Miata Mailing List: January 1996, Message #51
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   From: gary@miata.net
Subject: Re: Got a Robbins Top w/ glass window!  Help.
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 08:53:59 -0500


> thought it would be wise to solicit the help of the list.  Have any of you
> folks out there installed one of these things and are there are any pitfalls
> we should be aware of, or little tidbits of knowledge you could pass on that
> perhaps don't appear in the instructions, but would be of help to first time
> Miata soft-top installers?   Thanks for any help you can provide.

Yes, I've done one. My number one recommendation is to have someone else do
it. Seriously, its a tough job that requires two people in several spots.
If your husband insists on doing it, I'd do the following:

1) Remove the seats. You (he) will be spending a lot of time wrestling
   with the top from the inside. With the seats in place, the available
   working room is nil.

2) Although the instructions are written so the frame doesn't need to be
   removed from the car, I'd consider doing it anyway. (I didn't, but
   I probably would next time.)

3) Keep a supply of Band-Aids and Valium around. Also, although the kit
   comes with all of the proper sized rivets, I'd stop at a hardware store
   and buy extras of each size. Bring them with you to ensure they're matched
   exactly.

4) Be sure you have one of those tools that consists of a long metal shaft
   with a magnet on the end. You *will* inadvertently drop *something* into
   an impossible-to-retrieve area.

5) Have patience.

Hope this helps somewhat.

	...Gary

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Gary Fischman -- Eunos Communications, Old Tappan, NJ
              http://www.miata.net/
                  gary@miata.net
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