Like to get all input from vert owners of how they went about getting a new top. did yourself? someone else? where did you purchase it, online etc. and how much. I need a new top and just like every verts 2 cents. thanx

 

Maybe you should search? Read the sticky? Exert yourself maybe a little? Since you need the information, why would 'all the vert owners' want to work for you, when you won't work for yourself?

You will find this forum full of information for whatever you need to do for your 7. You will find the forum full of helpful members, if you ask a specific question.

I will start you out.

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/

Good Luck, welcome to the board.

 

Did it myself and surprisingly easier yet more time consuming then I thought. Got my top off Ebay EZSoftTops (eg.)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA...spagenameZWD1V

Very good quality and took care of a small mishap as well with great professionalism. Thus my referral.

To be 100% honest though I can now understand why it costs so much (usually around 500$) for labor as it is a pain in the *** though I like a challenge and like I said figured it out no problem, If you are not meticulous though you can screw up so take it slow and easy or bone up for the pros.

FSM covers most of replacement info. AS well for sealing window BE VERY CAREFUL what you use can get messy. A product called DUM DUM sealer (google dumdum sealer) is great for sealing to body etc. as well...Replace any cracked seal trim if you can if cracked as well...what else...lots of little things but good luck

 

Ok, what the hell, it's hard to be hard on a vert owner! Pay close attention to the adhesives listed. They are the correct adhesives for the job.

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/convertible-top-replacement-finished-503149/

http://www.v8rx7forum.com/v8-rx7-tec...ement-how.html

 

Bought a top off ebay for $300, and had a local upholstery/tops place install it for $400. I didn't feel like tackling the pain of getting the headliner in place and cutting out the window section correctly.

 

I did my own and I about wanted to kill myself. I read the thread on the v8rx7 forum, pretty much goes over everything. Make sure your retainer bar in the back of the top is in good condition, or you are hosed.

 

I was told by a very reputable upholstery shop not to buy a premade top. That it won't fit quite right and some seams would inevitably need to be modified for proper fitment. By the time I bought the top, and it was modified and installed it'd be just as expensive to have him make one.

He quoted me a rough price of $1000 for him to make a top out of material that matched the OEM grain and have it installed.

I'd love to see pics of people who've gotten premade tops and installed them themselves. Did the grain on the tops match the OEM pattern? Both my father and I own verts that both need the tops replaced (his more than mine) and if what the shop owner told me was crap...well I don't mind getting my hands dirty, taking my time and doing the job myself....especially if it can save close to a grand in labor costs.

 

A grand is about the right cost by the time you are finished doing it yourself you will understand...though I still am glad I did my own. If any doubt in your ability get a pro to do it though.

Cutting the rear window was no problem at all the frame when top extended makes a perfect template for cutting.

I have heard that the very cheapest tops (bargain priced) COULD have fit probs but really they are using the factory dimensions and patterns which are/were mass produced not custom for each car so really a custom top doesnt really make it different . The material grain of the one I got was an exact match for factory and you do the targa section as well 99% of the time too anyhow.

One other big tip is DO NOT do the top when it is cold out as you will need the sun and prob a heat gun(extreme caution obviuosly) to help the stretch.

Oh ya one mistake I made was cleaning the rear window. I was using a thinner to remove the tar like sealer on the rear window before I put it back in and inadvertantly the chemical removed a few secrions of the defroster lines...so be very careful around the defroster line section as it is just a sort of painted on metal stuff that can be damaged.

 

Where are you in South Carolina? I might be able to help you out some. I bought my top, rear section only, for $525. It is a Robbins Top which I am very pleased with the material (Haartz) and the fit. The cheaper tops are probally more likely to not fit as well and thus make your install much harder. I worked on the top pretty much the entire weekend, not non-stop but everyday. I did not cut the hole for the window until the following weekend. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Work slow and remember to measure twice and cut once or you will find yourself out the cost of the top.

 

525$ for just rear section sounds way to high to me though glad it was what you liked.


This is the one I bought (they sell 3-4 different grades/materials) perfect fit original Haartz Eurotop vinyl fabric double texture.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA...mZ270165378710

 

I had mine replaced with a Robbins top. It fits better than anything I got on the internet. I had someone put it on, but I did remove my old one myself. The hardest part will be the window area with the gasket. It cost around 800 to 900 for the top and around 500 labor.
Website is www.robbinsautotopco.com
You will have to contact a dealer through the website.

 

http://www.aabestco.com/ProductDetai...ductCode=hc905

You will hear a couple of questions regarding the fit. Mine was/is fine. Good communication and fast shipping. I got the pinpoint Haartz vinyl-matched the oem perfectly.

 

Sorry for the lack of info on what i have researched already. Just thought some vert owners would like to brag

 

Hey thanx everyone for the input. I guess I was trying to figure out , do it yourself or pro and which tops are best fit. Thanx again