holes and I couldn't access the back side. The rivnuts say they are good for fiberglass as is, so no need for a washer.
I'm interested in buying this but have a couple of questions. Does this leak water into the boot? I've heard this is the case with this fastback design. Also, would this fit if I have a half cage?
I haven’t had any trouble with it leaking into the boot. It covers the full boot just like the oem boot does. If an oem hardtop fits your cage this one should also. Send me a message on instagram if you want me to confirm the actual dimensions and make sure it fits.
Now that you have it driving for some time, is it still 100% any problem showed up? No warping due to the fiber or cracked paint due to the 3d printed inside?
Side windows look too small compared to front windows. Looks very "kitcar" They do not visually flow very well. Make those bigger and it would look better.
Very well done. So much effort. $500? Uhh, no. Aside from squeaking and rattling like all aftermarket tops do, lexan windows, no thanks. Time is the actual commodity here and you got more than 2k in time here.
If we all put monetary value to time spent in the garage there would be no auto hobbyists, its never worth the time on paper if thats what you’re worried about. A lot of people enjoy the process, let them do what they enjoy 🙂 this is a great value, especially for the guys with their cars out for winter like im seeing in other comments. Hope i can see some of these tops out and about!
