- Aug 7, 2004
- 7,213
- 6
- 81
So there I was, minding my own business on a Monday afternoon. I was returning from an alignments shop (having been told that I needed a new eccentric and that my car wouldn't hold the alignment they gave me for 200 bucks), cruising down the freeway in my Miata.
Due to some anger about the alignment bolt, I was driving a bit fast (~75 mph) when suddenly the top of my car flips up and smashes back down behind my head (didn't break free thank gods). Once this happened, I pulled over to the side of the freeway to inspect the damage.
Luckily the plastic rear window in my Miata tore from the center to the four corners of the window. This spared the top from taking a large amount of bending and twisting force, saving the frame of the top.
So what could have caused such a catastrophe? Many would think that I merely didn't properly secure the top (as I thought was the issue at first). However, closer inspection revealed that the latch point on the front of the car had come dangerously loose, allowing the top to grab some air and then tear itself loose of the other joint.
Now I have ordered a new Robbins top (has a glass rear window) to install on my existing frame. Hopefully I can get it done soon so I can enjoy the nice Minnesota weather we are having.
Has anyone ever installed a new convertible top on an existing frame? Any tips or tricks that may come in handy?
Cliffs: Convertible top flying open at 75 mph is not so fun.
EDIT:
Just to top it all off, I put on some 205 Kuhmo Ecsta XS summer tires on it recently too. I haven't been able to have any fun with then due to these alignment/suspension problems!
Due to some anger about the alignment bolt, I was driving a bit fast (~75 mph) when suddenly the top of my car flips up and smashes back down behind my head (didn't break free thank gods). Once this happened, I pulled over to the side of the freeway to inspect the damage.
Luckily the plastic rear window in my Miata tore from the center to the four corners of the window. This spared the top from taking a large amount of bending and twisting force, saving the frame of the top.
So what could have caused such a catastrophe? Many would think that I merely didn't properly secure the top (as I thought was the issue at first). However, closer inspection revealed that the latch point on the front of the car had come dangerously loose, allowing the top to grab some air and then tear itself loose of the other joint.
Now I have ordered a new Robbins top (has a glass rear window) to install on my existing frame. Hopefully I can get it done soon so I can enjoy the nice Minnesota weather we are having.
Has anyone ever installed a new convertible top on an existing frame? Any tips or tricks that may come in handy?
Cliffs: Convertible top flying open at 75 mph is not so fun.
EDIT:
Just to top it all off, I put on some 205 Kuhmo Ecsta XS summer tires on it recently too. I haven't been able to have any fun with then due to these alignment/suspension problems!
Last edited:
Facebook
Twitter