Mazda Miata (MX-5) Soft Top Replacement and Repair
The Miata is built to drive with the top down, and owners do exactly that, from the first warm day in spring until it's too cold to stand. That means Miata tops get a lot of folding, a lot of sun, and plenty of Chicago weather. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops replaces and repairs Miata soft tops at our Alsip shop, and we've been doing convertible tops since 1977.
Miata generations
- NA (1990–1997): the original. Most of these cars are on their second or third top by now. Many came with a zip-out plastic rear window.
- NB (1999–2005): similar top layout to the NA. Many NBs have a glass rear window.
- NC (2006–2015): offered with a soft top or a power retractable hardtop. We work on the soft-top cars.
- ND (2016–present): the soft-top ND is still young, but we see damage from impact, car washes, and wear on daily-driven cars.
Give us your year and trim and we'll confirm what's right for your car.
Common Miata top problems
Cloudy or cracked plastic rear windows. On older Miatas with plastic windows, the window usually goes first. It yellows, clouds, and cracks, especially when folded cold. Folding the top in cold weather is hard on plastic windows.
Glass window separation. On Miatas with glass rear windows, the bond between the glass and the fabric can fail. We can often rebond it if the top is still sound.
Water behind the seats. This is the classic Miata complaint. Often the cause is clogged drain tubes behind the seats, not the top itself. Water sits in the channel, overflows, and soaks the carpet. We check the drains first, because putting a new top on a car with blocked drains won't stop the water.
Worn spots where the top folds. Repeated folding creates wear lines, especially on older tops. Once the fabric thins, leaks follow.
Weatherstrip wear. Worn or flattened seals at the windshield header and side windows let in wind noise and water.
Repair or full replacement?
On many older Miatas, the top has been on the car long enough that a full replacement is the better value. You get new fabric, a new rear window, and a fresh seal at the header. On newer cars with one specific problem, like a single tear, a separated window, or a clogged drain, a targeted repair often makes sense. We'll show you what we find.
When we replace a Miata top, we often install covers made with Haartz topping fabric. Ask which grade is quoted for your year.
Care tips for Miata owners
- Don't fold the top when it's very cold if your car has a plastic rear window. Cold plastic cracks.
- Keep the drains clear. It takes a few minutes and prevents a lot of wet carpet.
- Clean the top gently with products made for your top material.
- Follow the break-in instructions we give you after a new top. A new top needs time to settle in.
Miata owners we see
We see Miatas from all over Chicagoland, including Chicago, Naperville, Oak Lawn, and Northwest Indiana. If you've bought a top online and want to compare installation options, read our guide to buying a top online vs. having it shop-installed.
Thinking about a hardtop instead?
Some Miata owners add a removable hardtop for winter. That takes stress off the soft top during the coldest months, but the soft top still needs to be in good shape for the rest of the year. If you go this route, store the soft top folded loosely, not creased tight.
Warranty
Miata soft top replacements are backed by a 3-year materials warranty and a 100% fit guarantee. Every repair includes a free 90-day workmanship warranty. Coverage ranges from 3 months to 3 years depending on the service — details on /warranty.
Book your Miata top
Convertible top installations take 8 to 12 hours of shop time, so book ahead, especially before spring. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops is at 11937 S. Cicero Ave, Alsip, IL 60803, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call (708) 371-8020 or request a free estimate with your year and a photo of the top and rear window.
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace only the rear window on my Miata top?
Sometimes. If the top fabric is still in good shape, a rear window can often be replaced or rebonded. If the top is worn or shrunk, a complete top usually makes more sense. We'll check it and tell you.
Why is there water behind my Miata's seats?
On many Miatas, water behind the seats comes from clogged body drains behind the top, not a hole in the top. Clearing the drains is cheap and important. We check for it before quoting a new top.
How long does a Miata top replacement take?
Plan on leaving the car with us. Convertible top installations take 8 to 12 hours of shop time and aren't a same-day job.
Vinyl or cloth for a Miata?
Both are available for many Miata generations. Vinyl is durable and easy to clean, and cloth has a softer, more premium look. We'll show you samples.
Related
Request a free estimate or call (708) 371-8020.