Hardtop For ITA Miata?

[Greg Amy]

Better buy, beg or borrow a HT for the cage installation and the school.

+1.

See GCR 9.4.B.1.b, where it describes the requirements for the main roll hoop. In a nutshell, an open-top car generally has to have a higher main roll hoop than an enclosed car. With the Miata, that would be too high to install a hardtop later. You're MUCH better off borrowing a hardtop now, having your car built that that and running the school with it, then parking the car until you can afford to buy your own hardtop (or, invite the borrower to all of your events, and you guys swap 'em out between session...<grin>)

GA

[Simon T.]

Ok thanks! Will look into getting a hardtop.

[Chedstar]

An affordable way, is to find a street Miata with the hardtop. There are a few here in the NW that sell in the $2,000 to $2,500 range. Then you have a parts car or you can pull the top and resell the car. I purchased a nice miata with the hardtop for $2,300, it did have a good soft top, and then resold the car for $2,000.

[Wreckerboy]

Craigslist is your friend there. Expect to spend $1000 on average, although "deals" can be had in the $700 - $800 range. Miatanet is pricey because of the nature of the posters. Look at buying an entire car just for the top because although that may run twice or more as much, you can usually resell the car, sans top, and recoup most of your investment.

Also consider a Snugtop, if the aftermarket equivalent rule is effective here. Specifically not allowed in SM trim, it may be legal for IT. Rules nerds?

[Greg Amy]

...consider a Snugtop, if the aftermarket equivalent rule is effective here. Specifically not allowed in SM trim, it may be legal for IT. Rules nerds?

Is it truly an aftermarket equivalent? While it's virtually impossible to have it EXACTLY the same as the factory top, is is functionally the same? Is it made of Fiberglas, does it have the same general contours (no aero advantage), and weighs the same (no CG advantage)?

If so, I'd say you're golden... - GA

[RacerBowie]

Is it truly an aftermarket equivalent? While it's virtually impossible to have it EXACTLY the same as the factory top, is is functionally the same? Is it made of Fiberglas, does it have the same general contours (no aero advantage), and weighs the same (no CG advantage)?

If so, I'd say you're golden... - GA

I would say it is defintely an aftermarket equivalent. I had a snugtop for a while for a street car, and comparing it to factory tops, the only difference I could find was the latches, which have to get removed anyway. Barring that, I personally couldn't find any differences, although I admit to not breaking out a tape measure and going to town on it.

Someone on one of the Pinata sites weighed one and it was actually heavier than a factory top by ~2-3lbs.